Taunton Gets State Money For Street Upgrades

The City of Taunton has received $399,930 in state funds to pay for upgrades on Kilmer Ave.

City officials say the award is being funded through the Baker-Polito administration's "Complete Streets Program."

Katherine Nunes, a Fiscal Agent for the Taunton Department of Public Works, told WBSM News the work will include sidewalk improvements, curb ramps, curbing, bicycle accommodations, and crosswalk improvements to make sure that people will be able to move on the street through a wide array of transportation methods.

"Part of this initiative with Complete Streets is to address all modes of transportation," said Nunes "bicyclists, pedestrians, handicapped residents, drivers, things like that, to make a complete street."

Nunes says that they selected Kilmer Ave. due to the current condition of the roadway and the high volume of traffic that takes place in the area.

"It's very close to temporary City Hall, it's within walking distance of two elementary schools, it's in walking distance of a heavily trafficked church, and it's actually part of the GATRA bus transportation route, so it met all those check marks," said Nunes.

The estimated total cost for the project is roughly $520,000 and Nunes says preliminary work, which was paid for through Chapter 90 funding has already been completed and they plan to begin construction sometime this spring.