Newton Approves $80K In ARPA Funds For Bicycle, Pedestrian Plan

NEWTON, MA — The City of Newton has approved $80,000 in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to develop a bicycle and pedestrian master plan with the goal of improving city streets and sidewalks for those who walk and bike.

According to Mayor Ruthanne Fuller's office, the master plan will be developed over a nine month period, eventually creating a transportation system that is safe, smart, accessible, livable and sustainable.

“It’s time to take the next significant step forward by developing a comprehensive, long-term bicycle and pedestrian master plan," said Fuller in a statement. "Providing a high-quality bicycle and pedestrian network will enhance the quality of life for our residents and visitors of all ages, help reduce greenhouse gas emissions, increase public health, and support community and economic development."

The plan will be devised with help from an experienced consultant and participation from residents, businesses, transportation-focused groups, City Councilors, and relevant departments, boards, and commissions, including the Commission on Disability. It will include the following key elements:

• The plan will identify locations on roads, corridors, intersections, and at spot locations that collectively comprise the network. The network plan willensure safe and accessible all ages bicycling and walking for people of allability levels to both neighborhood and citywide destinations.
• The plan will identify infrastructure improvements for projects, including facility type, dimensions, limits, sidewalk improvements, crossing enhancements, and more.
• The plan will prioritize projects for implementation based on criteria such asbenefit, feasibility, demand, connectivity, road repaving schedule, cost, andCity and utility projects. It will include a sequence, timeline and costs forimplementation in the Capital Improvement Plan and the Operating Budget,in both the short-term and long-term.

For more information about transportation planning in Newton, click here.