Watertown Gets Grant for Crosswalk at Cunniff School, Community Path

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A state grant will allow Watertown officials to build a raised crosswalk will be installed outside Cunniff Elementary School, improve the Community Path, and work will be done on sidewalks on Watertown Street.

Watertown was one of 24 communities to receive grants for Complete Street projects from the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT).

Watertown will receive $289,814, according to information provided by MassDOT. The project 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.

The following information was provided by MassDOT: 

Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito today joined Highway Administrator Jonathan Gulliver, Peabody Mayor Edward A. Bettencourt, Jr., members of the Massachusetts Legislature, municipal officials, and stakeholders at a ceremony in Peabody to celebrate the most recent round of Complete Streets grants where $7 million was awarded to 24 communities and recognize the milestone of half of all cities and towns across the Commonwealth putting in place formal policies encouraging the advancement of Complete Streets infrastructure.

A “Complete Street” is one that provides safe and accessible options for travelers of all ages and abilities including bicyclists, pedestrians, public transit users, and people using other forms of transportation. The Baker-Polito Administration has now awarded a total of approximately $30 million in construction funding for 103 projects since creating a funding program for Complete Streets in February 2016.

For example, Peabody is receiving $399,820 through this round of awards to build a multi-use path from the J. Henry Higgins Middle School to Emerson Park, reconstruct sidewalks, add new wheelchair ramps, install new crosswalks, and add signage. This will increase connectivity for local residents and school children and better enable people to walk or bike safely through this area.

“The investments in these communities are just a few examples of how we are partnering with municipalities to strengthen the transportation system and increase access to jobs, businesses, schools, and economic opportunities throughout local neighborhoods,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “With half of the Commonwealth’s communities participating in Complete Streets projects, we are continuing to make progress to improve transportation infrastructure in our cities and towns.”

“We are proud to continue working closely with our local partners and help ensure they are able to achieve their local development goals and improve their own roadways, sidewalks, bicycle lanes, pathways, and intersections through the Complete Streets program,”said Lieutenant Governor Polito. “Peabody and all of the award winners will be able to carry out multi-modal infrastructure projects using this funding and provide new and improved accommodations for people using all forms of travel.”

“With the leadership of Governor Baker and Lieutenant Governor Polito, MassDOT is continuing to partner with cities and towns and ensure that our roadways work for all users – regardless of their age, ability, or mode of travel,” said Transportation Secretary and CEO Stephanie Pollack. “This program has now awarded over $30 million in construction funding for local cities and towns throughout Massachusetts, and we are continuing to receive positive input and support from the residents and commuters who are experiencing this program’s benefits.”

“The Complete Streets funding enables Peabody to build a much-needed multi-use path from the new Higgins Middle School to Emerson Park,” said Mayor Bettencourt. “We are grateful to the Baker-Polito Administration for their continued support of cities and towns and to our legislative delegation for its ongoing advocacy for infrastructure dollars.”

“We thank our municipal partners and all of the staff members who are involved in managing this program and implementing these multi-modal projects across the Commonwealth,” said Highway Administrator Jonathan Gulliver. “These transportation investments are important not for what they are, but for what they do – increase connectivity and better allow people to reach destinations such as friends, families, and opportunities that improve our quality of life.”

The Complete Streets Funding Program was launched on February 1, 2016. To date, 176 municipalities have approved policies and 116 have approved Prioritization Plans. Examples of projects that can be addressed through the program include improved street lighting, radar speed signage, intersection signalization, new multi-modal paths and new signals at crosswalks.

“The Complete Streets program provides critical funding for communities to ensure that our roadway network properly supports all drivers, bikers, and pedestrians,” said Senator Joan Lovely. “I am pleased that Beverly, Salem, and 22 other municipalities will receive these awards to make important infrastructure improvements for both residents and visitors.”

“This is another example of the strong working relationship between state and local government where Peabody residents are the beneficiaries of that partnership,” said Representative Thomas P. Walsh.

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