Holliston, Franklin officials say their transport infrastructure will soon improve

HOLLISTON — Town officials say that a nearly $400,000 state grant will allow them to make infrastructure improvements that will result in safer access for people venturing downtown.

The $399,693.85 grant from the Baker-Polito administration’s Complete Streets Funding Program is administered by the state Department of Transportation.

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“Our downtown area is one of our largest commercial areas and the historic center … we will provide safer access for people,” said Select Board member Tina Hein.

Central Street and downtown Holliston will see the biggest impact, according to Town Administrator Travis Ahern.

Work will include installing and repairing sidewalks, curbing ramps, enhancing crosswalks, and adding rectangular rapid flashing beacons on Central Street and bicycle parking racks at the Holliston Grill, as well as adding speed feedback signs on Woodland and Norfolk streets.

To ensure Americans with Disabilities Act compliance and other accessibility needs are met, Ahern said the town hired a consultant from Stantec — an international engineering services company — to assess improvement areas.

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“We have brought into focus the need to address multimodal transportation to elevate the needs of vulnerable users and address ADA accessibility,” said Hein. “That was missing but… we’ve been on a fast track and (already) had quite a bit of success.”

There are two downtown bus stops that do not provide shelter from the elements.

“This means a lot to me, because if you’re somebody with a disability and you’re without anything over your head, you can’t rush into the library and seek shelter,” said Hein. “I think that’s very important that we’re considering that.”

She is “most proud of” the bus stop upgrades and estimates the town will start work on these projects next year.

The Complete Streets funding program was launched by the Baker administration in 2016. It has awarded more than $83 million for the purpose of building safe and accessible transport and “continues to advance mobility and connectivity throughout the commonwealth,” Gov. Charlie Baker said in a press release.

Today, 252 municipalities have adopted a local Complete Streets policy and 222 developed an approved Complete Streets Prioritization Plan, according to the release.

Each town’s first step, or tier, is to adopt a policy that “opens the door for funding for tier II — drafting a prioritization plan,” according to Hein.

Through tier II, the state paid for a consultant to come to Holliston and work alongside residents, Select Board members and staff to help create a prioritization plan.

Hein and Director of Public Works Sean Reese were key players in leading that process, according to Ahern.

After getting the project list approved by MassDOT, municipalities can apply for tier III — receiving up to $400,000 of funding every three years.

While Holliston was about $300 short of achieving the maximum award, Hein and Ahern expressed gratitude for the financial assistance that will help fund nine projects.

With the state grant in hand, Ahern said the town will only need to provide an additional $230,000 from the Capital Expenditure Fund.

Holliston is among 16 Massachusetts communities that received funding for fiscal 2023.

Another is Franklin. That community received $89,700 that will go toward three projects: Adding bicycle racks at several locations; and installing rapid flashing beacons at the Southern New England Trunkline Trail entrance on Grove Street and a crosswalk on Lincoln Street, according to Town Engineer Mike Maglio.

He said the improvements will increase safety for pedestrians and bicyclists, “not just cars.”

“This was our first application for the funds … last year, we decided to go for it and become a Complete Streets community," Maglio said. "It was well worth the effort."

This article originally appeared on The Milford Daily News: Holliston and Franklin are Complete Streets grant recipients.