Construction detours in Norton cause back-ups, frustrated drivers

By News Staff

Reporting by Rebecca Turco

rturco@abc6.com

Cars were lined up on Route 123 in Norton Tuesday as a new construction project brings detours and frustrated drivers.

The northbound lanes were closed during the day for more than a month as work begins on a new housing complex on East Main Street.

Crews are installing a new half mile long water main underneath the roadway. Businesses on the original line, like Dunkin Donuts, lost water for the day.

The roughly three mile long detour begins at Leonard Street right by Active Learners Preschool. “It’s been nonstop all day,” says owner, Marge Pond. Pond says she’s never had to deal with traffic like this. “You can hear it indoors. Children are trying to nap right now. People are frustrated, beeping their horns, screeching their tires. It has not been a good first day.”

Many drivers are even using this preschool parking lot as a turn around to avoid the detour. Though, they will have to get used it, as 123 northbound will be closed completely for four days in August.

Construction is set to go on weekdays from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., except for Tuesday night, as crews work late to try and get a head start on the job.

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