Work begins on Commonwealth Ave. project

"It’s our priority to use transportation funds efficiently and effectively to improve important roadways in communities throughout the Commonwealth," said Transportation Secretary James A. Aloisi Jr. "Importantly, the Commonwealth Ave project will help improve access for cars, pedestrian and bicyclists.”

The $5.7 million project involves the reconstruction of Commonwealth Avenue from 330 feet west of Grant Avenue to the Boston city line. The proposed work includes new sidewalks with granite curbing and new traffic signals at Grant Avenue, Hammond Street and Mount Alvernia Road/Old Colony Road.

“MassHighway continues to invest in vital infrastructure projects throughout the Commonwealth,” said MassHighway Commissioner Luisa Paiewonsky. “This project represents a much-needed improvement of a major roadway.”

The work is being completed in conjunction with city of Newton’s Commonwealth Avenue Reconstruction Project to improve the capacity, safety and visual appeal of the entire corridor for motorists, bicyclists and pedestrians. The reconstruction is intended to preserve and enhance this section of the Commonwealth Avenue historic Carriageway. An additional $800,000 in enhancement funds will cover special pavement treatment lighting, landscaping and pedestrian amenities.

“We are grateful to Secretary Aloisi and his staff for their visit to Newton,” said Mayor David Cohen. “Commonwealth Avenue is among the city’s most traveled thoroughfares, and it plays an historic role in New England lore. Its upkeep is crucial to the safety of thousands of motorists and pedestrians each day. It is clear from our conversations, and from his appearance on June 2, that Secretary Aloisi understands the importance of this project to the people of Newton.”

"I have worked hard in my years in the Legislature to strengthen state programs which provide tangible improvements to the lives of Newton’s residents,” said Representative Ruth Balser. “I am happy to see progress being made on repairing and upgrading Commonwealth Avenue and will continue to support infrastructure programs which benefit Newton.”

“It is a pleasure to know that Secretary Aloisi and the Executive Office of Transportation are taking the time to closely look at the ongoing projects here in Newton,” stated Representative Kay Khan. “The reconstruction of this portion of Commonwealth Avenue will help preserve the historical elements of the area, as well as make it a far better road to drive, bike, and walk along, and we always appreciate the Secretary taking the time to visit these sites in the Newton community.”

The state's contractor on the project is Newport Construction Corporation of Nashua, N.H. The projected completion date is May 2011.

Governor Patrick's Massachusetts Recovery Plan combines a range of state and federal funding sources to provide immediate and long-term economic relief. The Massachusetts Recovery Plan positions the Commonwealth for recovery in the following ways:

Deliver immediate relief by investing in the road, bridge and rail projects that put people to work today and providing safety net services that sustain people who are especially vulnerable during an economic crisis;

Use public infrastructure improvements to leverage private investment and broad-based economic development;
Build a better tomorrow through education and infrastructure investments that strengthen our economic competitiveness, prepare workers for the jobs of the future and support clean energy, broadband and technology projects that cut costs while growing the economy; and
Reform state government by eliminating the pension and ethics loopholes that discredit the work of government and revitalize the transportation networks that have suffered from decades of neglect and inaction.

“MassHighway continues to invest in vital infrastructure projects throughout the Commonwealth,” said MassHighway Commissioner Luisa Paiewonsky. “This project represents a much-needed improvement of a major roadway.”

The work is being completed in conjunction with city of Newton’s Commonwealth Avenue Reconstruction Project to improve the capacity, safety and visual appeal of the entire corridor for motorists, bicyclists and pedestrians. The reconstruction is intended to preserve and enhance this section of the Commonwealth Avenue historic Carriageway. An additional $800,000 in enhancement funds will cover special pavement treatment lighting, landscaping and pedestrian amenities.

“We are grateful to Secretary Aloisi and his staff for their visit to Newton,” said Mayor David Cohen. “Commonwealth Avenue is among the city’s most traveled thoroughfares, and it plays an historic role in New England lore. Its upkeep is crucial to the safety of thousands of motorists and pedestrians each day. It is clear from our conversations, and from his appearance on June 2, that Secretary Aloisi understands the importance of this project to the people of Newton.”

"I have worked hard in my years in the Legislature to strengthen state programs which provide tangible improvements to the lives of Newton’s residents,” said Representative Ruth Balser. “I am happy to see progress being made on repairing and upgrading Commonwealth Avenue and will continue to support infrastructure programs which benefit Newton.”

“It is a pleasure to know that Secretary Aloisi and the Executive Office of Transportation are taking the time to closely look at the ongoing projects here in Newton,” stated Representative Kay Khan. “The reconstruction of this portion of Commonwealth Avenue will help preserve the historical elements of the area, as well as make it a far better road to drive, bike, and walk along, and we always appreciate the Secretary taking the time to visit these sites in the Newton community.”

The state's contractor on the project is Newport Construction Corporation of Nashua, N.H. The projected completion date is May 2011.

Governor Patrick's Massachusetts Recovery Plan combines a range of state and federal funding sources to provide immediate and long-term economic relief. The Massachusetts Recovery Plan positions the Commonwealth for recovery in the following ways:

Deliver immediate relief by investing in the road, bridge and rail projects that put people to work today and providing safety net services that sustain people who are especially vulnerable during an economic crisis;

Use public infrastructure improvements to leverage private investment and broad-based economic development;

Build a better tomorrow through education and infrastructure investments that strengthen our economic competitiveness, prepare workers for the jobs of the future and support clean energy, broadband and technology projects that cut costs while growing the economy; and
Reform state government by eliminating the pension and ethics loopholes that discredit the work of government and revitalize the transportation networks that have suffered from decades of neglect and inaction.