State Legislature Makes Major Investment in Transportation Infrastructure

Earlier this month, Senator Jason Lewis joined his colleagues in the Massachusetts House and Senate in voting to authorize $16.5 billion for transportation infrastructure improvements. The bill was signed into law by Governor Baker on January 15, 2021.

“Investing in our transportation infrastructure is one of the best ways to help rebuild our economy from the ravages of the pandemic,” said Senator Jason Lewis. “This legislation will enable many improvements in our roads, bridges, and public transit in the coming years, making our transportation system safer, more reliable, and reducing pollution and carbon emissions.”

The new law authorizes capital spending for transportation projects across the Commonwealth. Major investments include $3 billion for transit system modernization, including MBTA buses and subways; $1.25 billion for the Next Generation Bridge program; and funding for key public transit projects like the Red Line-Blue Line Connector and South Coast Rail.

The legislation also includes new funding authorizations for programs that help our municipalities improve quality of life, including Complete Streets, Shared Streets and Spaces, and the new Municipal Pavement program. These initiatives all help improve pedestrian and bicycling safety, promote public transit use, reduce traffic congestion, improve air quality, and stimulate downtown economic development.