State Bill Includes Beverly, Danvers, Peabody, Salem Project Funding​

BOSTON — The final version of the $11.3 billion state transportation and infrastructure bill includes $4 million for projects in Beverly, Danvers, Peabody and Salem, as well as $28 million for an intracoastal ferry pilot connecting terminals, including Salem, along the North Shore.

"This legislation will improve our Commonwealth's transportation infrastructure and roadway safety, helping enhance travel conditions for people living and working across Massachusetts," Sen. Joan Lovely (D-Salem) said.

Bond authorizations were secured for a $2 million pilot program to run a trolley between downtown Peabody and the Salem commuter rail station.

A $1 million bond was secured to construct a Beverly roundabout at the intersection of Brimbal Avenue and Dunham Road, including on and offramps to Route 128, to help improve traffic flow in the area.

There is $1 million for the western extension of the Danvers Rail Trail, connecting the Danvers trail to the Middleton town center.

Sen. Lovely also joined Sens. Lydia Edwards, Bruce Tarr, Brendan Crighton and John Keenan to secure $28 million for an intracoastal ferry pilot connecting terminals in Salem, Gloucester, Lynn, Winthrop, Quincy and Boston to help provide transportation alternatives amid the Sumner Tunnel renovations.

"This transportation bond bill provides Massachusetts with the key to unlock once-in-a-generation federal funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law," said Sen. Brendan Crighton (D-Lynn), the Senate Chair of the Joint Committee on Transportation. "With these combined state and federal investments, we will be able to complete vital work on our highways, roads, bridges, and public transportation systems, improving mobility for all residents of the Commonwealth."

(Scott Souza is a Patch field editor covering Beverly, Danvers, Marblehead, Peabody, Salem and Swampscott. He can be reached at Scott.Souza@Patch.com. Twitter: @Scott_Souza.)