Route 7 and 8 connector road reopens Wednesday | Transportation

The Baker Hill Road District Working Group has announced that the US 7/SR 8 Connector Road in Lanesborough is reopening Wednesday morning.

Passenger vehicles and heavy load trucks once again have direct access between Berkshire County's two main north and south highways.

This two year project consisted of the reconstruction of the roadway from Route 7 to the Berkshire Mall.

According to the Baker Hill Road District Working Group, next season's work will involve the completion of the remainder of the new roadway adjacent to the Berkshire Mall extending to Route 8.

A bike path will be added from the existing Ashuwillticook Bike Trail to the Berkshire Mall parking lots. Additionally, the reconstructed roadway will better facilitate the needs of heavy load truck traffic and benefit emergency services coordination in Northern and Central Berkshire County.

"This is an extremely important project for the economic sustainability of the Berkshires," said State Representative Denis Guyer.

The Berkshire Mall General Manager, Joe Scelsi, said that "this project is a central component of the regional transportation system and a vital link between Route 7 and 8. I am happy to see the entire road reopened in time for the busy 2010 holiday shopping season and sincerely appreciate the hard work of all involved."