The US state of Massachusetts has been awarded more than US$102m in federal grants for transportation infrastructure projects, supporting improvements across the state.
Funded through various US Department of Transportation (DOT) programmes, the projects aim to enhance safety, connectivity and sustainability for communities spanning from Berkshire County to Boston.
Among the major awards is more than US$43m for the McGrath Boulevard Project in Somerville, which will replace an elevated highway with bike and pedestrian-friendly infrastructure, reconnecting long-divided neighbourhoods.
Additionally, a US$14.4m grant will expand electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure at state-owned facilities and Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) car parks, adding approximately 458 Level 2 and 14 Level 3 charging ports.
The Ashuwillticook Trail in Berkshire County will receive more than US$17m to fund the design of a 10-mile shared-use path connecting cultural, recreational, and natural resources.
Other initiatives include US$2m to reconnect parts of Boston’s Mattapan neighbourhood, US$5.2m for railroad crossing safety enhancements, and US$400,000 for Revere’s Walking to Wonderland Study to create pedestrian and cyclist pathways.
Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) transportation secretary Monica Tibbits-Nutt said: “MassDOT has been intentional in creating carbon-free transportation infrastructure and improving safety. These federal grants are critical to advancing our goals.
Federal, state and local leaders, including governor Maura Healey and members of Massachusetts’ Congressional delegation, lauded the funding as a testament to collaborative efforts to modernise infrastructure.
Senator Edward J Markey said: “Massachusetts continues to lead in securing federal funding for projects that make our communities safer, more connected, and sustainable for decades to come.”
The grants reflect Massachusetts’ ongoing success in competing for federal investments, which have totalled more than US$9bn since the Healey-Driscoll administration took office.
The funds include high-profile projects such as the replacement of the Cape Cod Bridges and the expansion of the MBTA’s battery-electric bus fleet.
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