Williamstown began the reconstruction of South Street between the Field Park traffic circle, where Routes 2 and 7 intersect, and the Clark Institute of Art on Monday. Until the project’s completion, expected in summer 2026, South Street will be limited to one southbound lane, causing a detour for traffic heading north from the Clark towards the College.

According to an April 10 Town press release, the project will involve replacing underground infrastructure including sewers, and a reconstruction of the traveled way.

The reconstructed South Street will include sidewalks, bike lanes, narrower travel lanes to slow down traffic, and two pedestrian crossings, according to the press release.

Planning for the reconstruction began several years ago, Andrew Groff, the Town’s director of community  development, wrote in an email to the Record.  “South Street’s sewer and stormwater system is at the end of its useful life and the pavement and curbing quality is poor,” he wrote. “This project was initially scheduled to be bid in 2020 and was delayed due to the pandemic.”

Groff said that the project will be funded by “a combination of water and sewer funds and Chapter 90 roadway funding from the Commonwealth.”

The press release noted that a long-term detour will be required due to the road’s confinement to southbound travel. “The detour will begin at 3 PM on Tuesday, April 15 … all traffic exiting the Clark will be required to travel over Gale Road to MA Route 43,” it states.

Groff anticipates additional street reconstructions in the future. “Identifying [transportation] needs is an implementation project identified by the Town’s 2023 Comprehensive Plan Envisioning Williamstown,” Groff wrote. “We are actively updating the capital plan, and we plan to update the Town’s Complete Streets Plan this summer.”