Transportation & Infrastructure

Leading up to the November 4 local election, the Newton Beacon asked candidates in competitive elections for mayor and city council how they would improve transportation and infrastructure in Newton.

John Chaimanis, City Council Candidate, Ward 4 At-Large: Our goal should be to have a safe city that minimizes single person car trips, while taking into account the reality of the public transportation options available to our residents. Invest in traffic calming in our residential areas such as rectangular rapid flashing beacons (RRFBs) and speed tables, then we can use our larger roads to move traffic through and across our city. Timing our traffic lights on main roads so that traffic can flow continuously at a safe speed would make a big difference – and decrease emissions from start and stop. Use shuttle bus routes financed through public private partnerships to bring people from population centers to villages and commercial areas.  These can be piloted, then evaluated for effectiveness, and adjusted to maximize ridership.  Finally, when establishing bike lanes, we should continue to be strategic in their placement, and connectivity.  By doing this we will statistically improve safety for all who walk, ride, roll and drive.

Cyrus Dahmubed, City Council Candidate, Ward 4 At-Large: I would prioritize the implementation of our recently approved Walk, Roll, and Bike Network Plan, which will make our streets safer for everyone, reduce traffic, and create safe pathways for young people to get to and from school. I’d work to make our school buses free again, thereby disincentivizing driving young people to school and getting more traffic off the roads during peak hours, while also incentivizing parents to keep their students in our public schools. I’d also prioritize working with the MBTA to understand what it will take to get our Commuter Rail stations rebuilt as safe and accessible stations that can open the door to offering frequent, clean, and quiet local and regional connections, and work with the T to explore a free bus pilot for our express buses to further reduce traffic. Finally, I’d seek to transition us away from natural gas and restore native river and wetland habitats to reduce the risks of catastrophic flooding.

Lisa Gordon, City Council Candidate, Ward 6 At-Large: Modernizing how we plan and track road and sidewalk work, improve communication with residents about projects, and find data-driven solutions to recurring issues like flooding. At the same time, we must push for better regional transit by advocating with MassDOT, state and federal leaders, and neighboring communities to improve the T, commuter rail, bus service, and school transportation, so that all of Newton’s villages are better connected.

Julie Irish, City Council Candidate, Ward 5: Improving transportation in Newton means using dollars wisely to make the system more reliable and accessible so residents will use it. I support working with the MBTA to improve Green Line service and expand bus reliability so riders can rely on them. We should also expand shuttles to better connect neighborhoods with schools, shopping, and transit hubs. Continued investment in safe sidewalks and road maintenance is essential for pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers. By focusing resources on practical improvements, we can reduce traffic, cut emissions, and give residents more dependable ways to get around. As President of the Upper Falls Area Council, I’ve worked with Public Works and residents on traffic calming and neighborhood planning, and I know how to balance citywide goals with local needs.

Josh Krintzman, City Council Candidate, Ward At-Large: Improving transportation and infrastructure requires a comprehensive approach that invests in various types of infrastructure and technology. We need to fix on our roads, for automobile users, bicyclists and pedestrians. Implementing traffic calming measures such as road diets, curb extensions, and improved signage can reduce speeding and protect pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers. Expanding bicycle and pedestrian accommodations, including protected bike lanes, safer crosswalks, and accessible sidewalks, encourages active transportation while reducing the risk of accidents. By upgrading facilities, calming traffic, enhancing infrastructure for non-motorized travel, and adopting smart technology, Newton can create a safer, more connected city that protects residents while supporting a vibrant, healthy community.

Marc Laredo, Mayoral Candidate: As someone who walks, runs, bikes, and drives in Newton, I am keenly aware of the need to improve the condition of our streets and sidewalks. We will undertake a comprehensive review of our roads program to do this work more efficiently and effectively and enhance our communications with our residents regarding expected construction work. Working closely with our state and federal legislative delegations, as well as the leaders of neighboring communities, we will advocate for better commuter rail and transit services in Newton and the region.

Garry Miller, City Council Candidate, Ward 5: Our roads have long been a sore spot with residents, with many roads in poor condition. While this has improved somewhat over the past few years, many side streets remain in poor condition. We must continue and extend our road repair budget to ensure side streets improve as well as main roads. Traffic conditions on roads like Needham St are also a big issue. Here, we can work to improve traffic signaling to help somewhat, but over the longer term the only real solution is to provide alternate transportation options for residents, such as walking, biking, and public transportation. This requires separate and safer infrastructure for pedestrians and bikers and working with the MBTA to improve public transportation options like buses, the Green Line, and the commuter rail to make these usable and dependable for our citizens.

Sean Roche, City Council Candidate, Ward 6 At-Large: As a long-time pedestrian, cycling, and transit advocate in Newton, improving the ability to live, work, and play in Newton without driving is a huge priority. Building new MBTA commuter rail stations will transform Newton, particularly the north side. Getting the platforms funded and built should be the city’s highest transportation priority. We need to pay off our road debt: the accumulated cost of repaving roads because we don’t maintain them, which is relatively cheap, and let them deteriorate, which requires expensive reconstruction. We need to continue the good work over the last decade to make it safer and easier to walk and bicycle around Newton. I am very encouraged by the 60+ crosswalks that now have flashing beacons and the plan to add another 24 in the next year. I would make it a goal to add 3 more per ward, per year. I am strongly in favor of implementing the Newton Walk, Roll, and Bike Network Plan. See below about walking and biking to schools, another priority.