Package includes funding for pothole repairs, bridge modernization, rail improvements across Massachusetts
(BOSTON—5/21/2026) The Massachusetts Senate today unanimously approved a $2.737 billion bond bill to help municipalities make local road and bridge repairs, invest in public transit infrastructure, and support transit-oriented housing development statewide.
The legislation authorizes $300 million to support departments of public works in local cities and towns as they fill potholes and strengthen bridges at a crucial time for many municipalities dealing with strained finances.
The bond bill—H.5375, An Act financing long-term improvements to municipal roads and bridges—also contains $500 million in bonding to target and fast-track repairs to the roads that are in the worst condition, through MassDOT’s Lifecycle Asset Management Program.
“The Senate recognizes that municipalities are facing significant economic challenges, and both this bond bill and the Senate’s FY27 budget passed this week provide additional sources of support for communities to improve their delivery of service and maintenance to benefit residents,” said Senator Cindy F. Friedman (D-Arlington). “In addition to roads and bridges, this Chapter 90 bond bill funds improvements that will impact residents across the 4th Middlesex district including enhancements to the rails and vehicles of the MBTA and the roads maintained by the Department of Conservation and Recreation. I am pleased to be able to vote in support of this legislation to fund these important transportation improvements in the communities I represent.”
Support is included for all cities and towns through financing for the traditional Chapter 90 program, while a portion of the bonding would especially aid rural areas by distributing support solely based on communities’ road mileage.
Based on this formula, the preliminary FY27 estimates for local apportionment of Chapter 90 funds in the 4th Middlesex district amounts to over $7.5 million, broken down by community as follows:
- Arlington — $1,131,253.65
- Billerica — $1,970,420.30
- Burlington — $1,400,257.87
- Lexington — $1,399,018.84
- Woburn — $1,676,084.26
In addition to improving the condition of roadways and integrity of bridges across Massachusetts, the legislation supports commuter rail and public transit at the MBTA with $200 million for rail improvements, vehicle modernization, and procurement of new vehicles.
It also boosts the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR), which is responsible for maintaining around 180 lane miles of roadway and more than 100 bridge structures, with $200 million for repairs and modernization.
As the Senate continues to work to resolve Massachusetts’ shortage of housing units, the package includes $200 million in bonding to spur new transit-oriented housing construction with capital projects such as stormwater management, culverts, and bike and pedestrian infrastructure.
Full details are available in a fact sheet in the Senate press room.
The Senate Committee on Ways and Means reported the bill to the full Senate with a 14-0 vote on May 18, 2026. The House of Representatives passed the bill in April based on legislation filed earlier this year by Governor Maura Healey.
All floor votes and committee votes are publicly posted on the Legislature’s website, along with archived videos of all Senate sessions and debates.
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