Brookline Rep. Vitolo Secures $10M For Local Transportation Projects

BROOKLINE, MA — On Thursday, the Massachusetts House of Representatives passed an $11 billion infrastructure bond bill, including $10 million for the design and construction of the Davis Path Footbridge and Beacon Street Bridle Path in Brookline, as filed by Representative Tommy Vitolo.

“Making our local transportation system safer and more accessible is not possible without strong relationships between community leaders and the state,” Vitolo said in a statement. “I am fortunate to work alongside local leaders who are in it for the long haul and who leverage their experiences working for MassDOT and the MBTA to serve Brookline.”

"Both of these projects will improve safety and access to health and sustainable transportation modes,” Todd Kirrane, Brookline Transportation Administrator, said in a statement. "The Davis Path Footbridge has been an important part of the Town’s pedestrian network as a safe north-south connection over the D-Branch by Emerson Garden and the Beacon Street Bridle Path is an important opportunity to reimagine the space along the C-Branch.”

"The Town is grateful for Representative Vitolo’s continued advocacy identifying state funding opportunities to keep critical transportation and economic development projects moving forward,” he continued.

The bill bonds $5 million for the construction of the Davis Path Footbridge. Connecting White Place to Boylston Street across from the Old Lincoln School, the Davis Path Footbridge provided a safe pedestrian connection between the school, the Boylston Street Playground, the surrounding neighborhood, and Brookline Village. The bridge was demolished in April 2020 due to structural concerns and plans for its replacement have been in the works since.

"Rebuilding the Davis Path Footbridge is a matter of equity, safety, and access,” Brian Kane, Chair of the Brookline Transportation Board, said in a statement. "The bridge connects minority neighborhoods on either side of the D-line to schools, town services, and businesses in Brookline Village. To be successful, this project requires coordination between the Town and MBTA. We're fortunate to have Representative Vitolo to strengthen those relationships and help us secure necessary funding.”

An additional $5 million was bonded for the design and construction of the Beacon Street Bridle Path. Running alongside the C Line track on Beacon Street, the Bridle Path would be a multimodal pathway with space for pedestrians and cyclists as well as natural space for residents to gather.

"Beacon Street is one of our main streets in Brookline, yet it is mostly inaccessible for bicyclists,” Emily Jacobsen, member of the Brookline Bicycle Advisory Committee, said in a statement. "I am grateful that people, like Representative Vitolo, are working to restore and transform the historic bridle path, that has been neglected and used as a parking lot, into a beautiful park that can be used by pedestrians and cyclists.”

“The Beacon Street Bridle Path is a bold, innovative example of how we can make biking safer and easier by thinking outside of the box,” Wendy Friedman, member of the Brookline Transportation Board, said in a statement. “This project, initially designed by a Brookline resident, is a great example of what can happen when town staff and citizens work together. But this kind of work costs a lot more than paint. We can't accomplish this alone, which is why I’m grateful for Representative Vitolo's consistent support and advocacy on behalf of this effort - he has played an instrumental role in securing this funding and in regional planning in general.”

After being approved by the legislature, bonded funds must be released by the Executive branch. In order for the Town of Brookline to begin design and construction with these funds, Governor Baker or the next Governor must authorize the spending.

The bill also sets aside $400 million to improve safety on the MBTA and $250 million to advance the proposed passenger rail linking extension linking western and eastern Massachusetts.

“Ensuring that the Commonwealth’s transportation infrastructure is adequately funded is a top priority for the House, which is why I’m proud of the legislation passed today,” said House Speaker Ronald J. Mariano said in a statement. “In addition to significant funding for roadway and bridge projects, this bill also recognizes the importance of providing further support for the MBTA in their ongoing effort to address safety concerns, and for the ever-important East-West Rail project. I want to thank Chairs Michlewitz, Straus, and Gregoire, as well as all my colleagues in the House, for the hard work required to get this done.”

The bill now goes to the Senate before reaching the Governor’s desk to be signed into law.