BOSTON – Three local transportation projects have received funding in the Transportation Bond Bill, passed unanimously by the House of Representatives on Wednesday, Representative Michael A. Costello announced.
In total, $1.4 million will be spent on two projects in Amesbury and one in Newburyport. In Amesbury, the House allocated $300,000 for enhanced lighting and streetscape improvements around the 1st Lt. Derek Hines Bridge and Deer Island, and $400,000 for interior build out at the new Merrimack Valley Regional Transportation Authority’s transportation center. An additional $700,000 will be spent for the realignment Spofford Street, Moseley Avenue and Merrimac Street in Newburyport.
“This legislation represents a significant investment by the Legislature in the Commonwealth’s critical infrastructure, including bridges, roads and railways,” said Representative Costello. “In particular, the three projects funded in my district have been priorities for some time, and I’m happy that the state will make this work possible.”
“I want to thank Governor Deval Patrick for proposing this comprehensive transportation plan, and I also want to recognize Senator Steven Baddour, chairman of the Transportation Committee, who did a lot of work on this bill,” Costello added.
The Lt. Derek Hines Bridge lies between Newburyport and Amesbury, and the money will be used to make improvements that better reflect the bridge’s position as a gateway to both communities.
The Merrimack Valley Transportation Authority’s transportation center is a key piece of the revitalization of downtown Amesbury. In addition to the intermodal transportation center, the building will host many of the city’s health and human services functions, including a senior center, the Department of Youth Services, the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Department of Health.
With the funds, Newburyport will make improvements to the confusing and, at times, dangerous intersection of Merrimac and Spofford Streets.