The Massachusetts Legislature has passed a bill authorizing $13 billion in capital spending over five years to fund improvements to the state’s transportation system.
The bill includes $2.5 million for transportation fixes in Weston. The money would be used for the planning, design, construction and any additional costs for improvements at the intersection of state highway route 30 at South Avenue and Wellesley Street.
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“This isn’t a done deal yet; these projects have reached an important point, but the job of making them happen isn’t over,” said area State Sen. Mike Barrett. “A new governor must direct money to the specified improvements and the treasurer must sell bonds to pay for them. We’re not there yet, but we’re well on our way.” Barrett also directed praise at Rep. Alice Peisch (D-Wellesley) for helping to pass the legislation in the House.
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The bill includes a one-year $300 million authorization for the so-called Chapter 90 program. The program funds local projects such as fixing bridges and roads.
Bicyclists and pedestrians see support through the authorization of $50 million for the Complete Streets Program, which takes a wide angle look at how to best integrate biking and walking paths with roadways. The bond bill also creates a grant program for municipalities to promote all kinds of transportation -- walking, cycling, public transportation, automobiles and freight.
The final bill came out of a conference committee agreement, before receiving final approval from the House and Senate. It now goes to the governor’s desk to be signed.