Westbound traffic shift on VFW Highway over Beaver Brook to occur Thursday
LOWELL — The state Department of Transportation has announced a revised schedule for westbound traffic on the VFW Highway to be shifted onto a portion of the newly completed Phase I bridge over Beaver Brook.
Originally scheduled for next Monday, the traffic shift will now take place today at approximately 3 p.m. Eastbound traffic was previously shifted to the south side of the new bridge on Monday this week.
During the shift, traffic will continue to be restricted to a single travel lane in each direction in the area of the bridge, as part of the traffic management for the next construction phase.
Traffic signs and messaging will be in place to guide drivers through the work zone. MassDOT asks drivers to reduce speed and use caution when traveling in the work zone. The work is weather-dependent and may change without notice.
The traffic shift is connected to the beginning of the second phase of the $12.2 million project to replace the bridge that brings the VFW Highway over Beaver Brook and to reconstruct the adjacent sections of the roadway.
For more information on traffic conditions, travelers can dial 511, visit www.mass511.com, follow @MassDOT on Twitter or download MassDOT’s GoTime mobile app.
— Alana Melanson
Chelmsford Community Education released winter/spring schedule
CHELMSFORD — Chelmsford Community Education is offering a slate of virtual classes for residents of Chelmsford and the surrounding towns. Courses this month include cooking classes for kids and adults, Zumba, yoga and stretching classes, chess, and art classes including pottery, drawing and mixed media collage for kids and adults.
To register, please visit Chelmsfordcommunityed.com, or email commed@chelmsford.k12.ma.us or call 978-251-5151 for more information.
— Amy Sokolow
Wilmington Recreation Department offers new E-Sports League for local gamers
WILMINGTON — The Wilmington Recreation Department announced on Monday that it is launching a new E-Sports league for local gamers to play in, starting on Feb. 1 and running until April 24.
Seasoned instructors will help participants work on strategy, technical skills and sportsmanship as they play either League of Legends, a five versus five online battle arena game where teams work together to destroy the enemy base, and/or Rocket League, a three versus three competitive game of soccer where players use cars with a rocket boosters.
It costs $10 to enter and interested players will have until Jan. 10 to register. Kids ages 9 to 15 can play Rocket League, while kids ages 13 to 15 can play League of Legends.
All practices and games will be played on Discord, and parent/guardian permission is required.
Participants can choose between a Monday/Wednesday or Tuesday/Thursday practice schedule, with a choice of a 5:30 p.m. or 7 p.m. start time. Matches will be held on Saturdays at 3 p.m.
Participants are required to have a computer or laptop (no Chromebook) with a-camera and microphone, a mouse and internet connection with 20 mbps download speed, as well as a pre-downloaded Discord ID and League username.
To register, visit www.wilmingtonma.gov/recreation and log into your account., or call 978-658-4270.
— Stefan Geller
