Malden Awarded Large Grant For Safety Improvements To Significant Street

MALDEN, MA — The city announced this week that it has received a major state grant to improve safety and efficiency on one of Malden’s busiest roadways.

The $852,846 grant from the Massachusetts Department of Transportation is part of the agency’s competitive Shared Streets and Spaces grant program and will fund improvements along Salem Street between Main Street and Broadway. According to Mayor Gary Christenson, the funding was secured by the city’s Office of Strategic Planning and Community Development, which has brought in more than $44 million in grant funding since July 2021, including $12.6 million for transportation-related projects.

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Planned improvements on Salem Street include adding and repainting crosswalks, installing curb extensions and bump-outs at intersections, adding parking and bus stop pavement markings, and providing transit signal priority where feasible. The city said the upgrades are intended to create safer and more efficient conditions for pedestrians, drivers, bus riders, and residents and businesses along the corridor. The project will not include bus lanes or the removal of parking spaces. “With this grant, we will make Salem Street safer and more efficient for all who live, work, and travel along Salem Street,” Christenson said. “Our competitiveness for these grants is critical, especially in our current fiscal climate. I’m grateful to MassDOT for their award of these funds which will meaningfully improve the lives of residents along this roadway.”

Salem Street serves as a major east-west corridor in Malden and is home to several key community institutions, including the Malden Public Library, Malden Fire Department, Malden High School, Salemwood School, Mystic Valley Regional Charter School, and the Davenport Memorial Home. The roadway is also served by MBTA bus routes 106, 108, 411, and 430.

This year, MassDOT awarded $9.18 million to 34 cities and towns through the Shared Streets and Spaces grant program, including $6.04 million for 14 construction projects. Malden’s award represents a significant share of the total funding distributed through the competitive program, which does not require local matching funds.

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