Whitman Commissioners Prefer Shared-Use Path for South Avenue Reconstruction Project

WHITMAN -- January 14, 2026, Whitman commissioners signal preference for shared-use bike-pedestrian path on South Avenue reconstruction. The Board of Public Works Commissioners heard a detailed update January 14 on two MassDOT-directed design alternatives for a 1.1-mile Transportation Improvement Program corridor project stretching from Dyer Avenue to Plymouth Street, with construction currently programmed for fall 2030. Commissioners Kevin Clary, Ken Laylor, Joe Iannone, and Dave Cook indicated a clear preference for Alternative 2, a shared-use path on the south side of South Avenue adjacent to the MBTA commuter rail station, over a separated bike lane design on both sides of the road, citing safety, green space, and family usability. The state will pay for all construction costs; the town is responsible for design and right-of-way. The board also approved a sewer abatement of $4,631.94 at 11 Glenwood Street and trash abatements totaling $2,312.50 for 17 addresses, while tabling a contested commitment-and-abatement form for 155 Washington Street pending staff clarification.