Route 3 corridor regional partnership expands

The Middlesex3 Coalition, which previously consisted of Bedford, Billerica, Burlington, Chelmsford and Lowell, has added four new members.

The regional organization, which focuses on economic development, transportation and related topics along the Route 3 corridor, now stretches from Lexington to Tyngsborough. The other new member towns are Tewksbury and Westford.

Westford Town Manager Jodi Ross said that being part of the coalition will help the town achieve its planning and transportation goals. She cited the need for van service that can get workers to and from commuter-rail stations and their workplaces.

The Middlesex3 Coalition recently established a commission to help coordinate transportation planning. The plan is similar to what exists in Acton and other communities along Route 2, according to Stephanie Cronin, Middlesex3’s executive director.

Each of the four new communities was invited to join the coalition, rather than applying for admission, according to Cronin.

She noted that Bedford and Lexington were already working closely on transportation issues, and that the largest commercial property in Billerica – Riverview Technology Park – extends into Tyngsborough.

“It makes sense to work together, in order to have a louder voice,” Cronin said.

The four new member communities are attending board meetings, but don’t have seats on the board.

“We’re growing, and we’re trying to see what works,” Cronin said. “Right now, things are working well.”