Complete Streets Funding Approved For Tufts Square

MEDFORD, MA – Announcement courtesy of city of Medford website.

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 all other forms of transportation. The Baker-Polito Administration has now awarded the City of Medford a total of approximately $560,000 to date in construction funding for several projects throughout the City.

Within our community the complete streets funding program has allowed us to make necessary improvements. Since February the following projects have been completed:

• Bicycle safety improvements along Boston Avenue
• Pedestrian safety improvements at the intersection of Salem Street and Ashland Street
• Traffic calming and pedestrian improvements at the Winthrop and High Street rotary
• Pedestrian safety improvements on High Street in front of the Brooks Elementary School
• Pedestrian safety improvements at the intersection of High Street and Warren Street

In the most recent round of Complete Streets grants, 24 communities across the Commonwealth were selected to receive funding. The City of Medford has been selected and will receive $149,088 to improve Tufts Square intersections by rebuilding sidewalks, repaving the intersection area and adding new pedestrian and bicycle signals as well as signage. This square is surrounded by Tufts Park, Tufts Pool, local businesses and home to Engine 5 of the Medford Fire Department.

"This popular program is just one of the many ways our administration is partnering with cities and towns to improve their own roadways to increase access to economic opportunities and connectivity throughout local neighborhoods," said Governor Charlie Baker in a statement. "We are proud to announce this latest round of award winners to help ensure that local roads and transportation infrastructure provide accommodations for all modes of travel."

"The Complete Streets program provides critical funding for communities to ensure safety improvements are implemented for all pedestrians, cyclists, motorists," said Mayor Stephanie M. Burke. "Implementing the complete streets model in the City allows us to focus on the safety measures necessary to increase connectivity, improve our infrastructure and strengthen our economic development. I would like to extend a thank you to our Engineering Department as well as the many volunteers that work diligently and serve on our Complete Streets Committee."

Image via city of Medford