Medford Gets Piece Of $6.4 Million In Complete Streets Funding

MEDFORD, MA – Medford is getting some money from the state for improvements to Tufts Square. The Baker-Polito administration this week announced $6.4 million in funding this week for 22 communities through the Complete Streets Funding Program.

These awards are used to fund local, multimodal infrastructure projects that improve accessibility for bicyclists, pedestrians, public transit users, and people using other forms of transportation.

Medford will receive $149,088 to improve Tufts Square intersections by rebuilding sidewalks, repaving the intersection area and adding new pedestrian and bicycle signals and signage.

“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.”

A “Complete Street” is one that provides safe and accessible options for all travel modes and for all people, taking into account the ages and abilities of individuals. The Baker-Polito Administration has now awarded a total of approximately $30 million in construction funding since creating a funding program for Complete Streets in February 2016.

The Complete Streets Funding Program was launched on February 1, 2016. To date, 161 municipalities have approved policies and 111 have approved Prioritization Plans.

Please visit the Complete Streets website for additional information. Check the Complete Streets Map for the status of community participation and documents.

Story by Charlene Arsenault; Photo via Shutterstock