Lori Trahan, Dracut leaders highlight $5.2M in Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funding for Nashua Road

DRACUT — U.S. Rep. Lori Trahan was joined by state Rep. Colleen Garry, Town Manager Ann Vandal and other Dracut officials Friday to highlight over $5.2 million in Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funding the town received to repair and rebuild Nashua Road.

“The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law continues to play a pivotal role in enhancing the safety and efficiency of our roadways for drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians alike. The repairs to Nashua Road made possible by this $5.2 million in federal funds will help parents get their children to school and themselves to work with safer and less congested commutes – and it will allow our dedicated Dracut firefighters to respond to emergencies at even faster rates,” Trahan said in a statement. “I’m grateful to Representative Garry and Town Manager Vandal for their instrumental partnership in implementing these federal funds and upgrading our roads.”

The federal investment supported the reconstruction and widening of Nashua Road to improve vehicular, bicycle and pedestrian safety by adding sidewalks and shoulders to the road. Significant intersection improvements were completed at Lakeview Avenue and Tyngsboro and Varnum roads to enhance traffic capacity and overall safety. The traffic signal at the Lakeview Avenue intersection was especially critical to allow for a safe and expedient exit for the new Dracut fire station. The project started at the beginning of 2022 and is near completion — only minor traffic signal and landscaping work remain.

“So grateful that the important Nashua Road project received the assistance of Congresswoman Lori Trahan and the MASS DOT, who never gave up on the project, and all who helped with this project to make this a safer Nashua Road Corridor,” Garry said in a statement. “Thanks to contractor and the Town Administration and Public Works Director Ed Patenaude for all their attention to detail on this project. After starting this in a Transportation Bond Bill in 2012 at the urging of then Town Manger Dennis Piendak, it’s great to see the project almost completed.”

Vandal also thanked Trahan for her continued support and commitment to the town.

“Sometimes communities the size of Dracut get lost in the weeds, I am proud to say Lori keeps us at the forefront,” Vandal said in a statement. “We look forward to partnering with your team in years to come.”

Trahan secured the funding for Dracut through the passage of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law in November 2021. The legislation is delivering more than $9.5 billion in federal funding to Massachusetts, including $4.2 billion for road improvements. This $5.2 million in federal infrastructure funding is also part of more than $17 million in federal funding Trahan has worked to secure for the town.