The City will use almost $200,000 in state funding to make pedestrian improvements on a stretch of Pleasant Street that has senior housing on both sides of the street.
The Mass. Department of Transportation (MassDOT) awarded the City $193,545 as part of the Shared Streets and Spaces competitive grant process. The money will be used to improve pedestrian access, safety and connectivity through the installation of new sidewalks, safety features and ADA-compliant pedestrian crossings, according to City Planner Aaron Clausen.
“This project will improve pedestrian infrastructure at a critical location,” said Mayor Jared C. Nicholson. “We are committed to making our streets and sidewalks safer and more walkable, facilitating all modes of transportation.”
The project will include the installation of a new concrete sidewalk in the vicinity of the St. Stephen’s Tower apartments to improve the connection between its entrance and adjacent sidewalk on the north side of Pleasant Street. The plan is to add ADA-compliant handicap ramps, potential installation of Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons (RRFB) and new sidewalk installations where required. The City is working with Woburn-based WorldTech Engineering through the design and construction phase of the project.
In addition to St. Stephen’s Tower, the Wall Plaza and St. Mary’s Plaza senior housing developments are on that stretch of Pleasant Street.
“One of the biggest complaints I get from seniors down there is the traffic,” said Ward 5 Councilor Dianna Chakoutis. “Whatever we can do to make it safer for them will be a big accomplishment. I’m looking forward to it.”
The timeline calls for design work to continue through the summer, with bids for the work going out by the end of the year. Construction is expected to begin next spring.
MassDOT received a record number of applications for funding from this grant this year, according to Secretary and CEO Jamey Tesler.
As part of the efforts to improve the experience of people walking, biking and taking transit
In Lynn, the City also worked with MassDOT to develop the Safe Streets for People Playbook. Community stakeholders, the general public and the City identified priority streets for improvement and developed strategies to support the creation of a safe network for all users.
Work that has already been accomplished in that area includes the start of construction on a new segment of the Northern Strand Trail and the implementation of the first bus lanes and bike lanes in Lynn in 2020.
“We want to keep the momentum going,” Nicholson said. “As these enhancements make our streets and sidewalks safer, we hope that will incentivize more people to walk, run and bike and enjoy the outdoors.”
