Medford, Neighbors to Receive State Highway Funds

Medford and several other communities will receive state funding for a variety of road projects, Governor Deval Patrick and the state Executive Office of Transportation announced this week.

Governor Patrick has dedicated $165 million in stimulus funds for road projects in the Greater Boston area, including millions for Medford and a few other nearby communities.

Medford will receive $1 million for realignment of Clippership Drive and improvements to reduce speeds, create parking, and build new sidewalks along that road.

Additionally, several neighboring communities are receiving funding that will impact travel to and from Medford.

Somerville will receive millions in state money for several different projects. Fifteen million is slated for road improvements around Assembly Square, where an Ikea is planned. The reconstruction of Washington Street from the Boston line to Route 28/McGrath Highway will receive $1.7 million. Also, Somerville, along with Arlington and Cambridge, will receive $3.6 million for the Minuteman Bike Path Connector, including a path and an elevated boardwalk on both sides of Alewife Brook between Route 2 and the Mystic Valley Parkway.

“These projects put stimulus money and Massachusetts people to work,” said Governor Patrick. “This administration is all about investing in our future, and these funds help.”

The $165 million for the latest round of highway projects is part of $437.9 million Governor Patrick has allocated from federal stimulus funding for road improvements.

– InsideMedford.com