Lake Avenue & Bigelow Davis Parkway Intersection

At a Glance

• Redesign and reconstruction of the intersection at Lake Avenue and Bigelow Davis Parkway (Hamilton Street).
• Focused on reducing speed, increasing safety, and improving access for all.
• Improve connections between the parks and adjacent residential neighborhoods.
• Establish a vision for a future Lake Avenue corridor that improves safety and access for all users.
• Design is funded by a combination of federal and local funds.
• Construction is anticipated to be funded through the CMPPO TIP with federal funding.

Project Overview

This project aims to reconfigure and improve traffic control at the intersection of Lake Avenue and Bigelow Davis Parkway (Hamilton Street).

Pedestrians, cyclists, public transportation riders, and drivers alike use these streets to access city and state-owned recreational facilities as well as nearby commercial establishments. Safety at this intersection has long been a concern for residents, City Council, and other elected leaders. This intersection was identified as a high priority in Worcester’s Vision Zero Safety Priority Network, and is also listed on the Massachusetts Department of Transportation’s (MassDOT) most recent list of Top 5% Intersection Crash Clusters. The current configuration creates an unsafe environment with a crash rate that is 2.4 times higher than the statewide average for unsignalized intersections.

By reconfiguring this intersection, the project aims to reduce speeding, improve safety, and create better multi-modal access for all with a particular focus on vulnerable road users.

This project will include:

• New traffic control for all approaches — either a traffic signal or roundabout
• Shorter and safer crosswalks
• Right-sized travel lanes to reduce speeds
• Separated/protected bike lanes or shared-use path
• Widened sidewalks and improved streetscape
• Green infrastructure

Project Timeline

• Project Design: 2026
• Kick-off meeting (TBD)
• 25% Design Hearing (TBD)
• Pre-Construction Public Meeting (TBD)
• Construction: 2030

Public Participation

A kick-off meeting with the public will be held in the first quarter of 2026. Additional meetings will be held as the design advances and prior to construction. Check back here to find additional materials and information as it becomes available.

Questions or comments about this project may be sent to mobility@worcesterma.gov.