Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey signs nearly $1.2 billion bill for roads, bridges across the Commonwealth; here are the details

BOSTON – Governor Maura Healey today signed into law a new Chapter 90 bill, delivering $300 million in critical transportation and infrastructure funding to every city and town across Massachusetts.

In addition to a historic increase of Chapter 90 funding to an all-time high of $300 million, the bill includes authorization for additional capital infrastructure investments through MassDOT that will improve the quality of the state’s roads, bridges and culverts and help address congestion hotspots and driving safety. 

“Through this Chapter 90 funding, we will upgrade roads and bridges across the state to improve transportation, reduce congestion and enhance safety,” said Governor Maura Healey. “Whether it’s helping a city repave a key commuter route or giving a small town the resources to replace a flood-prone bridge, this bill is delivering the resources our communities need to deliver for their residents. I’m grateful to the Legislature for passing this essential bill.” 

“As a former Mayor, I know how transformational this funding can be when it comes to planning, budgeting and delivering the infrastructure our communities deserve,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “This bill is a win for every city and town, as well as every person who travels across our state.” 

“Providing funding for critical infrastructure projects through investments in the Commonwealth’s public transportation, roads, and bridges is one of the most important responsibilities that we have as members of the Legislature,” said House Speaker Ronald J. Mariano (D-Quincy). “I’m proud of the support for local infrastructure repairs that this legislation provides, and of the funding that it allocates for projects that will address congestion hotspots across the Commonwealth. I want to thank Governor Healey for signing this bill into law, along with my colleagues in the Legislature for supporting this legislation.” 

“This legislation will deliver over a billion dollars to cities and towns across the Commonwealth to improve roads, bridges, and other critical local infrastructure that helps people get where they need to go—quickly and safely,” said Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). “This funding will fill potholes, ease traffic congestion, and make our roads safer and more accessible. I’m grateful to the Governor for signing this legislation swiftly and look forward to seeing these investments make a difference in communities across Massachusetts.” 

Key elements of the bill include:

• $300 million in Chapter 90 funding—a 50 percent increase over recent years—to offset rising construction costs and expand support for small and rural communities. 
• $500 million for pavement and bridge upgrades statewide through MassDOT’s lifecycle asset management program. 
• $200 million to replace culverts and small bridges, building more climate-resilient infrastructure and addressing long-deferred maintenance. 
• $185 million to ease congestion and improve safety, targeting rail crossings, intersections, school zones, commercial districts, and other high-need areas. 

The Chapter 90 program provides direct funding to municipalities for the repair and improvement of local roads, bridges, sidewalks and culverts. This year’s investments will help cities and towns repave busy corridors, fix aging infrastructure and enhance pedestrian safety near schools. 

The bill also includes a change to the Chapter 90 funding formula that will allow for $100 million of the total investment to be allocated based exclusively on road miles, ensuring that while every community benefits from the additional investment our rural communities will see an added benefit. 

The Massachusetts Department of Transportation will also continue to provide technical assistance to help municipalities maximize the impact of these funds. This legislation will also ease congestion and address safety issues across the state, improving conditions for drivers, pedestrians, transit riders and bicyclists in critical areas such as rail crossings, intersections near schools, commercial districts and residential areas.