Big win for Beantown's road bonds! Ratings agency Moody's has given the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) a financial pat on the back, by bumping up the Metropolitan Highway System’s Senior Revenue Bonds two notches to a solid Aa3, as released in a statement on May 3rd. This fiscal thumbs-up underscores a stable outlook for the state's highway system – an economic bloodline for the region.

Transportation Secretary and CEO Monica Tibbits-Nutt stated, "This rating upgrade should reassure the public that we are on the right trajectory with our budget for the Metropolitan Highway System,” proving once again that number crunchers are liking what they see in the state’s ledger books. MassDOT’s Chief Financial Officer, David Pottier mentioned that Moody’s has faith in their ability "to sustain the current liquidity profile while we continue to make major investments in the infrastructure for the Metropolitan Highway System assets," according to MassDOT's announcement.

The nod from Moody's is built on a foundation of "sound governance and financial performance of MHS and large contract assistance payments from the state which diminish bondholders' exposure to toll revenue volatility," as told by the ratings agency. Governing muscles seem to be flexing the right way too. Moody’s pointed out the role of the governance by the MassDOT Board of Directors in boosting the credit rating.

Let's talk roads. The Metropolitan Highway System is a concrete jungle of 250 lane miles, with the heavy rollers like the Ted Williams Tunnel and the Sumner/Callahan Tunnel System. It's also propping up 227 bridges and giants like the Tobin Bridge. So, when Moody's says the system's looking good, it means those tolls you're dropping are going towards something solid. Add to that, Moody’s underscored the support by the state, through "contract assistance payments and the close relationship with the state as all board members are selected by the governor."