Politics & Government

Legislators Announce $5 Million To Fix Downtown Framingham Traffic Problem

As part of the state's $12.7 million transportation bond bill, Framingham will receive $5 million for planning and construction to upgrade the rail-crossing at Route 126 and Route 135 to mitigate traffic congestion caused by MBTA and CSX trains.

State Rep. Tom Sannicandro, Rep. Chris Walsh and Senator Karen Spilka , all of whom represent Framingham, joined their colleagues in the Legislature this week in passing a $12.7 billion Transportation Bond Bill for infrastructure upgrades throughout the Commonwealth, including more than $5 million for projects in the Town of Framingham. 

“This investment is a quality of life issue for Framingham residents,” said Rep. Sannicandro. “Downtown Framingham will receive money to address traffic problems that is vital for the area’s economic revitalization.”

“This funding is the result of collaboration between multiple stakeholders both on the state and local levels who understand the significance of finding solutions to the issues facing downtown Framingham,” said Rep. Walsh. “We are renewing the commitment to turning downtown Framingham into a critical economic engine in the MetroWest.” 

“Reliable, well-maintained transportation infrastructure is key for quality of life and economic development across the Commonwealth,” said Sen. Spilka. “This bill supports many important transportation projects in MetroWest and state-wide to address accessibility, safety and traffic issues. I am especially pleased that we were able to include funding to finally address the traffic headaches that have plagued downtown Framingham for years.” 

Framingham will receive $5 million for planning and construction to upgrade the rail-crossing at Route 126 and Route 135 to mitigate traffic congestion caused by MBTA and CSX trains.

The bill also includes $700,000 to continue the development of the Bruce Freeman Rail Trail. The public trail runs north and south from Sudbury into Framingham.
 
Throughout the state, the bill invests $350 million in transportation facilities, highway systems, urban development plans, and the purchase and rehabilitation of MBTA trains.

Also included was a $300 million investment for Chapter 90 for local road projects. A $2.3 billion investment will go toward the establishment of the South Coast rail line, as well as over $1.3 billion in funds to expand the Green Line from Lechmere to Route 16 in Medford.

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Originally posted at midnight. Updated with quotes.


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