MassDOT Infrastructure Plan
July 18, 2016
The Massachusetts Department of Transportation recently finalized a transportation infrastructure plan to fund repairs, improvements, and some new expansion projects. A Better City worked closely with MassDOT throughout the process to gain commitments on important transportation projects that are essential to the components of the Massachusetts economy and our quality of life.
The final plan approved by MassDOT totals $14. 8 Billion, which will spend over the next five years. A Better City is pleased to see the state’s is moving forward a few large and complex projects including the Green Line Extension, South Station Expansion, and the I-90 Interchange area in Allston. Our top priority for in the short term is infrastructure improvements for the Seaport District in Boston. The MassDOT capital plan contains funding to address the needs of this rapidly growing area, through a commitment to spend $25 Million on transportation improvements. Some projects identified in the 2015 South Boston Waterfront Transportation Plan will be implemented with this money and A Better City together with state and city agencies are leading the effort to identify specific projects that will begin this fiscal year.
There are many other important projects included the capital plan, from State of Good Repair improvements at the MBTA, additional surface buses, and funding for the Compete Streets Program, which will benefit many communities throughout Massachusetts. The next phase for MassDOT will be in delivering on this budget blueprint. A Better City will be working with them to advocate for management reforms that assist in getting this infrastructure work completed as planned. We also will continue to recommend new projects that address the economic, population, and mobility needs of our future, especially with increased investment in transit capacity and targeted expansion projects to serve the job centers of Greater Boston.
