The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) recently granted over $4,570,000 to four municipalities under the second round of the Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) Grant Program, a project of the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT). The program, as details released by MassDOT, seeks to allocate around $5 billion over five years to enhance road safety and improve inclusivity in public spaces. The program is carried out through the financial support of the federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
These funds are set to bolster infrastructure undertakings and public planning in the cities of Brockton, Haverhill, Lowell, and Somerville. As a result, safety plans, data analyses, and the execution of safety protocols to prevent traffic-related accidents, and injuries involving pedestrians, cyclists, micromobility device users, motorists, and public transportation riders are expected to to be developed.
The significance of these grants is not limited to road safety—it also ensures grassroots participation in decision-making. By involving the community in the planning and implementation of local projects, the undertaking ensures that public concerns are addressed. As emphasized in the MassDOT's report, the Safe Systems Approach, which gives due regard to the system's role in promoting safety, makes the program an essential part of road safety.
Earlier this year, in February, MassDOT awarded grants to 17 municipalities in the first round of the to, SS4A Grant Program. The funds were distributed among various projects, with the City of Boston receiving $9,000,000 and the Boston Metropolitan Area Planning Council getting $2,238,680. Anticipating additional awards in December, MassDOT also expects the next application period to open around February 2024.
The critical role the federal government, particularly the Biden Administration, plays in promoting road safety is clear. Its support for these programs reflects its commitment to creating safe, inclusive public spaces, as confirmed by Acting Transportation Secretary and CEO Monica Tibbits-Nutt. In a public statement, she reminded us the goal is to protect all travelers, irrespective of their chosen mode of transport.
