The Town of Arlington has been awarded $400,000 from the Massachusetts Department of Transportation under its Complete Streets program.

The money will be used to build new sidewalks, improve existing walks, install curb ramps for handicapped accessibility and other pedestrian improvements on Gray Street between Oakland Avenue and Lockeland Avenue.

Special attention will be paid to the Quincy Street intersection, which is heavily used by Ottoson Middle School students.

Construction is expected to be completed by next June, a town news release says.

Roadway repaving is not included as part of this grant, but the town plans to repave adjacent sections of the roadway following the completion of this project.

"We are thrilled to receive this news from MassDOT to move forward critical pedestrian improvements on Gray Street and to successfully implement the town’s Complete Streets policy and program,” Arlington Town Manager Adam Chapdelaine said in the release. "I would like to especially thank the Board of Selectmen for their leadership in adopting a Complete Streets policy, as well as the Transportation Advisory Committee, DPW staff and planning staff for working swiftly to develop and submit this successful grant application."

Last April, selectmen adopted a Complete Streets policy, pledging to consider all users equally in future road and sidewalk design. Users include pedestrians, drivers, bicyclists and transit users of all ages and abilities.

The goal of the policy and the state program is to reduce traffic congestion by offering safe and accessible alternatives to driving. Adopting this policy was a prerequisite for applying for funds under this program.

The town’s policy was accepted by the state and also reviewed on July 25 by the town Redevelopment Board.

To view the town’s Complete Streets policy, visit arlingtonma.gov/planning. 

This announcement was published Friday, July 29, 2016.