Downtown Trains, Traffic Reason For Lt. Governor's Visit to Framingham

The MetroWest legislative delegation met with Massachusetts Lt. Gov. Tim Murray and Transportation Secretary Richard Davey yesterday (Aug. 20) regarding efforts to mitigate congestion caused by the rail crossing in downtown Framingham.

Murray and Davey rode the 7:45 a.m. train from Worcester into Framingham to meet with Reps. Tom Sannicandro (D-Ashland) and Chris Walsh (D-Framingham) and Sen. Karen Spilka (D-Ashland).

Within minutes, the group walked to the intersection at 126 and 135, and a train came by that stopped traffic to demonstrate the effect it has.

“The at-grade train crossing in Framingham is the single greatest barrier to the revitalization of downtown. It was encouraging to hear the administration’s commitment to acting quickly to ease traffic and improve the walkways,” said Spilka.

. “It can be revitalized and create an opportunity for small businesses to thrive, but we need to make it happen. We’re trying to make this a priority, so I’m hopeful we can see some progress.”

Afterward, the group met at the Memorial Building to discuss plans to mitigate the congestion. The meeting was closed to the public.

“This issue has been talked about for far too long” Walsh said. “The economic potential and impact for Framingham and the whole of the MetroWest area is huge, but only if we move on it. In this endeavor I believe we have partners in the Governor, Lt. Gov. Murray and Secretary Davey, and I am looking forward to helping put a shovel in the ground to finally create real change and real opportunity for our area.”

The renovation will likely require a partnership between local, state, and federal officials.

“Even more significant is putting in place a great team — the Lt. Governor, administration officials, Congressman Markey, the legislative delegation, and Framingham Selectmen and town officials — all committed to fixing the intersection once and for all," said Spilka.