Essex Police Department Informs Community of Upcoming Paving Project on Route 22

ESSEX — Chief Paul Francis and the Essex Police Department would like to inform the community that the Massachusetts Department of Transportation will be conducting a paving project on Route 22 in Essex, beginning on Monday. 

Beginning on Monday, Sept. 18, the Massachusetts Department of Transportation will be starting a roadway resurfacing project on Route 22 in Essex. The project will take place on Western Avenue beginning at the Hamilton Line. It will continue onto Martin Street, ending past Shepard Memorial Drive just past Essex Town Hall. 

The first phase of this project will entail milling the road, which is projected to take approximately three days, with traffic shut down to one lane. Detours will be in place. 

Motorists should expect significant delays during this phase and should plan accordingly. Motorists are encouraged to seek alternate routes if necessary. 

The second phase of the project will consist of raising the height of existing water, sewer and drainage access covers. The second phase is projected to take approximately two days. Motorists may experience some delays during this phase and should plan accordingly. 

The final phase, paving, will take place exclusively at night between the hours of 8 p.m. and 5 a.m. Paving is expected to begin on the evening of Sunday, Sept. 24 (date is subject to change) and will take an estimated two to three days. 

The Essex Police Department asks that motorists do not drive over the pavement for at least one hour after the paving has been completed in front of residents’ homes. 

The project timeline is subject to change due to inclement weather.