Possible facelift for ROUTE 38

TEWKSBURY -- A $10 million face-lift for a 2-mile stretch of Route 38 could be in the works, a first step in addressing what local officials have identified as one of the town's most pressing needs.

The funding was added by state Sen. Barry Finegold to a $13 billion transportation bond bill approved by the state Senate late last week.

"On a personal level, I've had times driving through 38 on a Saturday when it can take 45 minutes to go 3 miles," said Finegold, an Andover Democrat. "It's pretty difficult."

The need for upgrades to the road, potentially including sidewalks and turning lanes, has been discussed in town for months, with officials calling it key to strengthening economic development.

"It's the number-one priority for us as a board, and the town administration as well, with respect to trying to improve Tewksbury," said Selectman Todd Johnson.

Tewksbury's portion of the state route, also known as Main Street, stretches from the Lowell line to the Wilmington line, comprising the town's main retail strip.

Town Manager Richard Montuori said in a statement that improvements to Route 38 are "essential to the economic growth of the community."