Replace a Culvert

DER is working to help municipalities replace undersized and unsafe culverts with ones that allow for natural stream flow processes, provide aquatic organism passage, and improve storm readiness.

The FY25 Culvert Replacement Grant Request for Responses (RFR) is now live! Please see the posting on COMMBUYS here for application instructions and more information.

Technical Assistance for Culvert Replacement

DER helps municipalities replace undersized and unsafe culverts. Undersized culverts can be barriers for fish and wildlife and pose a risk to the public. Massachusetts has regulatory standards for culverts - the Stream Crossing Standards. Culverts that meet the Standards can better protect against floods and are fish and wildlife friendly. DER works with towns to help them replace undersized culverts with ones that meet the Standards.

Our services to municipalities include:

  • One on one technical assistance consultation on new municipal culvert replacement projects.
  • In person trainings covering various phases of the culvert replacement process.
  • Tools and resources to support culvert replacements.

To learn more or request assistance, please contact DERCulverts@mass.gov. You can also sign up for the Culvert Connection newsletter to receive news about culverts, such as interesting projects and funding sources.

Resources

DER has developed a number of resources to support culvert replacement planning and implementation. Below are some materials related to the initial site assessment phase. DER is currently developing a Municipal Culvert Replacement Toolkit that will include more in-depth guidance on all phases of the process. Those materials and associated trainings will be posted and announced in the future. Prior to that, portions of the Toolkit can be made available by request. Please contact DERCulverts@mass.gov to make a request or with any questions.  

Additional Resources

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