Baker-Polito Administration Announces $6.4 Million in Complete Streets Funding Awards

07/16/2018

The Baker-Polito Administration’s Department of Transportation today announced awards totaling approximately $6.4 million to 22 communities through the Complete Streets Funding Program. These awards will be used to fund local, multimodal infrastructure projects that improve accessibility for bicyclists, pedestrians, public transit users, and people using other forms of transportation.

“This popular program is just one of the many ways our administration is partnering with cities and towns to improve their own roadways to increase access to economic opportunities and connectivity throughout local neighborhoods,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “We are proud to announce this latest round of award winners to help ensure that local roads and transportation infrastructure provide accommodations for all modes of travel.”

“We are pleased to continue supporting our municipal partners so they can achieve their transportation and economic development goals,” said Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito. “These funding awards will enable communities across the Commonwealth to carry out projects that install new sidewalks, bicycle lanes, crosswalks, intersections, and other accommodations for people to safely and easily reach the places they need to go.”

A “Complete Street” is one that provides safe and accessible options for all travel modes and for all people, taking into account the ages and abilities of individuals. The Baker-Polito Administration has now awarded a total of approximately $30 million in construction funding since creating a funding program for Complete Streets in February 2016.

“Thanks to the leadership and support of Governor Baker and Lieutenant Governor Polito, MassDOT is continuing to partner with municipalities to increase connectivity and better enable residents and commuters to reach their jobs, homes, friends, families, and opportunities across the Commonwealth,” said Transportation Secretary and CEO Stephanie Pollack. “The Complete Streets Program is a reflection of our commitment to ensuring that our roadways work for everyone and benefit people of all ages, abilities, and modes of travel.”

“We appreciate the hard work of all those who are helping manage and implement this important funding program,” said Highway Administrator Jonathan Gulliver. “We are continuing to receive positive feedback and support from the local communities that are benefiting from these awards and we look forwarding to seeing these projects carried out.”

These Complete Streets funding awards are in addition to $900 million authorized by the Baker-Polito Administration in Chapter 90 local transportation funding for cities and towns since 2015. In addition, $21.2 million has also been awarded through the Administration’s Small Bridge Program, which was announced in 2016 and allows municipalities to repair or replace their small bridges which are not eligible for federal funding.

The Complete Streets Funding Program was launched on February 1, 2016. To date, 161 municipalities have approved policies and 111 have approved Prioritization Plans. Examples of projects that can be addressed through the program include improved street lighting, radar speed signage, intersection signalization, new multimodal paths and new signals at crosswalks.

Today’s announcement regarding the Complete Streets Program provides funding to the following communities:

Adams will receive $290,281 for improvements including new sidewalks and ADA compliant wheelchair ramps on Crotteau Street and a portion of Murray Street, which will increase pedestrian connectivity between several key points within the town and the Ashuwillticook Rail Trail, and improve pavement and drainage conditions along Crotteau Street.

Ashland will receive $311,336 for pedestrian safety improvements at the Homer Avenue and Central Street intersection, and along Pleasant Street to provide safer access to the nearby MBTA Commuter Rail Station. Improvements such as new crossing signals will also be made in local school zones. Additionally, a bicycle lane and appropriate signage will allow a safe bicycle connection to Route 135 and abutting neighborhoods.

Bedford will receive $393,250 to install new sidewalks on Hartford Street, Crescent Avenue and Bacon Road and add a raised crosswalk at two locations. Additionally, signals will be installed at the existing crosswalk on Great Road at the Narrow Gauge Rail Trail for access to MBTA bus stops and other destinations.

Braintree will receive $94,972 for the installation of bicycle lanes, pavement markings and signage on Granite Street to improve travel.  In addition, U-loop style bicycle storage racks will be installed at area schools and Sunset Lake Beach.

Gloucester will receive $398,348 to improve travel  for cyclists by installing bicycle lanes along Route 127 and Main Street through Downtown Gloucester. Safety improvements at O’Malley School will include reconstruction of the Reynard and Cherry Street intersection and the addition of a crosswalk and pedestrian signals across Poplar Street.

Holyoke will receive $389,819 for the installation of pedestrian traffic signals, sidewalks, and ADA compliant curb ramps, as well as bicycle lanes on several streets in the town.

Lynn will receive $354,010 for the reconstruction of Central Avenue from Andrew Street to Oxford Street with the reconfiguration of existing ramps, crosswalks, and pedestrian traffic signal equipment. Traffic signal timing will also be modified along with the installation of countdown crosswalk signals with audible push buttons, and new STOP signs on the approach to crosswalks.

Medford will receive $149,088 to improve Tufts Square intersections by rebuilding sidewalks, repaving the intersection area and adding new pedestrian and bicycle signals and signage.

Middleton will receive $171,925 to reconstruct the intersection of Maple Street (Route 62) at Liberty Street to enhance safety for bicyclists and pedestrians. Work will include shortening pedestrian crossing distances, constructing new sidewalks with curb ramps, and adding ADA-compliant wheelchair ramps. This project will reconfigure the intersection to facilitate the flow of traffic, and improve safety for all users.

Milton will receive $396,703 for a project which includes reconstructing the northbound sidewalk on Lincoln Street to create a two-way shared use side path along the property of Pierce Middle School. Additional pedestrian improvements in the town include curb extensions, and restriping and widening of sidewalks.

Natick will receive $204,424 to make pedestrian and bicycle improvements to the Campus Street and West Street corridor and the Newfield Drive corridor such as widening sidewalks and adding street lights. This will allow for safer and easier access from Natick High School and area recreation areas and neighborhoods, and improved access from the West Natick MBTA Station to local neighborhoods.

Palmer will receive $178,282 for sidewalk and crosswalk upgrades, adding features which include pedestrian signals, ADA compliant ramps and curb extensions to reduce crossing distances.

Peabody will receive $399,820 to install a path on Perkins Street from the J. Henry Higgins Middle School to Emerson Park at Fay Avenue. From Fay Avenue to Lowell Street, the existing sidewalks along Perkins Street will be reconstructed and will include ADA compliant wheelchair ramps.

Sherborn will receive $210,284 to reconstruct a sidewalk on Main Street and construct a multi-modal path to provide a connection from Whitney Street to the Upper Charles Trail. In addition, two speed feedback displays will be installed along with school zone speed limit signs on Eliot Street and North Main Street.

South Hadley will receive $385,001 for the installation of pedestrian and bicycle safety improvements, ADA compliant ramps, the reduction of pedestrian crossing distances, and improvements in visibility for safer access to all users. Bicycle safety improvements will include new bicycle lanes and shared use markings.

Stoneham will receive $379,084 for safety improvements to the Pleasant and Williams Street and Pleasant and Spring Street intersections. Additionally, pedestrian safety improvements will be made to Central Street, and a bicycle rack will be installed at the town common.

Stow will receive $265,134 for improvements to Great Road including the reconstruction of the intersections with Harvard Road and Old Bolton Road. Additionally, this project will install new bicycle lanes and pavement markings along Route 117.

Tewksbury will receive $400,000 for the reconstruction of sidewalks and safety improvements including new wheelchair ramps, pedestrian signals, and bicycle markings. Additionally, the LRTA bus stop will be relocated to a new ADA-complaint location.

Tyngsborough will receive $396,631 to reconstruct the intersection of Kendall Road and Winslow Road and add new sidewalks and curb extensions, pedestrian signals, and ADA compliant ramps. In addition, a shared use path along Winslow Road will be installed and will provide a direct connection to the new recreation center.

Watertown will receive $289,814 for a project which includes the installation of a raised crosswalk with ADA compliant ramps and pedestrian signals on Warren Street at the Cunniff Elementary School entrance. Additional pedestrian and bicycle improvements include the widening of the existing community path and the relocation and reconstruction of the existing Watertown Street sidewalk.

West Tisbury will receive $141,500 for pedestrian accommodations including a crosswalk with ADA compliant curb ramps, pedestrian signals, yield signage, and crosswalk paint. A shared use path connection will be installed on the northbound side of Old County Road at the crosswalk to the State Forest entrance to provide an accessible link to the State Forest network for bicyclists and pedestrians.

Williamstown will receive $167,847 for the installation of solar-powered pedestrian signals at 6 locations along Main Street. This award will also enable the installation of 500 feet of new ADA accessible sidewalk and curb ramps along South Street which will connect the Buxton School to the Clark Art Institute and the rest of downtown.

Please visit the Complete Streets website for additional information. Check the Complete Streets Map for the status of community participation and documents.

Story courtesy of MassDOT Blog