Mayor John Vieau discusses the Chicopee Street and McKinstry Avenue safety improvement project at a press conference.
Reminder Publishing photo by Tyler Garnet
CHICOPEE — On June 16, local and state officials gathered as Mayor John Vieau and state Sen. Adam Gomez announced a $100,000 state grant that the senator’s office has secured to kickstart a safety improvement project at the intersection of Chicopee Street and McKinstry Avenue.
Vieau explained that since he served as an alderman/city councilor, he has been pushing for solutions to improve public safety and is happy to see something is finally being done about the intersection.
“This is great news for Chicopee,” Vieau said. “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. 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.”
A traffic signal could allow vehicles to safely enter and cross this intersection, according to Gomez.
Due to the construction of new buildings in this area over the years, there is a blind spot/line of sight issue for vehicles traveling at the intersection.
State Rep. Shirley Arriaga (D-Chicopee) said she grew up in the Willimansett area and stated, “this intersection not only today as an adult driving but as a child riding my bicycle around has always been very dangerous.”
So far in 2025, there have been four reported accidents at this intersection, all resulting in injuries.
“When you take a look at the accident reports and also take a look at the issue of line of sight I described, we are very confident and comfortable to say that we’re hopeful that [Department of Transportation] along with our city engineers embrace the fact that there needs to be some type of traffic mitigation done here,” Vieau said.
In November 2022, Massachusetts voters approved a new 4% 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.
Gomez talked about the funds from the Fair Share amendment and said, “Addressing the intersection at McKinstry Avenue and Chicopee Street is an 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.”
Besides presenting a visibility issue for drivers, this area poses a threat to pedestrians looking to gain access to the pond to go fishing or the 2.3 mile bike path.
“Existing visibility issues due to buildings close by hinder drivers and also pedestrians here on the roadway. This necessary earmark that was filed in partnership with my partners from the senate and in the house, basically is to improve pedestrian safety also,” Gomez said.
Vieau said that this project aligns with the city’s goal of enhancing safety across the city’s transportation network. He stated that Chicopee is in the process of creating a comprehensive citywide safety action plan.
Chicopee is also the recipient of the Safe Streets for All grant and will use the grant to fund a broader traffic safety study. The city has sent out a request for proposal to evaluate the city from a comprehensive standpoint and the network of streets in the city.
