The City of Malden has been awarded an $852,846 grant through the Massachusetts Department of Transportation’s Shared Streets and Spaces program to fund major improvements along Salem Street. The project will focus on enhancing safety and transportation efficiency between Main Street and Broadway.
Mayor Gary Christenson praised the award, emphasizing the importance of securing competitive grant funding to support critical infrastructure projects amid ongoing fiscal challenges. He noted that the improvements will benefit residents, businesses, commuters, and visitors who rely on Salem Street every day.
Planned upgrades include new and repainted crosswalks, curb extensions at intersections, improved parking and bus stop markings, and transit signal priority where possible. City officials confirmed that the project will not add bus lanes or remove existing parking spaces.
Salem Street serves as one of Malden’s key transportation corridors, connecting neighborhoods, schools, public facilities, businesses, and residential areas. The roadway is also served by several MBTA bus routes, making it a vital route for public transportation users.
The funding was secured by Malden’s Office of Strategic Planning and Community Development, which has obtained more than $44 million in grant funding since 2021. The Salem Street award represents a significant share of the $9.18 million distributed statewide through this year’s Shared Streets and Spaces grant program.
Construction and planning efforts are expected to improve pedestrian safety, traffic flow, and transit reliability while supporting the long-term transportation needs of the Malden community.
