The Patrick Administration has given formal approval to an $8.75 million project to reconstruct Route 12 in Auburn.

The project rebuilds and widens a 1.8-mi. (2.9 km) section of Route 12, from Church Street to Route 20, and includes reconstruction and installation of traffic signals. In the process, a Veterans Memorial Corridor will be created to honor Auburn’s veterans.

“The Patrick Administration is especially pleased to approve a project that both improves transportation and honors Auburn residents who have served their country,” said Transportation Secretary Bernard Cohen.

The project has multiple funding sources:

• $1 million in Public Works Economic Development (PWED) grant money.

• $250,000 in federal National Corridors & Borders Program funds.

• $1.25 million through the 2004 Omnibus Appropriations bill.

• TIP program funding ($3.8 million).

• Enhancement funding ($200,000).

“I was very pleased to help secure $1.5 million in federal funding for this project, and I commend the Patrick Administration for moving forward,” said U.S. Rep. Jim McGovern (D-Mass.). “The improvements to Route 12 will greatly enhance safety and air quality for Auburn residents. Over the years, the construction of Interstates 90, 290 and 395 have had a significant impact on Auburn’s traditional downtown. The inclusion in this project of parks will help the town recapture some of that community identity. I am particularly proud that the parks will honor Auburn’s veterans.”

“This project will alleviate severe congestion along the Route 12 corridor and provide a significant air quality benefit to the region,” said MassHighway Commissioner Luisa Paiewonsky. “I am proud to note the inclusion of funding for a series of linear parks along the corridor commemorating veterans.”

“This is great news for the town of Auburn,” said State Senator Edward M. Augustus. “I’m pleased that the Patrick-Murray Administration has once again recognized the importance of a revitalized Veterans Memorial Corridor along Route 12 to both economic development in Auburn and the traveling safety of the Auburn community.”

State Representative Paul K. Frost (R-Auburn) commented, “I’m very pleased Mass Highway and the administration is moving forward with this important project in the town of Auburn. The improvements will certainly help make traffic flow much smoother and safer, which benefits residents, travelers and businesses in the area. This means Veterans Memorial Corridor will be realized soon which will stand as a wonderful tribute to those who have served our nation with honor.”

The state’s contractor on the project is Ludlow Construction Co. Inc. of Ludlow. Work is expected to be completed in the fall of 2009.

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