The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) Board approved a $14.8 billion five-year capital investment plan that includes a $3.8 billion state of good repair backlog reduction for transit in the commonwealth.
The MassDOT FY2017-FY2021 capital investment plan funds capital improvements and infrastructure projects, which includes Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) projects across the commonwealth.
This plan marks the first time MassDOT and the MBTA worked together to create a comprehensive plan to improve its infrastructure.
"These important investments are one of many steps the MassDOT and MBTA are taking to improve the dependability of our core transit system and provide riders with a more reliable and efficient service," said Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker. "These capital dollars will allow for much-needed upgrades at the T, including signals, track and switches, as well as our roads, bridges and other infrastructure."
Approximately 59% of the plan's funding will be spent on improving reliability in the core transportation systems. Another 18% will fund projects to modernize existing infrastructure to accommodate anticipated growth, increased accessibility and new safety standards.
"The final capital investment plan represents a transformative, strategic investment plan to restore reliability to the commonwealth's transportation systems, modernize infrastructure and expansion," said MassDOT Secretary and Chief Executive Officer Stephanie Pollack. "I would like to thank all of the MassDOT staff and MBTA staff that worked for months to create this plan, as well as individuals who participated in public meetings and issued their feedback on the plan. Your comments were invaluable to the creation of this capital investment plan."
The plan will cut the T's state of good repair backlog from $7.3 billion to $3.5 billion over the five-year period. The plan appropriates $4 billion to repair and rehabilitate aging MBTA infrastructure, including $1 billion for signals and power improvements, $1.6 billion for new buses and train cars for the Red, Orange and Green Lines. It also includes $1.1 billion for the MBTA Green Line Extension project.