Preliminary utility work is underway in Natick, Massachusetts, kicking off a $99.2 million infrastructure overhaul that will deliver the state’s first diverging diamond interchange, according to a news release.

Jacobs, based in Dallas, along with its design-build partner McCourt Construction of Boston, secured the contract from the Massachusetts Department of Transportation to redesign the interchange at Routes 27 and 9, located west of Boston. The April 25 release outlines how the project will improve traffic flow, increase safety, and add key pedestrian and cycling features.

The project will replace the aging and structurally deficient Route 27 bridge over Route 9 with two new single-span bridges and a separate shared-use path bridge specifically for pedestrians and cyclists. According to the Massachusetts DOT, the project will also bring upgraded drainage systems, median barrier replacements, and accessible bike and pedestrian facilities stretching from Rutledge Road in the north to Bacon Street in the south.

In total, about 3,600 feet of Route 9 will be rebuilt to improve both drainage and safety.

Smart Analytics to Minimize Disruption

To ensure smooth operations during construction, the team will use Jacobs’ StreetLight mobility analytics platform — a cloud-based system that collects real-time data from connected devices to analyze traffic movements.

This data-driven approach will help contractors monitor traffic patterns, reduce construction disruptions, and guide the design and placement of shared-use paths linking the interchange to nearby schools, transit hubs, and major employers, according to Jacobs.

“The Natick Bridge replacement, a first-of-its-kind interchange in Massachusetts, exemplifies how infrastructure and data solutions together deliver lasting societal benefits,” said Katus Watson, executive vice president at Jacobs, in the release. “Using insights from our StreetLight platform, we’ll keep traffic moving while delivering an innovative interchange design that improves safety and strengthens community connectivity.”

Why a Diverging Diamond?

The diverging diamond interchange (DDI) is a growing design trend in U.S. transportation. By eliminating the need for left turns across oncoming traffic, DDIs have been shown to reduce vehicle-to-vehicle collisions by up to 50%, according to the release.

In addition to improving safety, DDIs increase throughput and reduce traffic congestion, making them especially appealing in busy suburban areas like Natick, where Routes 27 and 9 serve as critical connectors for both local commuters and regional travelers.

Broader Impact

Beyond traffic improvements, the project reflects broader efforts in Massachusetts and nationally to modernize aging infrastructure, enhance multi-modal transportation options, and use digital tools to inform smarter construction practices.

Jacobs and McCourt Construction plan to complete the interchange by mid-2030, according to the release, marking a major milestone in the state’s infrastructure modernization efforts.

Originally reported by Sebastian Obando in Construction Dive.