The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) announced on May 22 the start of the public comment period for its proposed Fiscal Year 2027 through Fiscal Year 2031 Capital Investment Plan, which will guide transportation investments across the state over the next five years.
The plan is significant because it will direct approximately $20.5 billion toward infrastructure improvements, including roads, bridges, transit systems, and accessibility projects. MassDOT said these investments are intended to improve safety, reliability, connectivity and economic competitiveness throughout Massachusetts.
Interim Secretary of Transportation and MBTA General Manager Phillip Eng said, “The proposed Capital Investment Plan represents a critical step forward in delivering the Healey-Driscoll Administration’s transportation agenda, which is grounded in safety, reliability, affordability and economic opportunity for residents across the state. The plan is a roadmap for how we strengthen our multimodal transportation network to better serve the people who rely on it every day. We recognize that residents, municipalities, advocates, and business leaders are invaluable to the process and those voices help to shape how we prioritize the state of good repair and where we invest and expand our resources. Under this Administration, we are aligning our capital strategy with a broader vision: delivering infrastructure and transportation that works for everyone.”
According to MassDOT’s draft proposal released May 22, highlights include $7 billion for bridge programs covering more than 300 projects; $2.1 billion for roadway reconstruction; $2 billion in municipal grant programs; $1.3 billion dedicated to pavement programs; over $700 million aimed at intersection improvements and systemic safety enhancements; $675 million allocated for bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure; more than $500 million toward rail modernization outside MBTA operations (including West-East Rail); as well as funding targeted at rural communities’ unique needs.
Undersecretary of Transportation Policy Samantha Silverberg said: “Across more than 50 programs and 1,500 individual projects, MassDOT’s Capital Investment Plan is about building a transportation network that reflects the needs and expectations of the communities we serve. These capital investments provide the foundation for creating a safer, more reliable and more connected system for residents and visitors… The work reflects the Healey-Driscoll Administration’s commitment to delivering the safe, reliable and accessible transportation network that people deserve today and for the future.”
Public feedback can be submitted by email or mail or during one of six virtual regional meetings scheduled between May 28–June 8. Each year MassDOT updates its CIP based on input from stakeholders including federal agencies as well as local governments.
