Press Room

(BOSTON—5/21/2026) The Massachusetts Senate today unanimously approved a $2.737 billion bond bill to help municipalities make local road and bridge repairs, invest in public transit infrastructure, and support transit-oriented housing development statewide. 

 

The legislation authorizes $300 million to support departments of public works in local cities and towns as they fill potholes and strengthen bridges at a crucial time for many municipalities dealing with strained finances. 

 

The bond bill—H.5375, An Act financing long-term improvements to municipal roads and bridges—also contains $500 million in bonding to target and fast-track repairs to the roads that are in the worst condition, through MassDOT’s Lifecycle Asset Management Program. 

 

“Today, the Senate is authorizing funding that will go directly toward fixing potholes, repairing local bridges, and building on the progress Massachusetts public transit has made,” said Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). “At the same time, this legislation will help ease serious financial burdens on cities and towns that are navigating a difficult fiscal moment. I’m grateful to Chair Rodrigues for his leadership, as well as Senator Crighton and Senator Cronin for their partnership, and I look forward to seeing the Governor sign this bill into law.” 

 

“With the winter of 2026 in the rearview mirror, the Senate now moves forward in addressing long-term capital projects for roadways and bridges all across the Commonwealth. This sweeping bond bill provides critical support for capital projects in transportation that will spur housing development, make our roads and bridges safer, and continue to improve upon the MBTA’s ongoing railway improvement project,” said Senator Michael J. Rodrigues (D-Westport), Chair of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means. “This legislation builds upon our commitment to make Massachusetts the leader and a model for a safe and state-of-the-art public transportation system.” 

 

“With all the important issues facing the state, we cannot lose focus on the basics like maintaining our roads and bridges,” said Senator John J. Cronin (D-Fitchburg). “This substantial investment in cities and towns goes a long way to improve the everyday life of the people who use our local roads every day.” 

 

“After a particularly tough winter, our municipalities are facing serious challenges with their roads, sidewalks, and other transportation infrastructure,” said Senator Brendan P. Crighton (D-Lynn), Senate Chair of the Joint Committee on Transportation. “By balancing immediate repair needs, such as potholes and bridge repairs, with long-term investments in DCR roadways and MBTA infrastructure, this legislation will improve our statewide transportation system for all who use it.” 

 

Support is included for all cities and towns through financing for the traditional Chapter 90 program, while a portion of the bonding would especially aid rural areas by distributing support solely based on communities’ road mileage. 

 

In addition to improving the condition of roadways and integrity of bridges across Massachusetts, the legislation supports commuter rail and public transit at the MBTA with $200 million for rail improvements, vehicle modernization, and procurement of new vehicles. 

 

It also boosts the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR), which is responsible for maintaining around 180 lane miles of roadway and more than 100 bridge structures, with $200 million for repairs and modernization. 

 

As the Senate continues to work to resolve Massachusetts’ shortage of housing units, the package includes $200 million in bonding to spur new transit-oriented housing construction with capital projects such as stormwater management, culverts, and bike and pedestrian infrastructure. 

 

Full details are available in a fact sheet in the Senate press room. 

 

The Senate Committee on Ways and Means reported the bill to the full Senate with a 14-0 vote on May 18, 2026. The House of Representatives passed the bill in April based on legislation filed earlier this year by Governor Maura Healey. 

 

All floor votes and committee votes are publicly posted on the Legislature’s website, along with archived videos of all Senate sessions and debates. 

 

 

“With this legislation successfully advancing through the Senate today, municipal leaders across the Commonwealth are seeing a powerful, bipartisan commitment to our local infrastructure. Chapter 90 remains the premier program for promoting the safety and reliability of municipal roads and bridges. We deeply appreciate the Senate’s strong action today and extend our special thanks to Senate President Spilka, Chair Rodrigues, Chair Cronin, and Chair Crighton for prioritizing this critical transportation bill for our 351 cities and towns.” 

 

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