Earlier this month, Governor Deval Patrick signed a $1.5 billion transportation bond bill that directs federal and state funds to various road, bridge, rail, and regional transit projects in the state, including several Gateway City placemaking projects.

The bond bill allocates an additional $4 million for design and construction of the Springfield’s Union Station project. The bill also provides a $3 million allocation for the Worcester Wayfinding System, a public-private partnership between the city and its business, cultural, and higher education communities, featured last April at the MassINC Creative Placemaking Summit.

Other notable investments include $1.5 million for a bike and pedestrian path along the New Bedford hurricane barrier with an access way to Palmer Island. In addition, the city will see $4 million for the improvement of the John F. Kennedy memorial highway, including access between the Downtown Historic Arts and Cultural District and the New Bedford Waterfront. 

    – Justin Matheus