November 19, 2025 By Carol Britton Meyer
The select board this week endorsed moving forward in seeking grant opportunities to fund the construction of a one-lane roundabout at the intersection in Hingham Centre to enhance the safety of pedestrians, bicyclists, and motorists. The traffic committee unanimously recommended this option, as did consultants working for the town.
The roundabout – which would be similar to the one at the main Hingham Shipyard entrance – will accommodate most large vehicles, with alternate routes available.
Town Engineer J.R. Frey shared the good news that due to changes in state grant programs for such projects, most or all of the estimated $1.5 million cost could be covered by a number of combined Massachusetts Department of Transportation grants if the town’s grant application is successful.
While a number of options were considered – including signalization – Frey explained that a roundabout will “provide a higher level of safety and efficiency” than the other alternatives.
Frey said that the town should know by early next year whether its grant applications are successful. If so, the town will negotiate a contract with the state and then a contractor to perform the work.
A good portion of the work can be accomplished without impacting the “traveled way,” referring to Rte. 228,” he explained.
The bulk of the work could be completed by next July or August, before the new school year begins, Frey said.
“That is the goal.” The timeline is contingent on construction conditions and other considerations.
“There have been a number of significant accidents and at least one fatality at that location,” Select Board Chair William Ramsey said. “The roadway [leads] to the high school, and it’s dangerous for students to cross the street there. This change will make a it safer [for everyone].”
Kerrin Rowley, who has lived in the area for years said, “This is great. [The neighborhood] is all onboard with this. No one really wants a traffic light there. It’s time [for this change].”
Frey said he’s optimistic that Hingham will be awarded the grants needed to move the project forward.
The full report of the intersection study will be posted on the traffic committee’s website in the near future.
In other business at the meeting
The select board supported the acquisition of the 4.34-acre 145 Hersey St. property offered to the conservation commission by Galen Hersey. The commission will manage the property, which consists mostly of deciduous wooded swamp or bog wetland, with an upland area at the eastern portion of the property closest to Hersey Street.
The property is surrounded by residential development and undeveloped parcels and abuts St. Paul’s Cemetery.
Acquisition of this property, also supported by the open space acquisition committee, will result in benefits to flora and fauna habitat as well as wetlands and water supply protection.