LYNN — The city is getting a new set of bike lanes on Western Avenue.
Lynn, in partnership with the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA), was awarded $318,450 through the Massachusetts Department of Transportation’s (MassDOT) Shared Winter Streets and Spaces program.
The city plans to use the funding for bike lanes and other transit improvements on the portion of Western Avenue owned by MassDOT — between Ida Street and the city limits at the Belden Bly Bridge, according to state Sen. Brendan Crighton’s (D-Lynn) office.
In a Wednesday press release, Mayor Thomas M. McGee expressed his excitement about the project.
“I am excited for the continued expansion of bus and bike lanes throughout the city of Lynn to improve the safety, accessibility, and reliability for all commuters,” said McGee. “The continued support of the MBTA and the members of our state delegation is greatly appreciated, as we continue to work to make infrastructure improvements within the city.”
The bike lanes, which will also function as shared bus lanes, will run in both directions. Additionally, the funding will be used on technological improvements on traffic signals, which would prioritize bus transit, making the bus route more efficient and reliable, according to Crighton’s office.
City Planner Aaron Clausen estimated work would begin on the project in early spring.
The new bike lanes will turn what was formerly a two-lane street into one lane. He said that potential congestion problems caused by the reduction in lanes would be offset by improvements to the traffic signals.
“It’s hard to say what exactly the impact will be,” said Clausen, referencing a similar project on Market Street. “There were stretches on Market Street where we went from two lanes to one where we saw little, if any effect, on the level of service because we were able to get so much more out of the traffic signals.”
Improving transit has been a major priority for McGee, who was formerly the Joint Chair of the Transportation Committee when he served as a state senator for the Third Essex District.
The mayor’s administration has recently added bike lanes to Market Street, State Street, and around the Lynn Common.
“The city of Lynn’s commitment to infrastructure improvements has made our streets and sidewalks safer and more accessible to all,” said Crighton. “I would like to thank Mayor McGee for his continued focus on transportation and the MBTA for this important funding.”
MassDOT’s Shared Winter Streets and Spaces program provides grants for municipalities to quickly launch changes for safer walking, biking, public transit, recreation, commerce, and civic activities.
MassDOT is particularly focused on projects that respond to the public health crisis and provide safe mobility for children and elders to public transportation, and to open space and parks, the release said.
“I am thrilled to join my fellow colleagues in the Lynn delegation and Mayor Tom McGee in celebrating the funding made available to improve Western Avenue,” said state Rep. Lori Ehrlich (D-Marblehead). “By adding bi-directional bike and bus lanes, and new signals to keep drivers and cyclists safe, the city of Lynn and the MBTA will reduce traffic and vehicle emissions while improving public health, all of which is good for everyone.”
“It is great news to hear that the MBTA and the City of Lynn are working together,” added state Rep. Donald Wong (R-Saugus). “They will make it safer for our bike riders, pedestrians, and (buses) with installations of some safety devices.”
Guthrie Scrimgeour can be reached at [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter @g_scrimgeour.
