MassDOT to hold virtual public hearing on Oakland Road safety improvements near Reading schools
(3-minute read)
Reading, MA - The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) Highway Division has announced that it will host a Virtual Design Public Hearing to present plans for major safety and accessibility improvements along Oakland Road near Reading Memorial High School and Arthur W. Coolidge Middle School. The hearing is scheduled for Wednesday, December 17, 2025, at 6:00 pm, and will be accessible through the MassDOT website.
The purpose of the session is to provide residents and stakeholders with a full overview of the proposed project and to gather public feedback. All comments submitted following the presentation will be reviewed and considered by MassDOT.
Project overview
The project, listed as Project File No. 613564, aims to create safer and more accessible routes for students, families, and community members who walk or bike to school. The plan aims to encourage active transportation while reducing traffic concerns along the busy Oakland Road corridor.
Key design elements include:
11-foot travel lanes and parking on both sides of Oakland Road
A 10-foot shared-use path with a minimum 5-foot buffer along the west side of the roadway, supporting both bicyclists and pedestrians
A 5.5-foot sidewalk on the east side of Oakland Road
Several mid-block crossings to promote slower vehicle speeds and shorten crossing distances for pedestrians
MassDOT notes that some right-of-way acquisitions, including permanent or temporary easements, may be required. The Town of Reading will be responsible for securing any necessary property rights. Details on MassDOT’s land acquisition policies will be shared during the hearing.
How to participate or submit comments
Community members are encouraged to attend the virtual hearing to learn more about and share their thoughts. Those unable to participate live may submit written statements or exhibits to:
Carrie E. Lavallee, P.E., Chief Engineer
MassDOT Project Management
10 Park Plaza, Suite 7550
Boston, MA 02116
Email: MassDOTProjectManagement@dot.state.ma.us
Comments intended for inclusion in the official hearing transcript must be submitted or postmarked within 10 business days (14 calendar days) after the hearing date.
Accessibility and accommodations
MassDOT ensures that the hearing will be accessible to all participants. Accommodations such as American Sign Language interpreters, live captioning, assistive listening devices, and translated materials are available free of charge upon request. To arrange accommodations, residents can contact the MassDOT Office of Diversity and Civil Rights at 857-368-8580 or MassDOT.CivilRights@dot.state.ma.us. Requests for more complex services should be submitted at least 10 business days before the hearing.
The event link and any necessary cancellation notices will be posted on the MassDOT Highway Division webpage.
