One of the last big infrastructure improvements planned as part of the recovery from the devastating tornado that hit Springfield, Massachusetts almost a decade ago is finished.
Six Corners has been made round.
The landmark intersection where four streets converged at odd angles has been replaced by a roundabout.
City officials were joined by members of the Maple High/Six Corners Neighborhood Council Tuesday to announce the completion of the $4.2 million project. Construction started in May 2019. All that remains is some landscaping in the center of the roundabout.
Mayor Domenic Sarno said the roundabout is a gateway, so the project benefits the entire city.
" You often hear about the mega-projects that are going on in Springfield, but these neighborhood projects are very important to quality of life," said Sarno.
Linda Bartlett, who has lived in the neighborhood for 30 years, praised the new traffic configuration.
"I really love it. I think it works great," said Bartlett.
The idea for a roundabout to replace the Six Corners intersection came up several years ago during meetings to plan projects to help the neighborhood recover from the June 1, 2011 tornado. Bartlett said she was skeptical.
" I just thought that is never going to work and I am so glad I was wrong," said Bartlett.
Chris Cignoli, the city’s director of public works, became a major proponent for building the roundabout.
"It fit here perfectly," said Cignoli.
The new traffic configuration has alleviated congestion and should reduce the number of accidents that made the old intersection one of the city’s most dangerous.
" Absolutely safer here," said Cignoli as cars and trucks entered the roundabout from Walnut Street with some exiting onto Ashley Street.
This is the first roundabout constructed in Springfield. Cignoli said he hopes it is not the last.
" The land impact is very big," explained Cignoli. " We don't want to put a rotary in and take four, five, six houses, so you have to find the right spot. But, knowing what we did here and how great it works, we are definately going to be looking at other places in the city."
In order to build the roundabout in Six Corners, a gas station-convenience store and a house were taken by the city through eminent domain and torn down.
