North Andover Middle School 'Safe Route' Improvements Completed

NORTH ANDOVER, MA – There was a celebration Wednesday to recognize the completion of the Safe Routes to School bicycle and pedestrian improvements at the North Andover Middle School. The improvements were done by MassDOT with funds from the Federal Highway Administration and supported through the Massachusetts Safe Routes to School Program. (Keep up on North Andover news by subscribing to Patch and liking us on Facebook.)

"MassDOT’s Safe Routes to School Program is an initiative that helps communities in the Commonwealth to meet their safety and educational goals," said MassDOT Secretary and CEO Stephanie Pollack. "By enhancing key infrastructure immediately surrounding schools, we are able to provide better access to safe walking and biking opportunities for students, parents, school staff, and the local community to take part in healthier travel options."

The improvements include reconstructed sidewalks along the driveway entrance, Massachusetts Avenue, Greene Street, Parker Street, and adjacent neighborhood streets. Improvements also include ADA compliant wheelchair ramps, intersection re-alignment, new pavement markings, signs, and drainage enhancements.

"The Massachusetts Safe Routes to School Program works with elementary and middle schools throughout the Commonwealth to teach the principles of safe walking and bicycling behaviors so that students and parents have the appropriate safety tools to get to school in a fun, active, and healthy way," said Massachusetts Safe Routes to School Program Director Diane Hanson. "The infrastructure improvements can now allow for even more families to walk and bike to school."

Photo of children (not at North Andover) a U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Adarius Petty/Released