The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) Board of Directors and MBTA Fiscal Management and Control Board (FMCB) approved this week a five-year, $18.3 billion capital investment plan that will stretch out over the next five years.
The funds will go toward MassDOT road and bridge projects, public use airports, rail, and transit. Though covering until 2024, the plan is still a rolling one — it will be updated annually. As is, though, it is already around $1 billion over its preceding capital investment plan.
“We are continuing to invest historic levels of funding into the MBTA and strengthen our roadway and bridge networks in order to provide a more reliable transportation system across Massachusetts,” Gov. Charlie Baker said. “This latest update to the MassDOT and MBTA Capital Investment Plan includes projects that will serve residents throughout the Commonwealth, including delivering South Coast Rail and supporting the ongoing transformation of the Red and Orange Lines.”
The total investment includes $1.58 billion for improvements to the Red and Orange Lines, both in terms of fleets and infrastructure. Another $875 million will go toward further capital investments in the Red Line, like rehabilitation efforts on the Longfellow Approach and investments in the Mattapan High Speed Line. Further, $1.36 billion will go to the Green Line Extension Project, which will extend the Green Line service across another 4.7 miles of light rail line. Beyond that, $1 billion will go to Phase 1 of the South Coast Rail Project, $913 million to modernize the Green Line and another $538.6 million will go to the Commuter Rail Safety and Resiliency Program.
The remainder of the funds will go toward things like a $146.5 million investment into the Hopkinton-Westborough I-495/I-90 Interchange Improvement Project. Those funds will help that high traffic area see improved traffic and safety efforts. Last but not least, more than $2.3 billion will go to municipalities for a variety of grants and reimbursements that will support economic development. This includes things like the mobility assistance program, municipal small bridge program, and others.
“We are proud to continue investing in our roads, bridges, railways, airports, and multimodal pathways, and providing improved services for our customers,” Transportation Secretary and CEO Stephanie Pollack said. “We have appreciated the input of members of the public and stakeholders throughout the CIP process and we thank the MassDOT and MBTA staff members who have worked for months to create this comprehensive planning document.”