BCAT News

The Town of Burlington’s Department of Public Works has received a $500,000 Complete Streets Grant from the Massachusetts Department of Transportation Highway Division.

The grant will fund the construction of sidewalks along Blanchard Road starting at South Bedford Street to Muller Road. This project fills in the gap between the existing Van De Graaff Drive and Seven Springs Lane bike paths. The project also includes crossing improvements, pedestrian wayfinding, and street lighting.  The area is heavily used by pedestrians walking to and from the Mary Cummins Park, Marvin Field, and the various adjacent businesses. Burlington’s Economic Development Director Melisa Tintocalis spoke on improving the connectivity.

“The grant will help with the town’s long term economic use plan for the whole area by creating improved walkability,” said Tintocalis.

The construction has to be complete by the end of 2024. The plan is to design & permit through 2023, then build in 2024.

Burlington is one of 15 communities to receive a grant as part of the Fiscal Year 2023 Round Two of grants for the Complete Streets Funding Program. These grant awards are used to fund local multimodal infrastructure projects that improve travel for bicyclists, pedestrians, public transit users, and people using other forms of transportation. 

A “Complete Street” is one that enables safe, convenient, and comfortable travel for users of all ages and abilities regardless of their mode of transportation. Administered by MassDOT, the Complete Streets Funding Program aims to teach communities about Complete Streets and encourage the integration of Complete Streets into regular local planning practices.

For more information contact ed@burlington.org