Fitchburg has received a $3-million infrastructure grant from the state to remake Main and Boulder streets downtown, the Gov. Charlie Baker Administration announced Thursday.
The MassWorks money will convert both streets to two-way roads. Today, Main Street is one way westbound and Boulder Street, which runs parallel to it, is one-way eastbound. The idea is to improve traffic safety and circulation and make downtown a more walkable and bikeable business district.
Funding from the state’s MassWorks program has gone toward a total of $72 million worth of work in 35 cities and towns across the state.
Fitchburg’s infrastructure work will benefit ongoing and planned projects, the state said, including Fitchburg State University’s renovation of the former Theater Block on Main Street. The university has already opened its IdeaLab there for small businesses, with up to five commercial storefronts planned.
The former B.F. Brown School on Academy Street just off Main Street near the Fitchburg Art Museum is being converted into up to 60 apartments.
