On this episode of Close to Home, host Maureen Schwab welcomes Yahaira Graxirena, Director of Access and Mobility at CMRPC, or the Central Massachusetts Regional Planning Commission, to discuss the ongoing "Vernon Connected" project. The project aims to reimagine and eventually rebuild the Vernon Street bridge that feeds into Kelley Square over I-290, helping to alleviate traffic and to promote unity and mobility between the communities that have long been divided by the interstate highway. They discuss their recent transportation study, paid for by state and federal funds through MASS DOT, that they're using to plan for future development and engage with the public to have a say in the shape of transportation in the city.
For more info, please visit:CMRPC.orgorVernon-Connected-CMRPC.hub.arcgis.com
Posted June 18th 2026 2:46pm.