Last modified: Saturday, October 31, 2009 2:03 AM EDT

Intersection eyed for work

SEEKONK - One of the busiest intersections in town may be in for a facelift.

However, selectmen have yet to decide whether to place an article on the town meeting warrant, which would call for the appropriation of funds for the major traffic project on Route 152.

In an effort to ease congestion and improve safety, the existing traffic signal lights at Bakers Corner - the intersection of Newman Avenue and Central Avenue - would be expanded from three to four lanes.

Double left turn lanes for traffic going north on Newman Avenue and eastbound on Central Avenue also would be installed.

The intersection of Central Avenue and Oak Hill Avenue also would be redesigned to include left and right turn lanes on the westbound approach to accommodate future traffic signals.

The $3 million project, which is slated to begin in 2011, would be funded by the state Highway Department.

Also in the mix would be 5-foot concrete sidewalks with granite curbing and handicapped ramps on both sides of the road.

It would be up to the town to acquire land for easements and points of entry.

Public Works Director Robert Lamoreaux says $300,000 would be needed to pay for 70 easements.

Selectman Michael Brady expressed skepticism about the cost of the easements.

"I just want to make sure that we're not paying for something that we don't need to be paying for," Brady said.

The deadline for warrant articles to be voted on by selectmen is Nov. 4. The fall town meeting is scheduled for Nov. 30.

Joseph S. Siegel covers Seekonk for The Sun Chronicle. He can be reached at joesiegel@cox.net.