Massachusetts streets will receive upgrades due to new funding from MassDOT. The state's Department of Transportation is providing $50 million through the Municipal Pavement Program, focusing on improvements for state-numbered routes and enhancing road safety, with 45 municipalities set to benefit this fiscal year.
The program, which started in 2021, focuses on addressing road conditions based on data and geographical equity rather than simply distributing funds. It has aimed to restore over 325 miles of road in the Commonwealth, and the latest round of funding marks the beginning of another phase of this infrastructure initiative.
Monica Tibbits-Nutt, MassDOT’s Transportation Secretary and CEO, commented on the program’s progress and potential, "By making this support available to municipalities, we will make our roads smoother and safer, particularly in 27 Environmental Justice communities and 22 rural communities," she said in the press release. Highway Administrator Jonathan Gulliver discussed the numbers, noting the program's reach: "Since the Municipal Pavement Program’s inception in 2021, MassDOT has funded $75 million in paving improvements for over 325 miles of roadways across the Commonwealth."
Cities and towns selected for improvements were chosen based on equity and necessity, ensuring that those with the worst road conditions receive support. This process involves coordination with localities to determine the best approach for each area. This fiscal year, beneficiaries include locations from Ashfield to Westwood, with cities such as Chicopee, Hudson, and Peabody set to receive funding in the next round.
For those interested, a complete list of municipalities and their assigned routes for improvement is available in the MassDOT press release.
