Press Release: 9/4/2026
MassDOT Announces Launch of 2026–2027 Safe Routes to School Funding Opportunities
Programs will support safety improvements along walking, biking and rolling routes near public schools
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
9/03/2026
BOSTON — The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) today announced the launch of its 2026–2027 Safe Routes to School Signs and Lines Program and Infrastructure Funding Program. The two programs help municipalities improve safety and accessibility for students walking, biking and rolling to school.
The Signs and Lines Program will select up to five municipalities to receive design services and up to $14,000 in construction funding for low-cost safety projects within half a mile of public elementary, middle and high schools. Eligible projects include new or improved signage and pavement markings along key routes to school. Projects must be completed by June 1, 2027.
The Infrastructure Funding Program includes transportation construction and capital improvement projects that will improve safety and increase the number of children walking and biking to school within two miles of a participating school. Funding supports a range of infrastructure improvements, which may include sidewalks, pedestrian crossings, bicycle facilities, traffic-calming measures, and other enhancements that make routes to school safer and more accessible for students and families. If approved for funding, infrastructure projects move through MassDOT’s project development process from initial project scoping and design development through construction.
“This investment in our Signs and Lines Infrastructure program is about making sure our communities have the infrastructure they need to keep families and students safe. The Healey-Driscoll Administration is committed to supporting cities and towns as they make critical safety improvements, particularly around schools, so families can feel confident that their children can get to and from school safely. By investing in safer streets, we are building stronger, safer communities for every family across the state,” said Interim Secretary of Transportation and MBTA General Manager Phil Eng.
Applications for both programs opened August 26, 2026. A recording of MassDOT’s informational session is available on the Safe Routes to School website.
Signs and Lines applications are due by 5 p.m. on September 25, 2026. Program guidance and application materials are available in the Engineering section of the Safe Routes to School website.
Infrastructure Funding Program applications are due by 5 p.m. on October 16, 2026, and must be submitted through MassDOT’s Massachusetts Project Intake Tool, known as MaPIT. The online tool provides municipalities with streamlined access to transportation funding opportunities. Application materials, program guidance and access to MaPIT are available on the Safe Routes to School website.
Safe Routes to School partner schools that have participated in the program for at least six months as of August 26, 2026, are encouraged to apply. A municipal contact must serve as the primary applicant.
Sponsored by MassDOT with funding from the Federal Highway Administration, the Massachusetts Safe Routes to School Program works with community organizations, local law enforcement, education leaders and public health departments to help students travel safely to and from school. The program serves more than 1,350 schools in more than 280 communities across Massachusetts and provides information, materials and resources to support local pedestrian and bicycle safety initiatives.
For questions related to the Signs and Lines Program or the SRTS Infrastructure Program, email SRTS@dot.state.ma.us. You can also visit Safe Routes To School - Engineering | Mass.gov.
For more information on Massachusetts Safe Routes to School visit:
www.mass.gov/safe-routes-to-school
www.facebook.com/SafeRoutes.MA
www.linkedin.com/company/ma-safe-routes-to-school
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