Kelly’s Corner Construction

BY EDDY ZHAO '25

Have you also been driven mad by the closed sidewalk outside our school leading down to Sorrento’s, Subway, and all the other popular free-period destinations around town? That’s because of the construction on Kelley's Corner, the four-way intersection near places like Bueno y Sano and Starbucks. Since 2019, Acton has planned to make the intersection safer for students, commuters, and visitors, especially during the treacherous winter. This project seeks to ultimately make Acton faster, easier, and safer to travel through for all!

In Acton, especially at large intersections like Kelley’s Corner, the lack of new infrastructure—like fresh roads, new traffic light signals, and crosswalks—has led to a rise in traffic accidents. Last November, there was a hit-and-run near Great Road that seriously injured a thirteen-year-old boy. Thankfully, the student has recovered, but these kinds of accidents are becoming increasingly prevalent, and improvements in traffic safety are more of a priority than ever. According to a presentation from January 2019, the Town of Acton plans to improve the area’s safety and appearance through sidewalks, crosswalks, bike lanes, and new trees planted along the roads. This would reduce traffic congestion and improve the quality of life for those passing through. Kelley’s Corner may be called a corner, but this new modernization project will certainly not corner us into the past.

Some of these changes will affect us students on our daily rides, walks, or bikes around the area. The town will also improve Charter Road, the main road leading to ABRHS and R.J. Grey, with new traffic lights to direct the cars. As part of the project, new crosswalks for students—such as the ones leading to Dunkin’ or Starbucks—were built last month, making it easier and safer for them to get to their destination. 

While the project is estimated to cost $15.8 million, the state and federal governments have funded 80% of it, and it is an investment in the community’s infrastructure that is expected to reap long-term benefits. According to public documents regarding the project, the town plans to pay for the remainder by slightly raising taxes. The project is expected to take three years to complete, which may seem like a long time, but the project is a complex effort that requires careful planning and execution to ensure that it is completed safely and effectively.

Acton and Boxborough residents can't wait to see the new safety improvements. According to a sophomore at ABRHS, “the construction may be a hassle to get around due to its sheer size, but it will eventually become better than ever before.” A Junior also commented that “the removal of potholes and the addition of crosswalks, as a result of this project, will surely be approved by many.” Students are excited to see the construction’s end result, reflecting the community’s overall positive response.
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 While it might extend walks to Starbucks by a few minutes, the Kelley’s Corner construction project will ultimately bring noticeable benefits to students, commuters, and all who use this intersection. It will ultimately reduce traffic accidents, ensuring the safety of our society, its residents and workers. So, buckle up for the next three years; the Kelley’s Corner project will shape up to be a step towards a better-functioning, modern community.