Author: Alyssa Sexton

Air Quality Alert
Effective: Now through 12:00 a.m. on Thursday, July 16, 2026
Location: Statewide

Due to smoke from Canadian wildfires impacting Massachusetts, MassDEP has issued a statewide Air Quality Alert. Elevated levels of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) are expected to result in unhealthy air quality for sensitive groups.

Sensitive groups include:

• People with heart or lung disease (including asthma)
• Older adults
• Children and teenagers
• People who are active outdoors

Individuals in these groups should:

• Reduce prolonged or heavy outdoor activity.
• Take more frequent breaks and choose less strenuous activities.
• Follow asthma action plans and keep quick-relief medication readily available.
• Monitor for symptoms such as coughing or shortness of breath.

Residents are encouraged to stay informed by visiting MassAir Online, where you can view current air quality conditions, forecasts, and real-time monitoring data.

Please take appropriate precautions and check on family members, neighbors, and others who may be more vulnerable to poor air.

On 7/14 & 7/15, weather permitting, the Town’s paving contractor will continue work on Liberty, Mechanic, Judkins Court, Railroad Ave & Locust Street.

No Parking will be permitted on these streets while work is underway. Motorists should expect temporary road closures, detours, and limited access throughout the workday. Local traffic will be accommodated whenever it is safe to do so.

The Merrimac Public Library is in the process of developing a strategic plan, aimed at providing the very best service to our community. A critical component of the process is gathering information and ideas from the community members to establish priorities and create goals for the library. The survey should take approximately 15 minutes to complete and they are due by August 3, 2026. Thank you for your participation. 

Link to survey: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdW-Frs691rIk0OuvXacLt2wQi7aNxMAsPd8OOMI4MyB_nwBw/viewform?pli=1

Pedestrian improvements on Locust Street begin May 26th. Please use caution and avoid the area if possible. Work will take place from West Main Street to Green Street, which includes repaving, installation of vertical granite curbing, replacement of sidewalks, pavement markings including shared bike and drive lanes, transition to a shared used path sidewalk for bikes and pedestrians, signage, crosswalk and curb cuts at intersections. This project is funded through a MassDOT Complete Streets Funding Program grant.

Any questions please reach out to the Highway Department, asexton@townofmerrimac.com.