Senator Adam Gomez and Mayor John L. Vieau Announce $100,000 Grant for Intersection Improvement

On Monday, June 16th at 1:30 PM, Mayor John L. Vieau and State Senator Adam Gomez officially announced that the Senator's office secured a $100,000 state grant to kickstart a safety improvement project at the intersection of Chicopee Street and McKinstry Avenue. 

"This is great news for Chicopee," said Mayor Vieau. "We are focused on making our community safer, and earmarks like this are critical in helping us do that. The City has evaluated this intersection for years. When I served as Alderman/City Councilor, I pushed for solutions to improve safety at this very location. Residents know the visibility is limited due to a nearby building, and we're now exploring all options including the potential installation of traffic signals." 

So far in 2025, there have been four reported accidents at this intersection, all resulting in injuries— underscoring the urgent need for improvements. 

"Updating the traffic infrastructure at the intersection of Chicopee Street and McKinstry Avenue/ Jones Ferry Road will significantly enhance safety," said City Engineer Douglas Ellis. "The existing visibility issues, due to buildings close to the roadway, make navigation difficult. A traffic signal could allow vehicles to safely enter and cross the intersection without fear of oncoming traffic, as traffic would be regulated by the signal." 

In November 2022, the voters of Massachusetts approved a new 4 percent surtax on income above $1 million annually, known as the Fair Share amendment. This new revenue source is constitutionally dedicated to quality public education and affordable public colleges and universities, and for the repair and maintenance of roads, bridges, and public transportation. 

"Since its passage by residents in 2022, the Fair Share amendment has generated more than $1 billion over initial projections in fiscal years 2023 and 2024," said Senator Gomez. "Addressing the intersection at McKinstry Avenue and Chicopee Street is exactly the kind of project the legislature intended these funds for. Local issues that affect the lives of pedestrians, drivers and first responders alike in gateway cities across Massachusetts."