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Proposals for fixing I-495 and Route 9

State planners have drafted proposals for easing congestion and boosting safety at and around two interchanges on Interstate 495.

I-495 and Mass. Pike

The problem

Vehicles exiting one highway and entering another must weave between other vehicles that are heading toward different ramps, creating congestion and leading to collisions.

Short-term recommendations

Install additional signs to give motorists directions to the proper toll lanes earlier in their approach to the ramps.

Flatten the curve of the onramp to I-495 northbound,
currently the site of frequent truck rollovers.

Estimated cost

$3 million

Long-term recommendations

Add a direct connection from I-495 north to the eastbound Mass. Pike (Interstate 90), eliminating the need for motorists making this connection to weave past other traffic.

Expand the I-495 south off­ramp and widen I-495 south’s onramp to reduce congestion.

Redirect the ramp for vehicles shifting from the westbound Mass. Pike to I-495 south, keeping them separate from other vehicles long enough to limit the need to merge and weave.

Estimated cost

$100 million

I-495 and Route 9

The problem

Some vehicles exiting I-495 must weave in between vehicles entering the highway, creating congestion and leading to crashes.

Recommendations

Add “braided” ramps that physically separate exiting traffic from oncoming traffic.

Estimated cost

$23 million to $25 million

Route 9 near i-495

The problem

Route 9 is congested along its stretch in Southborough and Westborough where it intersects with Interstate 495, a problem projected to become worse with more development.

Recommendations

Widen Route 9 between Computer Drive and Deerfoot Road.

Make improvements at several intersections, including signal upgrades and additional turning lanes.

Estimated cost

$8.4 million to $9.2 million for road widening

Intersection improvements vary by location.

SOURCE: Massachusetts Department of Transportation