Transportation Bill Earmarks Upgrades for Hopkinton and Holliston

Gov. Deval Patrick called the $1.5 billion transportation bond bill he signed Thursday what the state needs to strengthen its economy and "quality of life for the long term.”

“Our transportation infrastructure had suffered from years of neglect, so this administration started rebuilding roads, rails and bridges in every corner of our state and creating thousands of jobs," Patrick said after he enacted the bill, which enjoyed the strong support of the Legislature, passing the House by a vote of 150-2 on July 31, the last day of the session.

The bond bill ensures funding for many projects already under way and allots money for the planning of future improvements across the state. 

It also continues funding for the final year of 2008's five-year Accelerated Bridge Program, the largest statewide infrastructure investment program ever, according to the administration. The bridge program has reduced the number of structurally deficient bridges by almost 20 percent, the governor's office said.

Amendments authorize $150,000 for planning and construction relative to drainage improvements to address routine flooding on Rte. 16 near Hopping Brook Industrial Park in Holliston and $100,000 for planning and improvements relative to giving Harvey vehicles direct access to the Mass Turnpike from Rte. 135 in Hopkinton and Westborough, Rep. Carolyn Dykema said. A re-authorization of funding for roadway improvements in downtown Hopkinton was also included.

"Investments to improve our local transportation infrastructure have significant benefits to our communities and our quality of life. I'm very pleased that we were able to include improvements to our local roadways that will directly address longstanding public safety and traffic concerns," Dykema said.