Massachusetts DOT approves $18.5B capital plan for transit, roads and bridges

The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) has signed off on an $18.5 billion five-year Capital Investment Plan (CIP).

The approved plan covers key transportation investments from fiscal year 2026 through 2030, including railroad and transit projects, accessibility upgrades, roadway and bridge enhancements, municipal initiatives and investments for Regional Transit Authorities (RTA).

As noted by MassDOT’s announcement, the budget’s core investment includes $1 billion to support the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) over the next five years. The allocation enables the MBTA to prioritize transit-centric infrastructure and procurement initiatives.

Some of the highlighted investments for MTBA in the budget include:

• Buying vehicles for the Red and Orange Line.
• Procuring bi-level Commuter Rail coaches.
• Enhancing station accessibility and resiliency.
• Supporting the Rail Reliability Program to improve track infrastructure and power systems along the rapid transit network.
• Upgrading rail yards.
• Expanding the Green Line and South Coast Rail.
• Implementing a water transportation pilot program.

In total, the budget allocates $14.3 billion toward highway programs, accounting for the lion’s share of planned spending. These programs cover a variety of planned initiatives over the next five years, providing the state with the funding needed to address critical transportation infrastructure needs. The investments range from injecting $6.5 billion into maintaining, reconstructing and replacing bridges to paving both interstate and non-interstate roadways.

The largest singular investment outlined in the CIP will support the Cape Cod Bridges Program. The $1.1 billion allocation over the next five years will support the state’s efforts to replace the

Sagamore and Bourne Bridges, increasing the safety, efficiency, accessibility and reliability of vehicular transit to Cape Cod.

Another $1 billion will fund the Chapter 90 Program, providing additional funding for local capital projects. These prioritize municipal efforts to build, preserve and improve highways across the state.

Additional high-profile investments featured in the CIP include:

• $424 million for the Interstate 90 Allston Multimodal project to reconstruct and realign an interchange for walking, cycling, driving and transit safety. MassDOT will flatten the I-90 curve through Allston, implement bicycle and pedestrian connections across the city, enhance parkland and build the West Station to improve commuter rail.
• $276 million for the I-95 to route 18 interchange rehabilitation project in New Bedford. The project will replace a 15-span viaduct, bridge parapets multi-span structures with longer-span structures. The vision also includes building retaining walls and noise barriers.
• $269 million to replace Rourke Bridge. The new bridge will comply with modern standards and increase ADA and mobility accessibility.
• $210 million to make improvements to the I-90/I495 interchange in Hopkinton and Westborough. The project will build new bridges and install new lanes. MassDOT will also enhance safety by improving ramp spacing, acceleration and deceleration lanes and eliminating weaving movements.

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