MassDOT Launches New Safe Routes to School Signs and Lines Program

10/01/2019

MassDOT is announcing the launch of the new Safe Routes to School (SRTS) Signs and Lines Program. The program provides design services and funding for low-cost infrastructure projects in areas immediately surrounding public elementary and middle schools across the Commonwealth.

The Signs and Lines Program involves a competitive application process through which five successful projects will be selected to each receive up to $6,000 in construction funding.  Each project is expected to be completed within the 2019-2020 school year.

All SRTS partner schools are encouraged to apply and must have a municipal contact as the primary applicant.   This is a reimbursement-based funding program where municipalities are reimbursed for eligible expenses after the planned work is completed.  Eligible costs include improvements such as signage and pavement markings to improve safety and accessibility along key walking and biking routes to a school.

The application period opens today, Tuesday, October 1, and concludes with applications being due by 5:00 p.m., on Thursday, October 31, 2019.

The program was first introduced as a pilot initiative in the City of Lawrence in 2018. As a result of the pilot, eight new crosswalks were painted, new pavement markings were applied, and approximately 50 new roadway signs were installed in the areas immediately surrounding the City’s Arlington Community Day School and Arlington Middle School.

The Signs and Lines Program Guidance Document and Application are available on the SRTS websiteunder the Engineering section.  The program also provides a walk audit, project recommendations, design sheet, and bid package (if applicable) at no cost.

The Massachusetts Safe Routes to School Program is a federally-funded initiative of MassDOT.  The program works to increase safe biking and walking among elementary and middle school students by fostering partnerships between education leaders, law enforcement, public health departments, and advocacy groups.  The program highlights the importance of pedestrian and bicycle safety while also providing information, materials, and resources to support schools and communities with their local SRTS initiatives. The program currently serves more than 900 schools in over 230 communities across the Commonwealth.

Information regarding the new program can be found online or by sending an email to SRTS@dot.state.ma.us.

Written By: Klark Jessen, MassDOT Blog