PHOTOS: Framingham Receives $400,000 Complete Streets Grant

Editor’s Note: Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito was in Framingham this morning at DPW HQ on Western Avenue along with MassDOT Secretary to discuss grant opportunities. Mayor Charlie Sisitsky, and State Representatives Maria Robinson and jack Patrick Lewis also attended the event. The following is a press release from the Framingham DPW. Photos by SOURCE media.

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FRAMINGHAM – The City of Framingham’s Department of Public Works and Planning and Community Development Department has received a $400,000 Complete Streets Grant from the Baker-Polito Administration to support the first of two construction phases for pedestrian and cyclist improvements on Loring Drive and Western Avenue.
 
The project’s first phase will utilize the grant funds to make pedestrian improvements. New cement concrete sidewalks and curb ramps will be installed along Loring Drive and Western Avenue from the intersection of Irving Street, Herbert Street, and Loring Drive. Two new crosswalks and pedestrian signals will be installed at Herbert and Irving Streets, Loring Drive, and Irving Street. Also, a new crosswalk will be installed to connect the new sidewalks to the MetroWest Regional Transit Authority’s bus stop near 110 Western Avenue, across the street from the ADESA Car Auction Facility. 
 
“I want to express my sincere gratitude to the Baker-Polito Administration and the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) for awarding this grant to the City of Framingham,” said Mayor Charlie Sisitsky. “With this funding, we will provide much-needed accessibility for underserved areas in south Framingham, connecting pedestrians, cyclists, and commuters with access to public bus transit, jobs, and our downtown.”

 
“We look forward to starting construction as soon as possible,” said Acting Director of Public Works William Sedewitz. “Our public works team echoes the Mayor’s appreciation to the Baker-Polito Administration and MassDOT for this grant opportunity.”
 
Additional Complete Streets Grant Program funding will be requested for the project’s second phase, including road resurfacing, rectangular rapid flashing beacons for the bus stop crosswalk, and designated bicycle lanes. The project’s second phase is contingent upon funding.

The Complete Streets Grant Program provides cities and towns with funds for technical assistance, up to $50,000, and construction, up to $400,000, to support projects that provide safe and accessible options for all travel modes, walking, biking, transit, and vehicles, for people of all ages and abilities. 

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Petroni Media Company photos for SOURCE media.