Construction of the North Bluff renovation project began Monday in Oak Bluffs. 

The project is meant to upgrade the regularly-congested area near where the Patriot and Island Queen ferries dock by building a roundabout, reconfiguring parking spots and establishing larger pedestrian walkways. It is the latest phase in the town’s streetscape master plan, which aims to improve accessibility and safety downtown. 

Road traffic is prohibited until further notice on Circuit avenue extension and Sea View avenue extension just beyond Saco avenue, wrote Oak Bluffs police sergeant Christopher Wiggin on Facebook. Patriot boats will also be docking on the south side of the Hy-Line ferry.

A new roundabout will be going in at the congested part of town. — Ray Ewing

Parking permit holders are still able to park along Savo and Pasque avenues, the hill on  Sea View avenue extension and in a lot near the Catholic Parish Center. 

When the redesign was initially approved by the Martha’s Vineyard Commission in 2022, it received some pushback from residents skeptical that the roundabout would decrease traffic backups. Others were concerned that the new parking arrangement, which minimally reduces the current number of available parking spaces, would cause additional difficulties for people dropping off and picking up ferry passengers. 

Still, the project received high praise from most members of the commission and the select board. 

Construction is underway a week earlier than planned to take advantage of the favorable weather, said town administrator Deborah Potter. 

For additional information about parking options and road closures, contact the Oak Bluffs police department.