Cranberry Highway in East Wareham will look very different two years from now if a proposed project goes as planned.

"The proposed transportation improvements along the Route 6/28 corridor will improve pedestrian and vehicular safety, improve the traffic capacity of the roadway and have minimal impacts on the local population and environment," said Michael Verseckes of the Public Affairs department of the Massachusetts Department of Transportation.

The proposed project consists of transportation improvements to Cranberry Highway (Route 6 and 28) between the junction of Route 6 and Route 28 eastward to the Bourne town line. The work includes roadway widening to create a four-lane highway with a raised median and shoulders for bicycle accommodation, installation of curbing along the entire project length, construction of sidewalks, and traffic signalization.

Construction on the project is planned during the federal fiscal year 2014. (It is currently federal fiscal year 2012). The estimated construction cost is $10,529,207.

According to Verseckes, one of the main objectives of the project is to "improve safety and reduce congestion by installing a raised median for the length of the project." The median will only be broken at signalized intersections where U-turns will be allowed.

Other changes to the highway include reconstruction at the Cranberry Plaza driveway and the Walmart driveway to provide a "loon" for U-turns. A "loon" is an area of additional pavement beyond the typical road edge at intersections where U-turns will occur to accommodate the turning path of a larger vehicle. New traffic-synchronized signal systems will also be provided at the two locations.

"Loons" and new traffic signal systems will also be placed at the intersection of the Cranberry Highway and Main Avenue (near the Salvation Army) and the jug handle will be removed.

Red Brook Road, where there are no traffic signals and only right turns are allowed, will get traffic signals, allow left turns from Red Brook Road, and provide loons for U-turns.

Cranberry Highway will be widened at Jefferson Shores Road and at Onset Avenue to provide a dedicated left-turn lane in each direction. A traffic signal system will be installed and a "loon" will be provided.

MassDOT is asking the town to consider taking ownership of that area of the state highway after construction is complete. At a recent Board of Selectmen's meeting, Selectman Steve Holmes voiced concerns about the town lacking the proper equipment to maintain the road.

State officials say they'll work with the town to ensure the road is well-maintained after the updates. Whether the project is contingent on the town agreeing to take over the road is currently unclear.

"This project is still very much a ways out and it's very difficult to comment or theorize on whether the municipality or MassDOT will retain ownership or responsibility for maintenance at this time," Versekes said.