SPRINGFIELD — Roadway and sidewalk improvements are coming to the area around Union Station thanks to a $4.1 million grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.
The money, which was officially approved by the City Council during its Feb. 10 meeting, will cover roadway, sidewalk and curb ramp improvements at Lyman Street from Chestnut Street to Dwight Street; Main Street where it meets Frank B. Murray Street; Chestnut Street at Lyman Street; Chestnut Street at Liberty Street; and Lyman Street at Dwight Street.
“These improvements … are handicap ramp improvements, sidewalk improvements, bump outs, [and] landscaping access improvements,” said DPW Director Chris Cignoli. “The project is out to bid right now for consultants to do the design, for construction to occur in [20]26.”
According to Cignoli, the Springfield Parks Department applied to HUD for a $13 million grant under a program called Union Station Re-Greening, last year. The department was awarded the $4.1 million under that program to cover the five streetscape projects.
Because the money primarily covers roadway, sidewalk and curb ramp improvements, Cignoli said the project has been turned over to the DPW with the Park Department’s assistance.
“A $4 million grant is really substantial,” said At-Large City Councilor Sean Curran, during the Feb. 10 meeting. “Congratulations to the team at DPW and Parks.”
U.S. Rep. Richard Neal (D-Springfield) officially announced this grant at a press conference in spring 2024 with Mayor Domenic Sarno and Springfield Redevelopment Authority Executive Director Amanda Pham. According to his office, Neal included funding for this project in the fiscal year 2024 spending bill that was signed into law by former President Joe Biden on March 9, 2024.
“Significant investments have been made to refurbish and beautify the inside of the station, and as ridership continues to increase, we now turn our attention to the outside of the station,” said Neal. “This investment will have a profound impact not only on Union Station, but also on surrounding neighborhoods, marking a substantial investment in green infrastructure that will greatly benefit the downtown community.”
In 2023, the city of Springfield also received a federal earmark of $3 million to help establish a Cybersecurity Center of Excellence inside Union Station. The CCE, which was also funded by state and local help, provides hands-on training and professional opportunities for local college students to develop skills in the cybersecurity sector.
These projects are part of the city’s continued pursuit to redevelop the station, which reopened to the public in 2017.
“The transformation of Springfield’s historic Union Station into a world class transportation center would not have been possible without the support of Congressman Neal,” Sarno said in a statement last year. “We are continuing to build on the incredible investments in Union Station with enhanced access, safety and aesthetics, creating positive spin off effects throughout downtown, our city and the whole region.”
The council unanimously approved the $4.1 million federal grant for the streetscape improvements.
