Complete Streets Program

The Town of Agawam is working with Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) to implement a Complete Streets Program. Complete streets are designed and operated to provide safety and accessibility for all users of all abilities including pedestrians, bicyclists, transit riders and motorists. Types of projects include but are not limited to: bicycle lanes, sidewalks, signalized pedestrian crossings, rapid flash beacons, traffic calming measures, signage, ADA accessible curb ramps, speed feedback signs, etc.

Tier 1:  Complete Streets Policy Adopted

In February 2016, the Agawam City Council adopted a Complete Streets Administrative Policy which was cosponsored by Mayor Richard A. Cohen and Council President James P. Cichetti. A copy of the policy and Engineering Division support letter can be downloaded below. 

Tier 2: Complete Streets Prioritization Plan

The Town's policy was approved my MassDOT which qualified the Town for a $50,000 grant to create a Complete Streets Prioritization Plan. The Town hired Howard Stein Hudson Engineers and Planners (HSH) to help create Agawam's Prioritization Plan.  The plan was completed in April of 2017 and submitted to MassDOT for approval. A copy of this plan can be downloaded below.  

Tier 3: Complete Streets Construction Funding

In September of 2017, Agawam was selected by MassDOT to receive $400,000 in Complete Streets funding for the construction of improvements to the O'Brien's Corner intersection.  Additional information about this project can be located here.

Future Work/Complete Streets Committee

A Complete Streets Committee and the Engineering Division will continue to work to improve the Town of Agawam's streets to make them safer for all users of all abilities. The Complete Streets Prioritization plan that was finished in May of 2017 was only the first step in understanding the needs of the Town.  The Engineering Division has received all digital files from our consultant, HSH, and will continue to update the plan as new information is received and analyzed.  Projects, demands, and opportunities are constantly changing which will be shifting which projects are constructed first.  

If you are interested in joining this committee, would like to learn more, or would like to provide additional comments or suggestions, please do not hesitate to contact Michelle C. Chase, P.E., the Town Engineer, using the contact us form.  

On-going DPW Complete Streets Projects

As larger Complete Streets projects continue to develop, the Agawam Department of Public Works (DPW) and Engineering Department are finishing up the installation of several more miles of bike lanes on Suffield Street, Shoemaker Lane, and Silver Street. Also, a shared use path was constructed in 2016 along the frontage of the High School and will connect to the front of the building to provide a safe access route for students who walk and bike to school.  Additional bicycle lanes are anticipated in late 2017 or early 2018 on portions of Springfield Street and South Westfield Street. 

Concrete sidewalks are being installed on Reed Street, Virginia Ave, and Washington Ave.  New sidewalks are anticipated on Walnut Street and in other locations to be determined in 2018.

The Engineering division recently began the public engagement process for the possible implementation of traffic calming measures in the Hendom Neighborhood, Barbara Lane and Reed Street. Additional information on those projects will be posted on the Engineering website in the near future.

If you would like additional information or would like to provide input on possible projects, please do not hesitate to contact Michelle C. Chase, P.E., the Town Engineer, using the contact us form.