West Stockbridge Awarded Complete Streets Funding

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WEST STOCKBRIDGE, Mass. — MassDOT awarded the town $112,612 for pedestrian improvements at the Swamp Road/Main Street intersection.
 
The project includes the relocation of a crosswalk, the installation of ADA-compliant curb ramps, and improvement at the intersection for drivers by building permanent bollards to better direct turns.
 
The project will also improve the walkability at the Depot Street Municipal Parking Lot by building a pedestrian zone and a new sidewalk segment while also relocating a crosswalk to better connect visitors parking in the lot to the town sidewalk.
 
The Healey-Driscoll Administration awarded over $4.5 million to 11 communities as part of the Fiscal Year 2025 Round 1 of grants for the Complete Streets Funding Program.
 
These grant awards will be used by recipient municipalities to fund local multimodal infrastructure projects that improve travel for pedestrians, public transit users, bicyclists and people using other forms of transportation. 
 
A Complete Street enables safe, convenient, and comfortable travel for users of all ages and abilities regardless of their mode of transportation. Administered by the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT), the Complete Streets Funding Program aims to teach communities about Complete Streets and encourage the integration of Complete Streets into regular local planning practices. Of the 11 projects selected, 8 will benefit Environmental
Justice communities. 
 
The MassDOT Complete Streets Funding Program was launched in 2016 and provides technical assistance and construction funding to eligible municipalities to plan and implement Complete Streets. Prior to this round, the Complete Streets Funding Program has awarded 278 construction project grants across the Commonwealth, totaling over $100 million. 
 
Municipalities may apply for up to $500,000 in construction project funding in one application. Examples of project elements that can be implemented through the program include sidewalks, multimodal paths, bicycle lanes, improved street lighting, and pedestrian signalization at crosswalks or intersections. 
 
 
 

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Butternut Fire Expands to Sheffield, Covering 1,100 Acres

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

The fire expanded during to the night to cover more than 1,100 acres. 

GREAT BARRINGTON, Mass. — The Butternut Fire has expanded tenfold, now covering almost 1,100 acres of forest and spreading to Sheffield.

Just before noon on Wednesday, the town reported that the wildfire near Brush Hill Road off East Mountain had unexpected growth overnight. It spread over 100 acres on Tuesday and on Wednesday, was estimated to cover slightly less than 1,100 acres.

The town remains in a state of emergency, as declared by the Select Board on Tuesday, but first responders assure that Great Barrington is not in danger.

Around 2 p.m., the Great Barrington Fire Department reported via Facebook that "significant fire" was extinguished by using a Blackhawk helicopter to drop 600 gallons of water. Water is now being pulled from Three Mile Pond in Sheffield.

The blaze is being referred to as the Butternut Fire due to its proximity to Ski Butternut, which has confirmed there is no damage to the ski area.

"At this time the fire is more than a quarter of a mile from the nearest structures and there are not any immediate threats to the public. There have NOT been any evacuation orders at this time. We have strategically placed structural fire crews in the areas where there is the POTENTIAL for us to operate in a protection mode to protect homes and property," the town's press release reads.

"In the event of a need for an evacuation order, residents will be notified through Code RED along with in-person door-to-door notifications of the affected area — an information post will be shared on how to sign up if you are already not signed up."

The fire was first reported Monday evening and by 9 p.m., firefighters were pulled from the mountain because of the hazardous conditions. On Tuesday morning, neighboring departments were called in to help contain the blaze.

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