MONTAGUE — The state Department of Transportation is proposing a roundabout as a potential solution for the dangerous intersection where Route 63 meets Route 47 and North Leverett Road.

In 2019, the Selectboard requested that MassDOT examine the intersection, which Town Planner Maureen Pollock, in an update to the Selectboard last year, had said ranks 10th on Franklin County’s list of 50 worst crash sites of the past half-century. On Wednesday, residents and town officials had a chance to provide feedback to MassDOT officials and transportation engineering and planning consultants Kittelson & Associates about early plans to put a roundabout at the location.

The proposal elicited mixed reactions. Town officials thanked MassDOT for prioritizing a solution to speeding through the intersection, along with driver, pedestrian and bicyclist safety. On the other hand, residents raised concerns about the safety of roundabouts, how larger trucks and plows might be impacted by the change, and the project timeline alongside other local roadway projects.

The design presented by MassDOT and Kittelson & Associates depicts a roundabout that would allow for crosswalks across the four entrances, including Route 47 and North Leverett Road going east and west, and Route 63 heading north and south. The entrances to the roundabout would be one lane. The edge of the road would have a shared-use path for pedestrians and cyclists. A center island would also be installed.

With this initial feedback meeting concluded, MassDOT will review comments and suggestions as this project enters the 25% design completion status ahead of construction scheduled for 2028.

A primary question from residents was why a roundabout was chosen as the best solution. Jamestaun Kraupp of Kittelson & Associates said the roundabout was picked due to safety benefits, efficiency, impacts on other infrastructure such as utilities or bridges, right-of-way impacts and construction costs. An all-way stop and a traffic signal were also considered, but did not meet the requirements outlined by the Federal Highway Administration’s Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices.

Kittelson & Associates Principal Engineer Radu Nan explained the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices is a series of federal traffic regulations that dictate how signs and traffic controls are placed on roadways. Due to Route 63 speed data that indicates high speeds through the intersection, Nan said the roundabout was considered the best option for improving safety.

“I think the overall concept seems very viable. It will be a change for residents, but safety of that intersection has been problematic for years, so I’m pleased that it’s moving along,” Selectboard Chair Richard Kuklewicz said.

He noted there has been a line of sight concern for motorists heading south through the intersection, a problem that was reiterated by other meeting attendees. Kuklewicz said he hopes the design will allow for signs prior to entering the roundabout to indicate a shift in the road.

Franklin Regional Council of Governments (FRCOG) Transportation Program Manager Beth Giannini reiterated the safety concerns. During the development of FRCOG’s 2024 Regional Transportation Plan, 11 “hotspots” for traffic concerns were identified by residents, with the intersection of Routes 63 and 47 being one of them.

Assistant Town Administrator Chris Nolan-Zeller highlighted the recreational element of Montague Center, noting that bicyclists use the roads in the village and surrounding area, but traditionally avoid the problematic intersection for safety.

“I think Montague enjoys above-average rates of cycling that isn’t necessarily reflected in the state’s data, but it’s really crucial, and we’re really glad to see that the shared-use path is incorporated here,” Nolan-Zeller said of the design. He added that the town endorses any measures to allow for safe biking, along with infrastructure to reduce speeds, improve sight lines and limit crash severity.

The proposal was received with some skepticism from residents, who also offered suggestions for MassDOT to consider. Julie Pearson said she is against the roundabout, saying she feels it is a better option for police to be “out there writing tickets.”

Roy Rosenblatt, who said he was involved in a crash at the intersection, asked if there would be enough space between the pedestrian areas and the roadway, citing the East Prospect Street roundabout in Amherst.

“It seems like it could be an accident-prone area, so when you make your design for the crosswalk, please consider that,” Rosenblatt said.

A recording of Wednesday’s meeting will be posted to the MassDOT website for people to view later on. For more information, visit tinyurl.com/MassDOTMontague.

Erin-Leigh Hoffman can be reached at ehoffman@recorder.com or 413-930-4231.