While construction is still years away, the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) is working on a concept to redesign the intersection of Piper and Taylor Roads with Route 2 — notorious in town for serious accidents, often due to Route 2 drivers running the red light at high speed. Indeed, it’s in the top 5% of the most dangerous intersections in the Commonwealth.
A while back, MassDOT presented a concept for the intersection that eliminated some left turns. Although that concept would have been safer and more efficient, it was not well received because of limited turning movements that would have made it difficult to connect with South Acton, Conant School, and other areas. At a June 2025 informational meeting, MassDOT presented an updated concept with the goal to address mobility, reduce delays, and increase safety.
The new concept includes the Piper, Taylor, and Route 111 (Mass. Ave.) connections to Route 2. It uses an intersection style called RCUT for Restricted or Redirected Crossing U-Turn. In the Midwest, these are known as Michigan lefts, even in states other than Michigan. To navigate in any direction using a Michigan left, you first turn right. Then, to go left, you first go through a U-turn that is separate from the main intersection. The advantage of this concept is that it separates the left turn from the main intersection, which increases safety. Plus, it allows for longer green lights in the other directions, which reduces delays.
An RCUT is proposed for just one side of the Piper-Taylor intersection — for those entering the intersection from Piper Road. When entering from Taylor Road, the drive is similar to the current situation, but with fewer conflicts. The concept includes upgrades to the existing traffic lights, plus a new light at the end of the U-turn. MassDOT says that even with an extra traffic light, there will be shorter delays because of the timing and reduced number of stages of the traffic lights. The concept also includes improvements to the acceleration and deceleration lanes that connect with Route 111 (Mass Ave.).
Below lists the various paths through the intersection with the new design concept. If a path is essentially unchanged, it is designated as “similar to now”.
Piper Road to Route 2 East
- All vehicles from Piper Road go through the 2 right turn lanes.
- Similar to now, turn right from the right-most lane for Route 2 East.
Piper Road to Route 2 West
- Turn right out of Piper Road from the left of the two right-turn lanes.
- Then, take the new U-turn on the left.
- You can only go left when leaving the U-turn.
- Continue on Route 2 West.
Piper Road to Taylor Road North
- Turn right out of Piper Road from the left of the 2 right-turn lanes.
- Then, take the new U-turn on the left.
- After turning left out of the U-turn, turn right onto Taylor Road.
Taylor Road to Piper Road South
- Similar to now, go straight through the intersection.
- Keep right in the center of the intersection onto Piper Road.
Taylor Road to Route 2 East
- Keep left through the center of the intersection.
- Similar to now, turn left onto Route 2 East.
Taylor Road to Route 2 West
Similar to now, turn right onto Route 2 West.
Route 2 East to Piper Road South
- Before the intersection use the right-most deceleration lane.
- Similar to now, take the slip lane onto Piper Road.
Route 2 East to Taylor Road North
- Keep left through the main intersection.
- After going through the main intersection, take the new U-turn on the left.
- After turning left out of the new U-turn, turn right onto Taylor Road.
Route 2 West to Piper Road South
- Similar to now, turn left off Route 2.
- Keep right in the center of the intersection onto Piper Road.
Route 2 West to Taylor Road North
- Before the intersection, use the right-most deceleration lane.
- Similar to now, take the slip lane onto Taylor Road.
Route 2 West to Route 111 (Mass. Ave.) North
- There are four west-bound lanes at the main traffic light.
- Use the second from the left, which is an extended deceleration lane for Route 111 (Mass. Ave.).
- Similar to now, take the left exit onto Route 111 (Mass. Ave.).
Route 111 (Mass. Ave.) South to Piper Road South
- Enter Route 2 East into the new acceleration-deceleration lane — no need to merge onto the Route 2 travel lanes.
- Similar to now, take the slip lane onto Piper Road.
Route 111 (Mass. Ave.) South to Taylor Road North
- Enter Route 2 East into the new acceleration-deceleration lane.
- Merge left to the left travel lane.
- After going through the main intersection, take the new U-turn on the left.
- After turning left out of the U-turn, turn right onto Taylor Road.
Route 111 (Mass. Ave.) South to Route 2 East
- Enter Route 2 East into the new acceleration-deceleration lane.
- Similar to now, merge left onto Route 2 East.
Pedestrian access isn’t accommodated in the current Piper-Taylor intersection. In the design concept, there is a pedestrian and bicycle shared-use path that crosses Route 2 from the Taylor Road sidewalk to connect with Piper Road and the side-path along Mass. Ave. All street crossings are signal controlled.
MassDOT’s June informational meeting at Town Hall had over 40 people in attendance.
Following the presentation, there were many questions, mostly about capacity and various aspects of safety. The biggest capacity concerns were about backups on Piper Road. The MassDOT team expressed confidence that their plan will reduce backups. The engineers expect waiting cars to be cleared during one light cycle, even at rush hour.
Safety concerns expressed were mostly about the continued potential for T-bone accidents, but also about safety for pedestrians, cyclists, and emergency vehicles. A few expressed continued safety concerns for those leaving Acton’s Transfer Station. The engineers said that the configuration of the intersection lessened the likelihood of dangerous 90-degree accidents. They also said that the visual clues for Route 2 drivers to slow down for the intersection were still a work in progress. The final design would include optimized signage, and possible visual changes, when approaching the intersection.
Based on feedback they received about this concept, the MassDOT team will be working on a design. After the next stage, there will be a public hearing, probably in 2026. Then, MassDOT would add the project to its construction schedule. If all goes well, construction could start in about five years. Acton – Intersection and signal improvements on Route 2 and Route 111 at Piper Road and Taylor Road is the MassDOT web page for the project.
David Martin is a member of Acton’s Select Board.