Burlington Reveals Details About Complete Streets Construction Project

BURLINGTON, MA — The Town of Burlington last week announced details about how it plans to spend the $500,000 grant it received recently from the Massachusetts Department of Public Transportation (MassDOT).

The grant was part of the Complete Streets Funding Program and is meant to fund local multimodal infrastructure projects that improve travel for bicyclists, pedestrians, public transit users and people using other forms of transportation.

The grant money will go to the Burlington Department of Public Works (DPW) and will fund the construction of sidewalks along Blanchard Road starting at South Bedford Street and Muller Road, according to Burlington officials.

The project, according to Burlington officials, fills in the gap between the existing Van De Graaff Drive and Seven Springs Lane bike paths. The project also will include crossing improvements, pedestrian wayfinding and street lighting.

The area where the construction is planned is heavily used by pedestrians walking to and from Mary Cummins Park, Marvin Field and other adjacent businesses.

"The grant will help the town's long-term economic use plan for the whole area by creating improved walkability," said Melisa Tintocalis, Burlington's director of economic development.

Burlington officials said the construction plan for the project calls for design and permitting to take place through 2023, and for building to begin in 2024. Construction is expected to be complete by the end of 2024.

Burlington was one of 15 communities to receive a grant as part of the FY2023 round two of grants for the Complete Streets Funding Program.

A "complete street," as defined by MassDOT, is one that enables safe, convenient and comfortable travel for users of all ages and abilities regardless of their mode of transportation. MassDOT said the funding program aims to teach communities about complete streets and encourage the integration of complete streets into regular local planning practices.