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State Funds on the Way for Scotland Ave. Improvements

State funds are on the way thanks to a grant from the state Department of Transportation (DOT).

In a July 19 press release, State Senator Christine Cohen (D12) announced that $800,000 would be heading to Madison for Scotland Avenue roadway improvements. The town has been working on improving walkability on Scotland Avenue for more than a decade, adding crosswalks and sidewalks as part of various projects. A 2023 Road Safety Assessment (RSA) report identified Scotland Avenue as having no sidewalks or bicycle facilities, along with a concern about lane widths. A long-term solution offered in the report suggested creating a shared-use path or the installation of a sidewalk with striped bike lanes.

The $800,000 grant from the DOT's Community Connectivity Grant Program awarded more than $12 million to 17 municipalities throughout the state. The state-funded program provides financial support for local infrastructure initiatives that make conditions safer and more accessible for pedestrians and bicyclists.

“The Community Connectivity Grant Program is a great example of using tax dollars to directly benefit our communities,” Cohen said in a statement. “By making our towns safer and more accommodating for modes of transportation like walking or biking, we can encourage our communities to get outside, move their bodies, and not rely on single-use motor vehicle transportation for activities like grocery shopping or dropping their kids off at school. This initiative helps foster walkable neighborhoods, which increases our connection to our neighbors.”