Introduction
The Massachusetts state numbered route system supports mobility in 310 Massachusetts cities and towns over approximately 3,000 miles of roadway and is an integral part of the Commonwealth’s transportation network. Further underscoring the importance of these roadways, sixty percent of state numbered routes are on the National Highway System (NHS), which contributes to overall Massachusetts roadway conditions at the Federal level.
1,710 miles, or nearly half of the Commonwealth’s state numbered system are municipally owned, meaning municipalities share a considerable responsibility for system preservation. In recognition of this, MassDOT created the Municipal Pavement Program in 2021 to improve the condition of municipally owned state numbered routes to support the long-term condition of this important network, contribute to National Highway System (NHS) pavement performance, and assist municipalities in the management of local infrastructure. The program seeks to improve the condition of municipally owned state numbered routes, with emphasis on National Highway System (NHS) roadways, and to find opportunities to improve safety and accessibility for all modes. Funding for this program was first authorized in the Transportation Bond Bill enacted by Governor Baker in 2021.
Project selection and treatment options
Roadway segments are selected by MassDOT for improvement each fiscal year based on MassDOT pavement condition data, the proportion of state numbered routes in poor condition in a municipality, and geographic equity. These criteria ensure that the roadway segments in most need of attention in communities with the greatest overall need are selected. This is not a competitive application program.
Typical project types include pavement rehabilitation, resurfacing, and pavement preservation. The appropriate treatment for a particular roadway segment is unique and is decided based on what is right for the pavement at the time of improvement. Specific treatment options include pavement milling and overlay, full depth reclamation with emulsified asphalt stabilization, cold in place recycling, hot in place recycling, rubber chip seal, micro surfacing, or fog sealing and crack sealing. View the various pavement treatment types for roadways presented by Road Resource.
Projects may also include the repair, replacement, or addition of utility infrastructure or pedestrian and bicycle facilities when appropriate for the roadway and environment. When required to maintain the integrity of the pavement improvements funded through this program, culvert repairs may be coordinated with the community or integrated into the project. Improvements to state or private roadways are not eligible through this program. Municipalities are responsible for verifying and/or acquiring any easements, rights of way, or permits that are necessary to implement the project. The ownership and maintenance responsibilities of a roadway are not changed in any way.
Project scoping and implementation
After a segment is selected for improvement, MassDOT will perform a site visit and meet with municipal staff to discuss the scope of the work to be conducted. At this scoping meeting, municipal staff can communicate local needs for the roadway segment and share any other pertinent information. When needed, pavement testing and preliminary engineering is coordinated between municipal representatives and MassDOT staff.
Selected municipalities will enter into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with MassDOT for the work to be conducted before any work begins. The MOU details the scope of work to be conducted as well as the responsibilities of each party related to the project. Projects are implemented by a MassDOT contractor in coordination with the municipality. As such, no funds are provided directly to the municipality. Construction oversight, Quality Assurance, and the testing of materials is performed by MassDOT’s Resident Engineers and Inspectors. Work conducted by MassDOT or its contractor through the Municipal Pavement Program does not change ownership or maintenance responsibilities of the roadway segment in any way.