CHICOPEE - Chicopee is known for being the crossroads of western Massachusetts because it has four major interstates, 90, 91, 291 and 391. 

Fuller Road is an access point for those major highways. After years of discussion, city councilors are using $45,000 to move forward with a project that will improve the roadway. This is important because Fuller Road is a high traffic area. 

"It is very important from our local perspective, but for people who are coming from all over the state,” said Richard Kos, mayor of Chicopee. 

The project on Fuller Road will be 2 miles, starting from Memorial Drive and going to 291 on/off ramps. 

"Transportation is essential for success,” said Kos. “Not just maintaining jobs but creating more opportunity."

The construction will also create new sidewalks, a bike lane, turning lanes and traffic signals. 

Elizabette Botelho is the Superintendent for Chicopee’s Department of Public Works and has had a major role in assisting with this plan. 

"This is going to be a huge improvement to all modes of transportation down this street,” she said. 

After the construction begins on Fuller Road, they are also going to do work on Baskin Drive to fix the potholes.

"When you start counting that in with the utility relocation, water main replacement, some sewer replacement,” said Botelho. “Its probably going to be two construction seasons."

$8.2 million of federal and state money funded a majority of the project. The city will pick up the cost for necessary utility replacement which will come from the water and sewer fund. Taxpayers will not see any impacts or increased fees for this project.