MIDDLEBORO – Massachusetts Department of Transportation agreed to conduct a safety study pertaining to the long term re-design of the Hannaford Plaza intersection where 15-year-old Middleboro High School freshman Dylan Leveque was fatally struck.

“MassDot’s next steps will be to order a full survey of the section of roadway and hire a consultant for the design process,’ said Town Manager Jay McGrail during a Select Board meeting on Monday, Oct. 30.

Rapid flashing beacon pedestrian lights were recently installed at the intersection. However, the town is looking to install a traffic light as a more permanent solution.

According to McGrail, representatives of MassDot said the project could take up to three to five years.

“With all due respect to the state, I can’t see why it should take three to five years,” said Select Board member Neil Rosenthal.

“Our hands are tied by the state,” said Select Board member Brian Giovanoni. “The only thing we can do is put just the right amount of pressure [on the state.]”

According to McGrail, the town lacks jurisdiction over the road because it is a state highway.

Residents and town officials at the Select Board meeting the day after the accident described that area of Route 28 as especially dangerous.

Levesque was struck by a vehicle as he crossed the street Sunday, May 14 on Route 28 near Hannaford Plaza. He succumbed to his injuries Tuesday, May 16.

“The project will likely end with safety improvements to the intersection,” said McGrail. “A fully functional traffic light seems like a simple solution.