July 28, 2023 |City of Lynn, City Services, Developments, From the Mayor, Lynn Planning Department, News

Lynnway project to make Blossom Street more accessible

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Work is scheduled to begin early next month on a project on the Lynnway that will result in southbound drivers being able to take a left directly onto Blossom Street Extension, while northbound drivers will be able to turn left onto Blossom Street.

The project is being funded with a $2.2 million MassWorks grant that was obtained by the City’s Department of Community Development. The work will involve removing the median and installing new traffic signals and curb cuts, according to DPW Director Andrew Hall.

“This will be a full, signalized intersection,” Hall said.

In addition to making it easier for commuters, the new intersection will provide another option for pedestrians to cross the busy thoroughfare. It will also provide easier access to the Lynn ferry and boat ramp, eliminating the necessity of drivers going past the location and having to make a U-turn at Shepherd Street.

“This will provide a safer connection to the waterfront for vehicles, bicycles and pedestrians. The Lynnway cuts off downtown from the waterfront. This helps to address that be creating another access point.”

James Marsh, Community Development director

In addition to offering easier access to the ferry, which started running a few weeks ago and has been met with great success, the new intersection will provide another option for traveling west off the Lynnway toward the downtown.

“This provides a more porous connection to the City and improves access to Lynn’s waterfront,” said Aaron Clausen, principal planner for Lynn. “The new intersection at Blossom is consistent with the Lynn Municipal Harbor Plan and will be an important step in realizing the plan’s vision.”

“We appreciate the collaboration with the state and the support of our state delegation,” said Mayor Jared C. Nicholson. “This project will open up both the waterfront and the downtown to vehicles and pedestrians. It will be especially important as we try to keep the momentum for the ferry going after a very good start.”

Marsh said the enhanced access to the waterfront is timely, with an estimated $13 million upgrade of Heritage State Park in the works. 

“It makes the entire area more accessible,” he said. 

The above press release was submitted to us by Mayor Nicholson’s office.