State Awards Boston More In Roads, Transportation Funding

BOSTON, MA — The state on Wednesday announced an additional $40 million in Fiscal Year 2019 funding for road construction and transportation improvements in several municipalities, bringing the total funding to $17.6 million for Boston.

"This funding represents our continued commitment to supporting communities as they address the maintenance and modernization of local roads, which are a critical part of the Commonwealth's transportation network," Gov. Charlie Baker said in a statement about the additional round of funding.

Included in the funding is an additional $2,941,269 for Boston. The city previously received $14,706,345 in the original round of funding. The grand total for FY 2019 for Boston? $17,647,614.

Transportation infrastructure upgrades are something the mayor has talked about repeatedly as a goal.

"Traffic is a challenge for drivers, cyclists, and walkers alike," said Mayor Marty Walsh during his State of the City Speech in January. "It’s a challenge we’re confronting."

Last year the city worked to upgrade Uphams Corner, broke ground on a redesigned Commonwealth Avenue from Allston to Fenway, and worked on Central Square in East Boston.

Late last year the city secured $300 million to take it citywide with an eye on transforming Rutherford Ave. and Sullivan Square in Charlestown; North Washington St. Bridge in the North End; Melnea Cass Boulevard in Roxbury and the South End; and the Northern Avenue Bridge at Fort Point Channel.

The mayor in his State of the City speech announced he planned to bring "cutting-edge" traffic-light technology to Boston’s busiest streets.

The nearly $3 million comes from state Chapter 90 infrastructure funds, which has given $900 million to communities since the Baker-Polito administration took office in 2015, according to a state press release. Chapter 90 funding is determined by a formula that includes population, road miles and employment and is open to all communities in Massachusetts.

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