One of Cape Cod’s most congested intersections is set for a major overhaul.
The state plans to re-design the intersection of Yarmouth Road and Route 28 in Hyannis. The intersection, which is near the Airport Rotary, is notorious for long backups and difficult turning lanes.
The Cape Cod Commission's Glenn Cannon says ambulances heading to Cape Cod Hospital have an especially hard time getting through the intersection in heavy traffic.
"They actually call ahead to see how bad the congestion is at this intersection, and then they plan their route," Cannon said. "That’s just not right."
Cannon says the State's Department of Energy allocated $6.5 million in federal and state funds for the project.
The intersection will be widened, with new turning lanes to improve traffic flow. The brick building at the corner of the busy intersection – now home to KAM Electronics - will be acquired by eminent domain.
The state's design is currently 25% complete, and officials want the public’s input before finalizing the plans. The public will get that chance Thursday night at 7 at Barnstable Town Hall, when MassDot will hold a public hearing on the proposal. Cannon is hoping for a strong turnout.
"We want to make sure there’s community support for the project," he said. "We have this money that comes into the region, but MassDot has a lot of demands for that money. If projects aren’t supported by the region, then MassDot will really be looking to move another project into that spot."
Construction to re-vamp the intersection is set to begin in 2018. Cannon estimates the project will take about a year to complete.
