Washington (December 15, 2023) – Senators Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) and Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), along with Representatives Richard Neal (MA-01), James P. McGovern (MA-02), Lori Trahan (MA-03), Ayanna Pressley (MA-07), and Stephen Lynch (MA-08), celebrated the Department of Transportation (DOT) grants to Massachusetts totaling more than $17 million in federal funding – through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law’s (BIL) Safe Streets and Roads for All program – to enhance roadway safety for drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians. The federal funding will enable cities and towns to plan and implement traffic safety policies and guidance, such as extending crosswalk times, improving traffic signals, and building bicycle lanes and temporary roundabouts, which will reduce the risk of motorized vehicle accidents and traffic-related injuries and fatalities.
“Massachusetts residents shouldn’t have to worry about their safety when they simply need to cross the street,” said Senator Markey. “Thanks to the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, this funding will make sure the roads we drive, walk, and bike on are safe for families across our Commonwealth. From Boston to the Berkshires, we must continue to fight for a transportation system that brings our roadway accidents down to zero.”
“For too long, Massachusetts has been among one of the most dangerous states for pedestrians. That’s unacceptable,” said Senator Warren. “This critical funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funding will bring much needed investments to help prevent avoidable accidents and make our roads safer for those who walk, bike and drive on them.”
“Massachusetts continues to see significant investments being made in its infrastructure thanks to the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. This announcement will make much needed upgrades to roadways across the Commonwealth, prioritizing the safety of our state’s residents,” said Representative Neal. “With much of this bill drafted in the Ways and Means Committee, I was keen on delivering significant funding to the Commonwealth, particularly in western and central Massachusetts. This $2 million from the Safe Streets and Roads for All Program is on top of the more than $200 million that has already been announced in the First District. These investments are improving the safety of our roadways and bridges, enhancing our clean water systems, and making critical investments in clean energy and climate friendly initiatives.”
“In Massachusetts, our roads, bridges and tunnels are getting fixed thanks to more than $17 million from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law being invested in communities across the Commonwealth for traffic safety improvements,” said Representative McGovern. “Whether driving, biking, or walking, the Biden-Harris Administration and Democrats in Congress are investing to protect working families and make life safer each and every day.”
“I voted for the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law so Massachusetts roads will be safer for everyone, including drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians. I’m glad to see over half a million dollars in federal funding announced for safer streets in Lawrence, Gardner, and Bolton,” said Representative Trahan. “As a member of the Regional Leadership Council, I look forward to the work ahead to make sure Massachusetts gets every dollar we deserve from this once-in-a-generation investment in our infrastructure.”
“Transit justice is at the intersection of our work on climate justice, economic justice, and public safety, which is why I’ve consistently advocated for robust investments that make our surface transportation infrastructure safer for all people,” said Representative Pressley. “These federal funds will go a long way toward improving roadway construction to save lives while also reducing greenhouse gas emissions, promoting alternative modes of transportation such as cycling, and making our communities more connected.”
“I am pleased to see Massachusetts will receive over $17 million from our Federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to increase transportation safety all across the Commonwealth,” said Representative Lynch. “This critical funding will help heavily trafficked cities like Boston, Brockton and Quincy make roadway improvements that will prioritize pedestrian and bicyclist safety as they continue to grow.”
“The Safe Streets and Roads for All program is critical for improving road safety across the state, ensuring that pedestrians, cyclists and drivers can safely get where they need to go through the mode of their choice,” said Governor Maura Healey. “We're grateful to President Biden, Secretary Buttigieg and our incredible Congressional delegation for making these funds available through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. The Healey-Driscoll administration is committed to competing for federal funding to support the infrastructure needs of our cities and towns.”
Specifically, the more than $17 million in federal funding will support 11 community grants across Massachusetts, including:
This round of awards builds on the first round of FY2023 Safe Streets and Roads for All grants awarded to Massachusetts in October 2023:
