Northampton Main Street redesign advances to state review stage

NORTHAMPTON — The redesign of Main Street has reached complete design specifications and is now under review by the state Department of Transportation, officials announced Wednesday during a public presentation at the Senior Center.

The Picture Main Street project will narrow the roadway to two lanes with a dedicated turn lane, widen sidewalks on both sides between Bridge and Elm streets, add separated bike lanes, and introduce 61 new trees along with green spaces and public art. The $43.3 million effort aims to improve safety for pedestrians and cyclists while making downtown more accessible for people with disabilities, according to Jason DeGray, the project's lead engineer from Toole Design.

"Main Street through downtown Northampton is objectively unsafe; as measured by crash data maintained by the state, it is a high crash location," DeGray said. "It is particularly dangerous for anybody walking by foot or by bike through downtown."

Toole Design plans to preserve 17 of the 41 existing trees and remove 24 others. The project includes warm-toned lighting at 2,700 kelvin that meets state standards to reduce light pollution. The lights can be dimmed at different times of day, according to Toole Senior Landscape Architect Stephanie Weyer, who serves as project manager.

Bike lanes will be separated by curbs and positioned behind bus shelter structures to prevent conflicts between cyclists and turning vehicles, DeGray said. The wider sidewalks will provide additional space for restaurant seating, business displays, and public gathering areas.

Funding comes from two sources: $31.5 million through the state's Transportation Improvement Program and roughly $11.8 million in local funds. Construction is scheduled to begin in spring 2028 with water and sewer infrastructure work, with completion estimated after four construction seasons in 2031.