“Opportunity is too important to leave to chance, but opportunity requires growth and growth requires investment,” said Governor Patrick. “In every corner of the Commonwealth, investments we have made are paying off by putting people back to work and expanding economic opportunity. Working with our partners in the legislature, business community and cities and towns, we can build on these and create a stronger Commonwealth for this generation, and the next.”
Secretary Davey highlighted the new growth opportunities and quality of life infrastructure improvements in store for the region as part of The Way Forward: A 21st-Century Transportation Plan and also discussed strategies to build a 21st century public education system that gives every child the tools to succeed in the classroom, the workplace and in life.
“The business community has chosen to anchor itself in this region,” said Secretary Davey. “To keep business thriving across the Commonwealth, we must invest in our infrastructure and our education system. The next generation must be better educated than the last and our transportation network needs to be able to carry the current workforce and strong enough to support growth.”
Specifically, the Secretary announced a $12 million investment included in "The Way Forward" which would fund the widening of Route 9 between Computer Research Drive in Westborough and Crystal Pond Road in Southborough, intersection improvements at Route 9 and Crystal Pond Road and improvements to Research Drive/Connector Road.
More than 300 businesses, employing nearly 14,000 workers, are located in the vicinity of the I-495/Route 9 and I-495/I-90 interchanges. Daily commuters to companies such as, EMC Corp or Global Investment Servicing face congestion, high accident rates, and inadequate accommodations for pedestrians and bicyclists.
The Governor’s proposals will support important investments in our infrastructure in order to pay the bills the Commonwealth inherited from the Big Dig, maintain existing infrastructure, promote regional equity and make targeted expansions to unlock long-term economic development and reinvest in the Commonwealth’s education system by providing universal access to high quality early education, fully funding K-12 education and allowing extended school days in high-need schools; make college more affordable and accessible, and allow community colleges to expand their efforts.
Great. So now Route 9 will go from 4 lanes to 2 between Route 85 and New York Avenue in Framingham. Brilliant!
Posted by: Jon | January 30, 2013 at 12:46 PM