Transportation, Economic Bills Include Millions For Andover

ANDOVER, MA — Monumental transportation and economic development packages passed by the Massachusetts legislature early Wednesday morning included millions in funding for infrastructure projects in Andover.

The $16.5 billion transportation bill includes 4 major projects in Andover:

• $60 million for double-tracking the railway at Ballardvale Station
• $25 million for level boarding at stations along the Haverhill Line, including both Andover stations
• $7 million for a noise barrier at the intersection of I-93 and I-95
• $3 million for infrastructure improvements in the Historic Mill District

It also includes $400,000 for the Dale Street Bridge Connection, while the $627 million economic development bill has $200,000 for the senior center.

“This legislation makes crucial investments in our public transportation system and will help support local businesses, commuters, and other residents,” state Sen. Barry Finegold said in a statement. “The Haverhill Commuter Rail Line serves thousands of commuters in the Merrimack Valley, but is often delayed and unreliable."

The MBTA began doubletracking the Haverhill Line between Lawrence and Wilmington in 2010, but only two of eight miles of track have been completed so far.

"These much-needed improvements will help support transit-oriented development and increase rail ridership as residents begin to return to their commutes," Finegold added.

"Double tracking at Ballardvale Station would significantly improve the commute for Andover residents who depend on the Haverhill line to get to work,” Town Manager Andrew Flanagan said. “This project would help resolve the delays and unreliability that make utilizing the Haverhill line challenging for residents.”

The level-boarding funding includes $5 million for each of the town's Haverhill Line stations.

"I am proud to collaborate with a great state delegation on the successful inclusion of key bond provisions, which provide for funding for essential projects that enhance the safety, maintenance, and upgrade of roads, bridges, and public railway in the 18th Essex District and Merrimack Valley,” State Rep. Tram Nguyen said.

The two bills now head to Gov. Charlie Baker's desk. Baker can sign or veto the bills, but any vetoes cannot be overridden by the Legislature because that session is now over.

"I was proud to work with my colleagues in the House and Senate to secure this funding for these critical, local transportation initiatives," state Rep. Frank Moran said.

Christopher Huffaker can be reached at 412-265-8353 or chris.huffaker@patch.com.