Salem Awarded $3.3M MassWorks Grant

Funds will make possible road and sidewalk projects in two neighborhoods
Grant award event

The City of Salem has been awarded two MassWorks grants by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, both directed advancing major roadway and pedestrian improvement projects in two separate neighborhoods in the city. 

$45,000 was awarded for the continuation of design and start of implementation for the planned North Street Connector Path, to link North Salem with the MBTA station and downtown Salem in a more accessible and pedestrian-friendly manner. $3,250,000 was awarded to construct planned improvements on multiple streets and intersections throughout the Point neighborhood, including new road surfaces, sidewalks, trees, crossings, and accessibility enhancements.

This award marks the fifth MassWorks grant the City has secured in the past decade, for a total of $12.4 million in state funding from this program to carry out significant complete streets, sidewalk, and off-street path infrastructure projects across the community since 2011.

“This substantial grant will allow us to carry out major roadway and pedestrian improvements to a critical network of streets and intersections both in the Point and at the connection between North Salem, the MBTA, and downtown,” said Mayor Kim Driscoll. “Importantly, these grants, which will fund upgrades that all our residents will benefit from, are made possible because of private projects, by the North Shore CDC and Winn, in these neighborhoods. We are intentional and thoughtful about growth, and by leveraging these private projects, we’re able to advance public infrastructure projects that benefit all residents. I’m extremely grateful to the Baker administration and our state legislators, State Representative Paul Tucker and State Senator Joan Lovely, who have made the MassWorks program possible. I also would like to thank the City staff, Councillors, and neighborhood stakeholders who have worked to advance and refine these projects.”

“This news is an exciting step forward to creating better connections to North Salem,” said Ward 6 City Councillor Meg Riccardi, who represents the area on the City Council. “A safe and accessible pedestrian and bike route to the commuter rail, downtown, and more is sorely needed, and I am grateful to the residents and City’s advocacy in this area.”

“The work that this grant will make possible will greatly improve conditions for those who live in, work in, and visit the Point,” said Ward 1 City Councillor Bob McCarthy, who represents the neighborhood on the City Council. “The upgrades this project will make to Peabody Street, Harbor Street, Congress Street, Ward Street, and Leavitt Street will result in a more walkable, more accessible, and more pleasant neighborhood for all. I’m proud to have been an advocate for these investments and look forward to continuing to stand up for improvements for the Point neighborhood going forward.”