Newton Awarded $400K in 'Complete Streets' Funding

NEWTON, MA – The City of Newton received $400,000 in state funding in the second round of the Complete Streets Program, the Baker-Polito administration announced Thursday.

Fifteen Massachusetts communities were awarded a total of $5.5 million, to be used for local, multi-modal infrastructure improvement projects identified in each municipality's Complete Streets Prioritization Plan. These can include improved street lighting, radar speed signage, intersection signals, shared bike paths, crosswalk signals and the like.

"We are pleased to work closely with the Commonwealth’s municipalities to build vibrant neighborhoods and communities that have access to safe and reliable travel while addressing local infrastructure and development priorities," Gov. Charlie Baker said in a statement. "Through our Complete Streets Program, cities and towns are able to design and develop transportation projects that address their unique needs and help people using all modes of travel get where they need to go."

Newton will use its $400,000 to fund the installation of a traffic signal at the intersection of Washington Street and Harvard Street, additional curb extensions to reduce crossing distance and improve visibility, new sidewalks, wheelchair ramps, accessible pedestrian signals, bicycle detection, signage and pavement markings, according to a release.

Consideration for the Complete Streets Program is a three-tier process – municipalities must attend a program workshop, pass a Complete Streets Policy that scores 80 or above out of a possible 100 points and develop a Complete Streets Prioritization Plan to be eligible for construction funds. Through the program, communities may request up to $50,000 for technical assistance and up to $400,000 for construction funding.

"MassDOT is continuing to collaborate with communities across Massachusetts and provide them with an opportunity to design streets that contribute towards the safety, health and economic viability of our communities," Transportation Secretary and CEO Stephanie Pollack said in a statement. "I am very proud of the hard work that has gone into the Complete Streets Program and thankful for the state and local officials, transportation advocates, MassDOT personnel and key stakeholders who have played a role in managing this program and encouraging ‘complete streets’ design principles in transportation projects."

The Complete Streets Program was launched last February; to date, 108 municipalities have approved policies and 27 have approved Prioritization Plans.

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