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City to pursue Safe Streets for All improvements on State Street corridor after recent fatalities
Summary
Councilors asked about pedestrian fatalities on State Street; the DPW said the city secured a Safe Streets for All grant to fund corridor safety upgrades—including crosswalks, pedestrian buttons, signal work and lighting—expected to be designed and implemented over the next 12–18 months pending federal approvals.
Councilors raised safety concerns about the State Street Corridor during the joint public safety and maintenance & development subcommittee meeting. In response, the Department of Public Works explained the city is advancing a federally funded safety project using a Safe Streets for All grant.
The DPW said the corridor work will include pedestrian improvements such as upgraded crosswalks and pedestrian buttons, improved signal timing, better visibility and lighting. "We received a grant for what's called Safe Streets for All," the Director said, adding that design is underway and Federal Highway approvals are needed before the city can go to bid. He estimated implementation would take place in the next year to year and a half.
Councilors noted prior lighting problems and said the city had coordinated with Eversource to address inoperative streetlights. The DPW confirmed lighting fixes have been made in some locations and are part of the broader corridor design.
The department did not provide a construction schedule at the meeting; officials said design and federal approvals will determine timing. The committee praised DPW’s outreach and work on the corridor and did not take formal votes related to the project at the session.
Why it matters: The corridor has experienced recent fatalities, and the Safe Streets for All grant funds pedestrian and traffic safety measures intended to reduce those incidents. The project requires federal approvals and design completion before construction can begin.
