WORCESTER, MA — People who walk, bike, drive or take the bus near Worcester State University can review plans for a major redesign of Chandler Street and parts of May Street at a public meeting on Oct. 15.
The meeting is scheduled for 6 p.m. in the auditorium at Worcester Dual Language Magnet School, 525 Chandler St. The City of Worcester says the project has reached the 100% design stage. The project team plans to review the final plans and discuss the construction process.
The proposed work includes roundabouts at both Chandler Street and May Street intersections, ADA-compliant sidewalks, shorter crossings, raised crosswalks and flashing beacons. The City’s plans also call for replacing the existing bike lanes with shared-use paths on both sides of the street, adding landscaping and lighting, and improving bus stops.
The project covers about a half-mile of Chandler Street between Hamill Street and Worcester Dual Language Magnet School, along with sections of May Street. The City says 81 on-street parking spaces will remain in the project area, 21 fewer than today.
The project began in 2017 in response to concerns about speeding, traffic safety and traffic control near the university campus. The City estimates construction will cost $10.1 million, funded through federal and state Transportation Improvement Program funds. The City says it has spent about $980,000 to date on design and right-of-way work.
Utility upgrades are planned for summer and fall 2026. Road construction, overseen by MassDOT, is anticipated to begin in spring or summer 2027 and finish in 2029, according to the City. Residents can review the project plans and updates and find meeting details on the City’s website. City of Worcester
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- Project / Topic: Chandler Street and May Street Improvements Project near Worcester State University.
- Current Status: The project has reached the 100% design stage, according to the City of Worcester.
- Key Dates or Decisions: Public meeting: Oct. 15, 2026, at 6 p.m., Worcester Dual Language Magnet School auditorium, 525 Chandler St.
- Estimated Cost: The City estimates construction will cost $10.1 million in federal and state Transportation Improvement Program funds. The City says design and right-of-way work has totaled approximately $980,000 to date.
- Timeline: Utility upgrades are planned for summer/fall 2026. Road construction is anticipated to begin in spring/summer 2027 and finish in 2029.
- Immediate Next Steps: The project team will review final plans and discuss construction at the Oct. 15 public meeting.
- Primary Sources: City of Worcester project page; City meeting listing.
- What We Do Not Yet Know: The City’s project page says the construction contractor will determine the specific construction phasing and traffic management approach.
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