Central Mass. communities split $1.3M in shared streets funding

Photo | Grant Welker Main Street in Worcester is being remade with new paving and sidewalks. A Worcester Regional Research Bureau report aims to encourage the city to become more walkable.

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By Aliya Larkin

The Gov. Charlie Baker Administration announced this fall 13 Central Massachusetts communities would split $1.25 million in Shared Streets and Spaces emergency grants, in order to make roads more pedestrian- and bicycle-friendly, part of $10 million handed out statewide.

Fitchburg received $53,295.45 to implement a project including changing Commercial Street into a pedestrian-only street, replacing on-street parking with traffic calming measures, create formal loading zones, restoring crosswalks and making already existing crosswalk ramps ADA-accessible.

Framingham received $266,250 to construct new sidewalks, bump-outs at intersections and shortened crossing distances to improve pedestrian safety.

Gardner received $47,999 to create new outdoor dining spaces, which will also serve as waiting areas for some local businesses.

Holliston received $12,000 to convert Front Street to a one way in the southbound direction and create a pedestrian zone to the intersection at Winthrop Street, including help accessing the Upper Charles Rail Trail.

Leicester received $20,000 to fund new benches and solar powered lights to slow traffic to ensure pedestrian safety.

Natick received $55,000 to create a separated bike/shared-use lane using a segment of Route 30 connecting the Snake Brook Trail at Cochituate State Park on the east with the commercial Speen Street area on the west.

Northbridge received $135,739.80 to create a safer drop-off area in a school parking lot, install a temporary sidewalk connecting the parking lot with the crossing guard crosswalk, redirect entrance and exit patterns for the school, install new signs and add two handicap-accessible parking spots.

Princeton received $40,791.20 to create a temporary sidewalk to provide for pedestrians walking and biking.

Sterling received two grants totaling $66,000 to fund safety beacons, curb extensions, better crosswalk delineation, and flexible posts. The second grant will fund the implementation of a dedicated bike lane, improve curb ramps and crosswalks, and convert on-street parking into outdoor dining space.

Uxbridge received $241,875 to construct new sidewalk spaces, including accessible curb-ramps, signage, and crosswalks, in order to safely connect two schools and recreational areas.

Wayland received $29,070 to install new outdoor dining and seating areas and establish new connections to the Mass Central Rail Trail.

West Boylston received $147,460 to install traffic calming measures and new handicap-accessible sidewalks, including wheelchair ramps and driveway aprons, within a school zone.

Worcester received $136,740 to install outdoor seating areas and handicap-compliant sidewalks, converting streets to pedestrians usage only, traffic calming, and speed reduction measures.