Medford to break ground on pedestrian safety and accessibility project

The following was submitted by the city of Medford:

The city of Medford and the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) are breaking ground on a multi-faceted pedestrian safety and accessibility project that will enhance the experience along Mystic River Road, Dugger Park and improve mobility at the West Medford Community Center.

The ceremony will take place on Friday, May 9 at 11 a.m. behind the West Medford Community Center on Mystic River Road.

“It has taken many years of advocacy and hard work to get this project off the ground but we’re finally here and are able to make such critical safety improvements at one our most frequented parks and community spaces,” Mayor Breanna Lungo-Koehn said. “All of this would not have been possible without the funding secured by Sen. [Pat] Jehlen and Rep. [Sean] Garballey as well as the continued advocacy of neighborhood activists and the staff at the West Medford Community Center. And thank you to the city team for helping get it over the finish line.”

Advocates had been pushing for improvements along this stretch of DCR controlled road for nearly 10 years, with the city working in collaboration with its state delegation, specifically Jehlen and Garballey to secure state earmarks to help fund the project.

Highlights of the project include:

• new walkways

• new crosswalk

• new bike accommodations

• pick-up/drop-off area in the rear of the West Medford Community Center

• realigned parking

• traffic calming

More information, including site plans can be found at medfordma.org/transportation.