Hingham Pushes Back Against Route 3A Project Delay

The Hingham Select Board is pushing back against a proposed one-year delay for the Route 3A improvement project, arguing that the postponement would increase costs and disrupt long-planned harborfront upgrades.

MassDOT recently informed town officials that the project, originally slated for 2026, is now expected to be reprogrammed for 2027 due to concerns about stormwater management and right-of-way approvals. In response, the town has submitted a formal letter to the Boston Region Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO), urging state officials to keep the project on track.

Officials Say Delay Will Be Costly

Town officials expressed frustration over the unexpected delay, noting that the project has already been postponed once—from 2025 to 2026—during the pandemic.

“The project actually was on the 2025 TIP to begin with and dropped to 2026 during the pandemic, and now this is a second drop,” said Judy Sneath, Chair of the Route 3A Task Force.

Snee argued that further delays would only drive up the overall cost of the project.

“The expense of the project is accelerating at tremendous rates, and so getting it done sooner will actually be a cost saving to the state and federal governments, which are paying for the project,” she added.

Concerns Over Harborfront Revitalization

Select Board members emphasized that the delay could negatively impact broader efforts to improve the Hingham harborfront.

“A lot of what we’re trying to do at the harbor is connected to this project, and with each delay, it means we don’t get the ability to do things at the harbor,” said Bill Ramsey, Hingham Select Board Member.

The town’s letter to MassDOT and the MPO outlines possible solutions to address the concerns raised about stormwater and right-of-way issues.

“We have been working very closely with the MassDOT project team, primarily MassDOT’s project manager and the consultants,” said Speaker 9. “We have prepared a letter that addresses each of the concerns and provides solutions that we believe should correct the anticipated delay and allow for us to stay on the 2026 TIP.”

State Lawmakers Join the Effort

State representatives and senators have been engaged in discussions to help keep the project on schedule.

“I’m sure you know that we do have both our state senator and our state rep involved, and they’re participating to try to keep this on track,” said Joe Fisher, Chair of the Hingham Select Board.

Officials stressed that early intervention is key, as the MPO has not yet made a final decision on the revised timeline.

“This meeting on Thursday, there’s no final decisions being made,” said Susan Murphy, Hingham’s Special Real Estate Counsel. “The goal is to get this letter in, to be there at the beginning of the conversation, and then be able to carry that through.”

Next Steps

The town plans to continue advocating for the original 2026 timeline in discussions with MassDOT, the MPO, and local lawmakers.

With costs rising and infrastructure needs pressing, officials say they will do everything possible to prevent another postponement of the long-awaited Route 3A improvements.

To watch the full video of the meeting, visit Harbor Media. 

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