FFYs 2021-25 TIP: Regional Target Funding Levels Relative to LRTP Goals, by MPO Investment Program

Source: Boston Region MPO.

The investments made in the FFYs 2021–25 TIP will be implemented in 38 cities and towns throughout the MPO region, ranging from dense inner core communities to developing suburbs further from the urban center. Figure ES-3 illustrates the distribution of Regional Target funding across the eight subregions within the Boston Region MPO’s jurisdiction, as defined by the Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC). This figure also includes information on how the distribution of funds compares to key metrics for measuring the need for funding by subregion, including the percent of regional population, employment, and Federal-Aid roadway miles within each subregion.

Figure ES-3

FFYs 2021–25 TIP: Regional Target Funding Levels Relative to Key Indicators, by MAPC Subregion

Source: Boston Region MPO.

Additional information on the geographic distribution of Regional Target funding across the region, including a breakdown of historical funding by municipality, is included in Appendix D.

financing the ffys 2021–25 tip

Highway Program

The TIP Highway Program was developed with the assumption that federal funding for the state would range between $671 million and $725 million annually over the next five years. These amounts include the funds that would be set aside initially by MassDOT as payments for the Accelerated Bridge Program, and exclude required matching funds.

The process of deciding how to use this federal funding in the Boston region follows several steps. First, MassDOT reserves funding for GANs debt service payments for the Accelerated Bridge Program; annual GANs payments range between $82 million and $122 million annually over the five years of this TIP.

The remaining Federal-Aid Highway Program funds are budgeted to support state and regional (i.e., MPO) priorities. In this planning cycle, $728 million to $763 million annually was available for programming statewide, including both federal dollars and the local match. MassDOT customarily provides the local match (which can also be provided by other entities); thus, projects are typically funded with 80 percent federal dollars and 20 percent state dollars, depending on the funding program.

Next, MassDOT allocates funding across the following funding categories:

• Reliability Programs: These programs include the Bridge Program—comprising inspections, systematic maintenance, and National Highway System (NHS) and non-NHS improvements—the Pavement Program, the Roadway Improvements Program, and the Safety Improvements Program.
• Modernization Programs: These programs include the Americans with Disabilities Act Retrofit Program, the Intersection Improvement Program, the Intelligent Transportation Systems Program, and the Roadway Reconstruction Program.
• Expansion Programs: These programs include the Bicycle and Pedestrian Program and the Capacity Program.

Finally, once these needs have been satisfied, MassDOT allocates the remaining funding among the state’s 13 MPOs for programming. This discretionary funding for MPOs is suballocated by formula to determine the Regional Target amounts. The Boston Region MPO receives the largest portion of MPO funding in the state, with approximately 43 percent of Massachusetts’ Regional Target funds allocated to the region. MassDOT develops these targets in consultation with the Massachusetts Association of Regional Planning Agencies (or MARPA). This TIP was programmed with the assumption that the Boston Region MPO will have between $105 million and $110 million annually for Regional Target amounts, which consist of federal funding and state funding for the local match.

Each MPO may decide how to prioritize its Regional Target funding. Given that the Regional Target funding is a subset of the Highway Program, the MPO typically programs the majority of funding for roadway projects; however, the MPO has flexed portions of its highway funding to the Transit Program for both transit expansion and transit modernization projects. The TIP Highway Program details the projects that will receive Regional Target funding from the Boston Region MPO and statewide infrastructure projects within the Boston region. Details on these investments are outlined in Chapter 3.

Transit Program

The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) allocates the funds programmed in the TIP Transit Program according to formula. The three regional transit authorities in the Boston Region MPO area that are recipients of these funds are the MBTA, CATA, and MWRTA. The MBTA, with its extensive transit program and infrastructure, receives the majority of federal transit funds in the region.

Under the federal transportation legislation, Fixing America’s Surface Transportation (or FAST) Act, funding is allocated by the following categories:

• Section 5307 (Urbanized Area Formula Grants): Provides grants to urbanized areas to support public transportation based on levels of transit service, population, and other factors
• Section 5337 (Fixed Guideway/Bus): Seeks to maintain public transportation systems in a state of good repair through replacement and rehabilitation capital projects
• Section 5309 (Fixed Guideway Capital Investment Grants): Provides grants for new and expanded rail, bus rapid transit, and ferry systems that reflect local priorities to improve transportation options in key corridors
• Section 5339 (Bus and Bus Facilities): Provides funding to replace, rehabilitate, and purchase buses and related equipment, and to construct bus-related facilities
• Section 5310 (Enhanced Mobility of Seniors and Individuals with Disabilities): Provides funding to support transportation to meet the special needs of older adults and persons with disabilities

the tip development process

Overview

When determining which projects to fund through the Regional Target funding process, MPO members collaborate with municipalities, state agencies, members of the public, advocacy groups, and other stakeholders. The MPO board uses evaluation criteria in its project selection process to help identify and prioritize projects that advance progress on the MPO’s six goal areas, which are:

• Safety
• System Preservation and Modernization
• Capacity Management and Mobility
• Clean Air/Sustainable Communities
• Transportation Equity
• Economic Vitality

Additionally, the MPO has established investment programs that are designed to direct Regional Target funding towards MPO priority areas over the next 20 years to help meet these goals. The investment programs are as follows:

• Intersection Improvements
• Complete Streets
• Major Infrastructure
• Bicycle Network and Pedestrian Connections
• Community Connections
• Transit Modernization

Projects that the MPO selects to receive Regional Target funding through the TIP development process are included in one of the six investment programs listed above.

In recent years, the MPO has been incorporating performance-based planning and programming (PBPP) practices into its TIP development and other processes. These practices are designed to help direct MPO funds towards achieving specific outcomes for the transportation system. The MPO’s goals and investment programs are key components of its PBPP framework. In FFY 2018, the MPO began to set targets for specific performance measures. Over time, the MPO will more closely link its performance targets, investment decisions, and monitoring and evaluation activities.

Outreach and Data Collection

The outreach process begins early in the FFY when cities and towns designate TIP contacts and begin developing a list of priority projects to be considered for federal funding, and the MPO staff reaches out to the cities and towns in the region to identify their priority projects. MPO staff compiles the project funding requests into a Universe of Unprogrammed Projects, a list of all Bicycle Network and Pedestrian Connections, Complete Streets, Intersection Improvements, and Major Infrastructure projects identified as potential candidates to receive funding through the TIP. This year, a second Universe was compiled containing all of the projects under consideration for funding through the pilot round of the MPO’s Community Connections Program. These lists include projects at varying levels of readiness, from those with significant engineering and design work complete to those still early in the conceptual or planning stage. MPO staff also collects data on each project in both Universes so that the projects may be evaluated.

Project Evaluation

MPO staff evaluates projects based on how well they address the MPO’s goals. In order for MPO staff to conduct a complete project evaluation, Bicycle Network and Pedestrian Connections, Complete Streets, Intersection Improvements, and Major Infrastructure projects must have a functional design report or its plans must include the level of detail defined in a functional design report, a threshold typically reached when a project nears the 25 percent design stage. To complete an evaluation for projects under consideration through the MPO’s Community Connections Program, project proponents must submit a completed application to MPO staff. The evaluation results for all projects are presented to the MPO board for their consideration for programming in the TIP. These scores are also posted on the MPO’s website where project proponents, municipal officials, and members of the public may review them and provide feedback.

TIP Readiness Day

An important step toward TIP programming takes place midway through the TIP development cycle at a meeting—referred to as TIP Readiness Day—that both MassDOT and MPO staff attend. At this meeting, MassDOT project managers provide updates about cost and schedule changes related to currently programmed projects. As MPO staff helps the MPO board consider updates to the already programmed years of the TIP, these cost and schedule changes must be taken into account, as well as the addition of new projects in the outermost year of the TIP.

Staff Recommendation and Draft TIP

Using the evaluation results and information about project readiness (that is, the extent to which a project is fully designed and ready for construction), MPO staff prepares a recommendation or a series of programming scenarios for how to program the Regional Target funding in the TIP. Other considerations, such as whether a project was included in the LRTP, addresses an identified transportation need, or promotes distribution of transportation investments across the region, are also incorporated into these programming scenarios. The staff recommendation is always financially constrained—meaning, subject to available funding. There was approximately $538 million of Regional Target funding available to the Boston Region MPO for FFYs 2021–25. In this TIP cycle, the MPO discussed several scenarios for the Regional Target Program for highway projects and selected a preferred program in March 2020.

In addition to prioritizing the Regional Target funding, the MPO also reviews and endorses the statewide highway program that MassDOT recommends for programming. The MPO also reviews and endorses the programming of funds for the MBTA’s, CATA’s, and MWRTA’s transit capital programs.

Approving the TIP

After selecting a preferred programming scenario, usually in late March, the MPO votes to release the draft TIP for a 21-day public review period. The comment period typically begins in late April or early May. During this time, the MPO invites members of the public, municipal officials, and other stakeholders in the Boston region to review the proposed program and submit feedback. During the public review period, MPO staff hosts public meetings to discuss the draft TIP document and elicit additional comments.

After the public review period ends, the MPO reviews all municipal and public comments and may change elements of the document or its programming. The MPO then endorses the TIP and submits it to the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and the FTA for approval. MassDOT incorporates the MPO-endorsed TIP into the State Transportation Improvement Program (STIP). The FHWA, FTA, and United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) review the STIP for certification by September 30, the close of the FFY.

Updates to the TIP

Even after the TIP has been finalized, administrative modifications, amendments, and adjustments often must be introduced because of changes in project schedule, project cost, funding sources, or available revenues. This may necessitate reprogramming a project in a different funding year or programming additional funds for a project.

Notices of administrative modifications and amendments are posted on the MPO’s website. If an amendment is necessary, the MPO notifies affected municipalities, other stakeholders, and members of the public via email. The MPO typically holds a 21-day public review period before taking final action on an amendment. In extraordinary circumstances, the MPO may vote to shorten the public comment period to a minimum of 15 days. Administrative modifications and adjustments are minor and usually do not warrant a public review period.

Stay Involved with the TIP

Public input is an important aspect of the transportation planning process. Please visit www.bostonmpo.org for more information about the MPO, to view the entire TIP, and to submit your comments. You also may wish to sign up for email news updates and notices by visiting www.ctps.org/subscribe and submitting your contact information. To request a copy of the TIP in accessible formats, please contact the MPO staff by any of the following means:

Mail: Boston Region MPO c/o CTPS Certification Activities Group

10 Park Plaza, Suite 2150 Boston, MA 02116-3968

Telephone: 857.702.3700

TTY: 617.973.7089

Fax: 617.570.9192

Email: publicinfo@ctps.org

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Chapter 1—3C Transportation Planning and the Boston Region MPO

Decisions made on how to allocate transportation funds in a metropolitan area are guided by information and ideas gathered from a broad group of people, including elected officials, municipal planners and engineers, transportation advocates, and interested residents. Metropolitan planning organizations (MPOs) are the bodies responsible for providing a forum for this decision-making process. Each metropolitan area in the United States with a population of 50,000 or more, also known as an urbanized area, is required by federal legislation to establish an MPO, which decides how to spend federal transportation funds for capital projects and planning studies for the area. 

THE TRANSPORTATION PLANNING PROCESS

The federal government regulates the funding, planning, and operation of the surface transportation system through the federal transportation program, which was enacted into law through Titles 23 and 49 of the United States Code. Section 134 of Title 23 of the Federal Aid Highway Act of 1956 and Section 5303 of the Federal Transit Act, as amended, require that urbanized areas conduct a transportation planning process, resulting in plans and programs consistent with the planning objectives of the metropolitan area, in order to be eligible for federal funds.

The most recent reauthorization of the surface transportation law is the Fixing America’s Surface Transportation (FAST) Act. The FAST Act sets policies related to metropolitan transportation planning. The law requires that all MPOs carry out a continuing, comprehensive, and cooperative (3C) transportation planning process.

3C Transportation Planning

The Boston Region MPO is responsible for carrying out the 3C planning process in the Boston region, and has established the following objectives for the process:

• Identify transportation problems and develop possible solutions.
• Ensure that decision-making balances short- and long-range considerations and adequately reflects the range of possible future scenarios, options, and consequences.  
• Represent both regional and local considerations, and both transportation and non-transportation objectives and impacts in the analysis of project issues.
• Assist implementing agencies in effecting timely policy and project decisions with adequate consideration of environmental, social, fiscal, and economic impacts, and with adequate opportunity for participation by other agencies, local governments, and the public.
• Help implementing agencies prioritize transportation activities in a manner consistent with the region’s needs and resources.
• Comply with the requirements of the FAST Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, the Clean Air Act, the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Executive Order 12898 (regarding environmental justice), Executive Order 13166 (regarding outreach to populations with limited English-language proficiency), and Executive Order 13330 (regarding the coordination of human-services transportation).

More information about the federal, state, and regional guidance governing the transportation planning process, and about the regulatory framework in which the MPO operates can be found in Appendix F.

THE BOSTON REGION MPO

The Boston Region MPO’s planning area extends across 97 cities and towns from Boston north to Ipswich, south to Marshfield, and west to Interstate 495.

Figure 1-1 shows the map of the Boston Region MPO’s member municipalities.

Figure 1-1: Municipalities in the Boston Region

The MPO’s board comprises 22 voting members. Several state agencies, regional organizations, and the City of Boston are permanent voting members, while 12 municipalities are elected as voting members for three-year terms. Eight municipal members represent each of the eight subregions of the Boston region, and there are four at-large municipal seats. The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and Federal Transit Administration (FTA) participate on the MPO board as advisory (nonvoting) members. More details about the MPO’s permanent members can be found in Appendix F.

Figure 1-2 shows MPO membership and the organization of the Central Transportation Planning Staff, which serves as staff to the MPO.

Figure 1-2: Boston Region MPO Organizational Chart

MPO Central Vision Statement

The following paragraph is the MPO’s central vision statement, as adopted in Destination 2040, the MPO’s current Long-Range Transportation Plan (LRTP).

The Boston Region MPO envisions a modern, well-maintained transportation system that supports a sustainable, healthy, livable, and economically vibrant region. To achieve this vision, the transportation system must be safe and resilient; incorporate emerging technologies; and provide equitable access, excellent mobility, and varied transportation options.

This vision statement takes into consideration the significant public input received during the drafting of the Needs Assessment for Destination 2040. This statement also reflects the MPO’s desire to add emphasis to the maintenance and resilience of the transportation system while supporting its six core goals: Safety, System Preservation and Modernization, Capacity Management and Mobility, Clean Air and Sustainable Communities, Transportation Equity, and Economic Vitality. More information on the MPO’s vision, goals, and objectives for the transportation system is available in Figure 1-3 below.

Certification Documents

As part of its 3C process, the Boston Region MPO annually produces the Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) and the Unified Planning Work Program (UPWP). These documents, along with the quadrennial LRTP, are referred to as certification documents and are required for the MPO’s certification process for meeting federal requirements; this certification is a prerequisite for receiving federal transportation funds. In addition to the requirement to produce the LRTP, TIP, and UPWP, the MPO must establish and conduct an inclusive public participation process, and maintain transportation models and data resources to support air quality conformity determinations and long- and short-range planning work and initiatives. 

The following is a summary of each of the certification documents.

• The LRTP guides decision-making on investments that will be made in the Boston region’s transportation system over the next two decades. It defines an overarching vision of the future of transportation in the region, establishes goals and objectives that will lead to achieving that vision, and allocates projected revenue to transportation projects and programs consistent with established goals and objectives. The Boston Region MPO produces an LRTP every four years. Destination 2040, the current LRTP, was endorsed by the MPO board in August 2019 and went into effect on October 1, 2019. Figure 1-3 shows the MPO’s goals and objectives as adopted by the MPO board in Destination 2040.

• The TIP is a multiyear, multimodal program of transportation improvements that is consistent with the LRTP. It describes and prioritizes transportation projects that are expected to be implemented during a five-year period. The types of transportation projects funded include major highway reconstruction and maintenance, arterial and intersection improvements, public transit expansion and maintenance, bicycle paths and facilities, and improvements for pedestrians. The TIP contains a financial plan that shows the revenue sources, current or proposed, for each project. The TIP serves as the implementation arm of the MPO’s LRTP, and the Boston Region MPO updates the TIP annually. An MPO-endorsed TIP is incorporated into the State Transportation Improvement Program for submission to the FHWA, FTA, and United States Environmental Protection Agency for approval. 

• The UPWP contains information about transportation planning studies that will be conducted by MPO staff during the course of a federal fiscal year, which runs from October 1 through September 30. The UPWP describes all of the supportive planning activities undertaken by the MPO staff, including data resources management, preparation of the federally required certification documents, and ongoing regional transportation planning assistance. The UPWP, produced annually, is often a means to study transportation projects and alternatives before advancing to further design, construction, and possible future programming through the TIP. The studies and work products programmed for funding through the UPWP are integrally related to other planning initiatives conducted by the Boston Region MPO, the Massachusetts Department of Transportation, the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority, the Massachusetts Port Authority, the Metropolitan Area Planning Council, and municipalities in the Boston region. 

Figure 1-4 depicts the relationship between the three certification documents and the MPO’s performance-based planning and programming process, which is a means to monitor progress towards the MPO’s goals and to evaluate the MPO’s approach in achieving those goals.

Figure 1-3: LRTP Goals and Objectives

Central Vision Statement

The Boston Region Metropolitan Planning Organization envisions a modern, well-maintained transportation system that supports a sustainable, healthy, livable, and economically vibrant region. To achieve this vision, the transportation system must be safe and resilient; incorporate emerging technologies; and provide equitable access, excellent mobility, and varied transportation options.

Figure 1-4: Relationship between the LRTP, TIP, UPWP, and Performance-Based Planning Process

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Chapter 2

The TIP Process

INTRODUCTION TO THE TIP PROCESS

One of the most important decisions a metropolitan planning organization (MPO) faces is deciding how to allocate limited funds for transportation projects and programs. Transportation improvements are part of the solution to many critical regional, state, national, and even global problems, such as traffic congestion, air pollution, fatalities and injuries on roadways, climate change, and environmental injustice. However, there is not nearly enough funding available for all of the necessary and worthy projects that would address these problems. Therefore, it is important that an MPO’s investment choices are guided by policies that help identify the most viable and effective solutions.

As described in Chapter 1, the Boston Region MPO develops a Long-Range Transportation Plan (LRTP) and a Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) to prioritize the expenditure of federal funds on transportation projects. The MPO staff manages the development of both plans. The annual development process for the TIP involves evaluating project funding requests from municipalities and state transportation agencies. The MPO staff then proposes programming for new and ongoing projects based on anticipated yearly funding levels, supports the MPO board by creating a draft TIP document, and facilitates a public involvement process that affords the public an opportunity to comment on proposed projects and review the draft TIP before the MPO board endorses the final document.

FUNDING the TIP

Federal Funding Framework

The first step in allocating federal transportation funds is the passage of a multiyear act by the United States (US) Congress that establishes a maximum level of federal transportation funding per federal fiscal year (FFY).2-1 The establishment of this level of funding is referred to as an authorization.

After the authorization level has been established, the US Department of Transportation annually allocates funding among the states according to various federal formulas. This allocation is referred to as an apportionment. The annual apportionment rarely represents the actual amount of federal funds that are ultimately committed to a state because of federally imposed limitations on spending in a given FFY, referred to as the obligation authority. In Massachusetts, TIPs are developed based on the estimated obligation authority.

Federal Highway Program

The FFYs 2021–25 TIP’s Highway Program was developed with the assumption that funding from the Federal-Aid Highway Program for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts would range between approximately $671 million and $725 million annually over the next five years. These amounts include the funds that would be set aside initially by the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) as payments for the Accelerated Bridge Program and exclude required matching funds.

The process of deciding how to use this federal funding in the Boston region follows several steps. MassDOT first reserves funding for Grant Anticipation Notes (GANs) debt service payments for the Accelerated Bridge Program. Annual GANs payments range between approximately $82 million and $122 million annually over the five years of this TIP.

The remaining Federal-Aid Highway Program funds are budgeted to support state and regional (i.e., MPO) priorities. In the FFYs 2021–25 TIP, there is a total of approximately $728 million to $763 million assumed to be annually available statewide for programming (these amounts include both federal dollars and the state-provided local match). MassDOT customarily provides the local match (which can also be provided by other entities); thus, the capital costs of projects are typically funded with 80 percent federal dollars and 20 percent state dollars, depending on the funding program. The proponent of the project is required to bear the costs for project design.

Regional Targets

The Regional Targets are discretionary funds for MPOs, suballocated by formula to each metropolitan planning region. The Boston Region MPO receives about 43 percent of the total funds available statewide for Regional Targets. MassDOT developed the target formula in consultation with the Massachusetts Association of Regional Planning Agencies (or MARPA).

Each MPO in the state can decide how to prioritize its Regional Target funding. Given that the Regional Target funding originates from the Federal-Aid Highway Program, the Boston Region MPO board typically programs the majority of its target funding on roadway projects; however, the MPO board has flexed portions of its TIP Highway Program funding to the TIP’s Transit Program, most notably when the MPO board gave its support to the Green Line Extension transit expansion project. Additionally, the FFYs 2021–25 TIP includes an annual allotment of funding to the MPO’s Transit Modernization program beginning in FFY 2025. This represents the MPO’s first formalized effort to flex Federal-Aid Highway funds to transit projects on a yearly basis, an affirmation of the region’s goals to support multimodal transportation options in a meaningful way. More information on the MPO’s investment strategy is included in Section 2.3 below.

During the next five years, the Boston Region MPO’s total Regional Target funding will be approximately $538 million, an average of $107.6 million per year. To decide how to spend its Regional Target funding, the MPO engages its 97 cities and towns in an annual TIP development process.

Federal Highway Administration Programs

The Federal-Aid Highway Program dollars discussed in this section come through several Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) funding programs, each of which has unique requirements. Table 2-1 shows these programs, which come from the Fixing America’s Surface Transportation (FAST) Act and fund projects in the FFYs 2021–25 TIP.  

Table 2-1: Federal Highway Administration Programs Applicable to the FFYs 2021–25 Transportation Improvement Program

Source: Federal Highway Administration

Federal Transit Program

Federal aid for public transit authorities is allocated by formula to urbanized areas (UZAs). MassDOT is the recipient of this federal aid in the Boston UZA. In UZAs with populations greater than 200,000, such as the Boston UZA, the distribution formula factors in passenger-miles traveled, population density, and other factors associated with each transit provider. The three regional transit authorities (RTAs) in the Boston Region MPO area are the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA), MetroWest Regional Transit Authority (MWRTA), and Cape Ann Transportation Authority (CATA). The MBTA, with its extensive transit program and infrastructure, receives the majority of federal transit funds in the region.

The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) distributes funding to transit agencies through several different programs. Table 2-2 shows FTA programs that come from the FAST Act and support transit investments in the FFYs 2021–25 TIP.

Table 2-2: Federal Transit Administration Programs Applicable to the FFYs 2021–25 Transportation Improvement Program

Source: Federal Transit Administration

INVESTMENT FRAMEWORKS

MPO Investment Framework

As mentioned, each MPO in the state can decide how to prioritize the Regional Target funding it receives through the processes established by FHWA and MassDOT. The Boston Region MPO’s LRTP defines the investment framework that informs the specific investment decisions made in the TIP by establishing

• the MPO’s transportation vision, goals, and objectives, which shape the MPO’s project evaluation criteria;
• MPO investment programs; and
• other guidelines that help the MPO determine how to allocate funding across its investment programs.

MPO Goals and Objectives

The MPO’s goals and objectives provide the foundation for the evaluation criteria the MPO board uses when selecting transportation projects to be funded with Regional Target dollars. MPO staff compares candidate projects’ characteristics to these criteria to evaluate whether individual projects can help the MPO advance its various goals. The criteria used to select projects for this TIP are based on the MPO’s goals and objectives, adopted as part of Destination 2040, which is the LRTP the MPO endorsed in August 2019. These goals and objectives are listed in Chapter 1.

MPO Investment Programs

In Destination 2040, the MPO strengthened the link between its spending and improvements to transportation performance by revising its investment programs to include a broader range of prospective projects. These investment programs focus on specific types of projects that the MPO expects will help achieve its goals and objectives for the transportation system. The MPO created these programs to give municipalities the confidence that if they design these types of projects, the MPO will be willing to fund them through the TIP. The investment programs include:

• Complete Streets
• Intersection Improvements
• Bicycle Network and Pedestrian Connections
• Major Infrastructure (including highway funds flexed to major transit infrastructure)
• Community Connections
• Transit Modernization

Figure 2-1 provides details about the Destination 2040 investment programs and their relationship to the MPO’s goals. When developing the FFYs 2021–25 TIP, the MPO allocated its Regional Target dollars to these investment programs by assigning them to projects that meet the investment programs’ criteria.

Figure 2-1: Destination 2040 Investment Programs

Intersection Improvements

MPO Goals: Safety, System Preservation and Modernization, Capacity Management and Mobility, Clean Air/Sustainable Communities, Transportation Equity, Economic Vitality

Funds projects to modernize intersection geometry and signalization to improve safety and mobility.

Improvements may include:

• Modernizing existing signals, adding signals or implementing transit signal priority
• Adding turning lanes
• Shortening crossing distances for pedestrians
• Adding or improving sidewalks, ramps or curb cuts
• Adding or improving bicycle lanes

Complete Streets

MPO Goals: Safety, System Preservation and Modernization, Capacity Management and Mobility, Clean Air/Sustainable Communities, Transportation Equity, Economic Vitality

Funds projects that modernize roadways to improve safety and mobility for all users.

Improvements may include:

• Providing continuous sidewalks or shared-use paths
• Providing continuous bicycle lanes, cycle tracks or other bicycle facilities
• Updating signals at intersections along a corridor
• Improving other corridor infrastructure, such as bridges, pavement and roadway geometry
• Adding dedicated bus lanes and other associated roadway, signal and stop improvements
• Implementing climate resiliency improvements, including stormwater management measures

Bicycle Network and Pedestrian Connections

MPO Goals: Safety, System Preservation and Modernization, Capacity Management and Mobility, Clean Air/Sustainable Communities, Transportation Equity, Economic Vitality

Funds projects to expand bicycle and pedestrian networks to improve safe access to transit, schools, employment centers, and shopping destinations.

Improvements may include:

• Constructing new, off-road bicycle or shared-use paths
• Improving bicycle and pedestrian crossings
• Building new sidewalks
• Providing traffic calming improvements or other Complete Street upgrades
• Enhancing signage, lighting, or signals for bicycles and pedestrians

Community connections Program

MPO Goals: Capacity Management and Mobility, Clean Air/Sustainable Communities, Transportation Equity, Economic Vitality

Funds a variety of project types, including first- and last-mile solutions and other small, nontraditional transportation projects to enhance mobility and improve air quality.

Improvements may include:

• Closing gaps in the transit network through first- and last-mile solutions and needs not covered by existing fixed-route transit or paratransit services, including shuttle operations, partnerships with transportation network companies, or transit enhancements
• Coordinating transit service or small capital improvements with existing or future fixed-route service
• Adopting innovative parking management strategies or constructing additional parking for automobiles or bicycles 
• Making minor bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure improvements near transit stations
• Promoting education and wayfinding, including travel instruction, training on new technologies, signage, and pilot or demonstration projects

Major Infrastructure Program

MPO Goals: Safety, System Preservation and Modernization, Capacity Management and Mobility, Clean Air/Sustainable Communities, Transportation Equity, Economic Vitality

Funds projects that enhance major arterials for all users and modernize or expand transit systems to increase capacity. Projects in this program cost more than $20 million and/or add capacity to the transportation system.

Improvements may include

• Expanding or modernizing transit infrastructure, including extending rail lines or making large-scale facility or station improvements
• Implementing large-scale Complete Streets projects
• Reconstructing bridges or other critical infrastructure

transit modernization Program

MPO Goals: Safety, System Preservation and Modernization, Capacity Management and Mobility, Clean Air/Sustainable Communities, Transportation Equity, Economic Vitality

Funds projects that modernize transit infrastructure and promote the enhanced ridership, accessibility or resiliency of transit services.

Improvements may include:

• Enhancing customer amenities or increasing capacity at transit stations
• Enhancing the accessibility of transit stations, including installing high-level platforms or replacing or installing elevators
• Investing in climate resiliency to support the future security of transit infrastructure
• Making state-of-good-repair improvements to transit assets, including to tracks, signals and power systems
• Modernizing transit fleets through the purchase of vehicles
• Upgrading or expanding parking at transit stations
• Upgrading bus maintenance facilities

Newly created in Destination 2040, the Transit Modernization program represents a significant shift in the MPO’s investment strategy, as funding is allocated to transit projects on an annual basis beginning in FFY 2025. In prior years, the MPO has only funded transit projects on a one-off basis when funding was requested for specific projects in the region. By creating the programming infrastructure to flex Regional Target highway funds to transit projects annually, the Boston Region MPO has established itself as a leader among MPOs nationally in crafting an investment strategy that is truly multimodal and has taken a clear stance that investing in transit is central to improving the region’s broader transportation system. The MPO’s five other investment programs were created during the development of prior Long-Range Transportation Plans.2-2

While the MPO did not fund any specific Transit Modernization projects in this TIP cycle, funding was reserved in FFY 2025 for future allocation. In the meantime, the MPO will continue to work with municipalities and transit providers in the region to identify transit needs and determine the most effective use of this funding to address those needs.

Destination 2040 also reflects an updated set of priorities for the MPO's Complete Streets investment program, adding dedicated bus lanes and climate resiliency measures to the types of projects targeted for funding through this program. As with the Transit Modernization program, the MPO will continue to work with municipalities in future TIP cycles to develop and fund projects in these new areas of emphasis.

Finally, while the MPO’s Community Connections investment program was created through the 2015 LRTP, Charting Progress to 2040, the FFYs 2021–25 TIP represents the first TIP cycle that allocates this funding to specific projects. In prior TIP cycles, the $2 million in annual funding for this program was reserved for future use but not allocated, as the development timeline for the first- and last-mile projects funded through this program is much shorter than for other TIP projects. In the FFYs 2021–25 TIP, Community Connections funding in FFY 2021 was allocated to five projects, while funding in FFYs 2022–25 remains reserved for allocation in future TIP cycles. More information on the projects selected for funding in each of the MPO’s investment programs can be found in Chapter 3.

Other Funding Guidelines

When creating investment program guidelines for Destination 2040, the MPO elected to decrease the amount of funding allocated to large-scale projects that would be included in its Major Infrastructure program in order to focus a larger percentage of funding on lower cost, operations and management-type projects. (For the development of the FFYs 2021–25 TIP, the MPO defined Major Infrastructure projects as those that cost more than $20 million or that add capacity to the transportation network). Such a funding mix will help the MPO address its goals and provide more opportunities for the MPO to distribute federal transportation dollars to projects throughout the region, as opposed to concentrating it on a few large-scale projects. Destination 2040 focused on investing federal transportation dollars over a 20-year period, but several guidelines are relevant to shorter-term TIP programming, including the following:

• No more than 30 percent of available funding in each LRTP five-year time band should be allocated to Major Infrastructure projects.
• If one Major Infrastructure project requires more than 30 percent of funding in a particular time band, it should not be programmed.

The MPO considers LRTP-based guidelines such as these when determining how to program Regional Target funding over the relevant five-year period for the TIP.

MassDOT and Transit Agency Investment Frameworks

MassDOT, in coordination with the MBTA, updates its rolling five-year Capital Investment Plan (CIP) on an annual basis. This planning document identifies priority roadway, transit, bridge, and statewide infrastructure projects for the five MassDOT divisions and the MBTA. The CIP process uses a framework that prioritizes funding according to MassDOT’s strategic goals. Reliability is the top priority for MassDOT, followed by Modernization and then Expansion. MassDOT and the MBTA have created investment programs for the CIP that relate to these strategic goals, and allocate funding to these goals and programs in ways that emphasize their priority. These goals and investment programs are as follows:

• Reliability: These investments are oriented toward maintaining and improving the overall condition and reliability of the transportation system. They include capital maintenance projects, state-of-good-repair projects, and other asset management and system preservation projects. MassDOT Highway Division programs in this area include the Bridge Program, including inspections, systematic maintenance, and National Highway System (NHS) and non-NHS improvements; the Pavement Program; the Roadway Improvements Program; and the Safety Improvements Program. MBTA Reliability programs include its Revenue Vehicles Program; Track, Signals, and Power Program; Bridge and Tunnel Program; Stations Program; Facilities Program; and Systems Upgrades.

• Modernization: These investments enhance the transportation system to make it safer and more accessible and to accommodate growth. These projects address compliance with federal mandates or other statutory requirements for safety and/or accessibility improvements, exceed state-of-good-repair thresholds to substantially modernize existing assets, and provide expanded capacity to accommodate current or anticipated demand on transportation systems. MassDOT Highway Division programs in this area include the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Retrofit Program, the Intersection Improvement Program, the Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) Program, and the Roadway Reconstruction Program. MBTA programs in this area include the Red and Orange Line Improvements Program, the Commuter Rail Safety and Resiliency Program, the Accessibility Program, the Risk Management and Mitigation Program, and the Fare Transformation Program.

• Expansion: These investments provide more diverse transportation options for communities throughout the Commonwealth. The investments expand highway, transit, and rail networks and/or services, or they expand bicycle and pedestrian networks to provide more transportation options and address health and sustainability objectives. MassDOT Highway Division programs in this area include the Bicycle and Pedestrian Program and the Capacity Program.The MBTA's major expansion program includes the Green Line Extension and South Coast Rail projects.

DEVELOPING THE TIP

Project Selection Process

Overview

The MPO applies its investment framework when developing the TIP. The MPO board’s process for selecting projects to receive highway discretionary—or Regional Target—funding relies on evaluation criteria to help identify and prioritize projects that advance the MPO’s goals. The criteria are based on the MPO’s goals and objectives outlined in the LRTP. All projects are required to show consistency with the LRTP and other statewide and regional plans. Other considerations include the readiness of a project for construction and municipal support for the project. Background information about the TIP project evaluation process is presented in Appendix A.

In the wake of the adoption of Destination 2040 in August 2019, the MPO began the process of revising the TIP evaluation criteria to enhance alignment with the MPO’s updated goals, objectives, and investment programs. These new criteria will be adopted by the MPO by October 1, 2020, and will be employed during the project selection process for the FFYs 2022–26 TIP. The MPO developed project selection criteria to evaluate and fund projects through the Community Connections program during the FFYs 2021–25 TIP cycle. These criteria will also be revised based on feedback received on the pilot round of this program, and the updated criteria will be used to select the next round of projects through this funding program in the FFYs 2022–26 TIP.

Outreach and Data Collection (October-November)

The TIP development process begins early in the FFY when cities and towns in the region designate staff as TIP contacts and begin developing a list of priority projects to be considered for federal funding. Each fall, the MPO staff asks these TIP contacts to identify their city or town’s priority projects and then MPO staff elicits input from interested parties and members of the general public.

All new Bicycle Network and Pedestrian Connections, Complete Streets, Intersection Improvements, and Major Infrastructure projects must be initiated by the MassDOT Highway Division before they can be considered for programming in the TIP. MassDOT details this process on its project initiation webpage, https://www.mass.gov/info-details/massdot-highway-initiating-a-project. To be considered for programming, Community Connections projects must submit an application for funding directly to MPO staff, as these projects do not need to be initiated by MassDOT.

During the fall, municipal TIP Contacts and MPO staff coordinate to update the information for currently programmed projects in the MPO’s Interactive TIP Database, https://www.ctps.org/maploc/www/apps/tipApp/index.html, which summarizes information on each project's background, infrastructure condition and needs, development status, evaluation scores, and ability to help the region attain the MPO’s goals and objectives.

The MPO staff compiles project funding requests for projects into a Universe of Unprogrammed Projects list, which consists of all identified projects being advanced for possible funding in the Bicycle Network and Pedestrian Connections, Complete Streets, Intersection Improvements, and Major Infrastructure investment programs. The Universe includes projects that are fully designed and ready to be advertised for construction, those that are undergoing preliminary engineering and design, and projects still in the conceptual planning stage. Projects that are active municipal priorities and that are feasibly ready to be programmed in the current TIP cycle continue forward into the MPO’s project evaluation process. Projects that are not ready for programming remain in the Universe for consideration in future TIP cycles.

The TIP development process also features a Universe of Unprogrammed Projects for the Community Connections Program. This list was compiled by MPO staff in December 2018 after significant outreach to municipalities and transportation service providers. Like the project list mentioned above, this list includes projects at various stages of design. To conduct the pilot round of the Community Connections Program, project proponents from this list were contacted during the fall TIP outreach period and encouraged to submit applications for their projects.

Project Evaluation (December-February)

The MPO staff uses its project evaluation criteria to logically and transparently evaluate and select projects for programming in the TIP that advance the MPO’s vision for transportation in the region. This process favors projects that support the following goals:

• Transportation by all modes will be safe
• Maintain and modernize the transportation system and plan for its resiliency
• Use existing facility capacity more efficiently and increase transportation options
• Ensure that all people receive comparable benefits from, and are not disproportionately burdened by, MPO investments, regardless of race, color, national origin, age, income, ability, or sex
• Create an environmentally friendly transportation system
• Ensure our transportation network provides a strong foundation for economic vitality

MPO staff used two sets of evaluation criteria to score projects for the FFYs 2021–25 TIP. For the Bicycle Network and Pedestrian Connections, Complete Streets, Intersection Improvements, and Major Infrastructure investment programs, projects were scored on 28 criteria, each of which measure aspects of these projects that support the MPO's goals and objectives, as outlined in Destination 2040. Figure 2-2 provides an overview of these goals, criteria, and scoring values. Given the distinct nature of the smaller-scale, first- and last-mile projects considered for funding through the Community Connections Program, a unique set of evaluation criteria were applied to these projects. The full list of these criteria are available in Figure 2-3. As noted earlier in this chapter, Transit Modernization projects were not evaluated for funding during this TIP cycle, as this new investment program remains under development.

Figure 2-2: Transportation Improvement Program Evaluation Criteria (Bicycle Network and Pedestrian Connections, Complete Streets, Intersection Improvements, and Major Infrastructure Projects)

Figure 2-3: Community Connections Project Evaluation Criteria

In order for the MPO staff to conduct a complete project evaluation, each project proponent must provide enough information to meaningfully apply the criteria listed above. Bicycle Network and Pedestrian Connections, Complete Streets, Intersection Improvements, and Major Infrastructure projects must have a functional design report or its plans must include the level of detail defined in a functional design report, a threshold typically reached when a project nears the 25 percent design stage. (See MassDOT’s Project Development and Design Guide for information about the contents of a functional design report.) This guide is available at

https://www.mass.gov/lists/design-guides-and-manuals. For Community Connections projects, proponents must submit a complete application to the MPO, including any required supporting documentation.  

For more details about the criteria used to score projects, as well as project evaluation results for projects considered for programming in this TIP, see Appendix A.

TIP Readiness Day (February)

The MPO staff meets with members of the MassDOT Highway Division to review cost and schedule changes related to currently programmed projects, which are undergoing design review, permitting, and right-of-way acquisition. The MPO board then considers these updated project construction costs and changes to the expected dates for construction advertisement when making decisions about changes to TIP programming. These changes have an impact on the ability of the MPO to program its target funds for new projects in the five-year TIP.

Staff Recommendation and Project Selection (March–April)

Using the evaluation scores and information gathered about project readiness (when a project is expected to be fully designed and ready for advertisement) and cost, staff prepares possible TIP project programming scenarios for the MPO’s consideration. In developing these scenarios, MPO staff also considers whether a project was programmed in the LRTP, LRTP-based guidelines for allocating funds to different programs or project types, the distribution of investments across the region, and the availability of sufficient funding. MPO staff then gather feedback from board members, project proponents, and the public to inform a final staff recommendation, which is presented to the MPO for approval before it is included in the draft TIP for public review.

Selection Process for State and Transit Agency Prioritized Projects

As discussed above, the selection of transit, bridge, and statewide infrastructure projects for programming in the TIP draws primarily from MassDOT’s CIP. MassDOT and the MBTA evaluate projects for inclusion in CIP programs using criteria established by the independent Project Selection Advisory Council (PSAC). The following criteria from the PSAC process guide project evaluation:

• System Preservation: Projects should contribute to a state of good repair on the system.
• Mobility: Projects should provide efficient and effective modal options.
• Cost Effectiveness: Projects should result in benefits commensurate with costs and should be aimed at maximizing the return on the public’s investment.
• Economic Impact: Projects should support strategic economic growth in the Commonwealth.
• Safety: Projects should contribute to the safety and security of people and goods in transit.
• Social Equity and Fairness: Projects should equitably distribute both the benefits and the burdens of investments among all communities.
• Environment and Health Impacts: Projects should maximize the potential positive health and environmental aspects of the transportation system.
• Policy Support: Projects should get credit if they support local or regional policies or plans or state policies not addressed through the other criteria.

Projects that receive the highest score are those that meet MassDOT’s goals for maintaining and improving the overall condition and reliability of the system; modernizing the system to make it safer and more accessible and to accommodate growth; and expanding and diversifying transportation options for communities. These project prioritization processes may also reflect other planning initiatives, such as Focus40, the MBTA’s 25-year investment plan. Once project prioritization is complete, programming decisions are made based on these evaluations and information regarding project readiness, program sizing, and existing asset management plans.

As discussed above, the transit element of the TIP also includes the Federal-Aid Programs of the other two RTAs in the region, CATA and MWRTA.

Once selection processes are complete, these agencies submit their lists of bridge projects, statewide infrastructure items, and transit capital projects to the MPO for review.

APPROVING THE TIP

Approval of the Draft TIP for Public Review

The MPO board considers the project evaluation results and staff recommendation when prioritizing projects for Regional Target funding. The board also considers public comments, the regional importance of projects, and other factors. In addition to prioritizing the Regional Target funding, the MPO board reviews statewide infrastructure items, the Bridge Program, and the capital programs for the MBTA, CATA, and MWRTA before voting to release a draft TIP for public review.

The MPO board votes to release the draft document for public review and invites members of the public, municipal and elected officials, and other stakeholders in the Boston region to review the proposed TIP. The MPO staff hosts outreach events during the public review period to elicit comments on the draft document (see Appendix C for a full list of public comments submitted on the draft TIP).

Approval of the Draft TIP

After the public review period ends, the MPO staff and board review all public comments, and the board may change the programming or the document as appropriate before endorsing the TIP. MassDOT staff incorporates the MPO-endorsed TIP into the State Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) and submits it to the FHWA and FTA for approval. The FHWA, FTA, and US Environmental Protection Agency review the STIP and certify it by September 30, the end of the FFY.

uPDATING THE TIP

The TIP is a dynamic program that may be amended and adjusted throughout the year. Administrative modifications and amendments are often introduced due to changes in project status (advertisement readiness), project cost, project design scope, or available revenue. An amendment is a revision that requires public review and a demonstration of fiscal constraint.

Consistent with federal guidance, the Boston Region MPO must release an amendment if there is (1) a change in project cost of $500,000 or more for projects valued at $5 million or less, or (2) a change of 10 percent or more of the project cost for projects valued greater than $5 million. TIP amendments are also released if a project is proposed to be added or removed from the TIP, if the programming year of a project is changed, or if there is a large enough change in a project's scope to necessitate additional review by MassDOT's Project Review Committee. Cost changes that are less than the above threshold amounts may be considered in the form of administrative modifications or adjustments, which must still undergo MPO board action for approval. Administrative modifications or adjustments are also undertaken in the event that a project’s funding source changes. Although a public review period is not required for administrative modifications or adjustments, one may be offered at the MPO board’s discretion.

All proposed amendments are presented in a public setting at an MPO meeting, and details are posted on the MPO’s website, bostonmpo.org. Public notices are distributed through the MPO’s email contact list, which members of the public may join by signing up on the MPO’s website. TIP contacts at the affected municipalities and the public are notified of pending amendments at the start of an amendment’s public review period.

Public Notice

Notices of draft TIP amendments include a summary of the amendment’s contents, dates of the public review period, contact information for submitting a comment to the MPO, and the date, time, and location that the MPO will vote on that amendment. Also during the public review period, the MPO staff notifies and briefs the Regional Transportation Advisory Council (Advisory Council) about the amendment and relays any comments from the Advisory Council to the MPO board. Municipal representatives and members of the public are invited to submit written or oral testimony at the MPO meetings at which amendments are discussed or voted on.

The MPO typically holds a 21-day public review period before taking final action on an amendment. In extraordinary circumstances, the MPO may vote to shorten the public review period to a minimum of 15 days. (These circumstances are detailed in the MPO’s Public Participation Plan.)

The MPO’s website is the best place to find current information about the TIP. All changes to the draft TIP and changes to the endorsed TIP, such as amendments and modifications that have been approved by the MPO, are available on the TIP webpage, bostonmpo.org/tip.

Comments or questions about the draft TIP materials may be submitted directly to the MPO staff via the website, email, or US mail, or voiced at MPO meetings and other public MPO events.

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Chapter 3

Highway and Transit Programming

The Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) tables included in this chapter present a listing of all the projects and programs funded with federal highway and transit aid in the Boston region during federal fiscal years (FFYs) 2021–25. These funding tables are also included as part of the State Transportation Improvement Program (STIP).

Table 3-1 presents a summary of the Boston Region Metropolitan Planning Organization’s (MPO) share of Regional Target funds from the Federal-Aid Highway Program. The allocation of these funds is constrained by projections of available federal aid. As shown in Table 3-1, the MPO has programmed nearly all available discretionary funds within the limits of projected funding for highway funding programs. As such, the FFYs 2021–25 TIP Regional Target Program complies with financial constraint requirements. The details of this funding and the specific projects programmed with Regional Target funding are shown in Section 1A of each annual element of the TIP tables (Table 3-6). Section 1A includes the regionally prioritized projects funded during a given federal fiscal year. The other sections in Table 3-6 (Sections 1B, 2A, 2B, and 2C) list the following:

• Projects funded with earmarks or discretionary grant funds
• State-prioritized bridge repairs and rehabilitation, pavement maintenance, safety improvements, retrofits for accessibility (as required by the Americans with Disabilities Act), intersection improvements, roadway reconstruction, and bicycle and pedestrian projects

Tables 3-7, 3-8, and 3-9 list the federally funded transit projects and programs in the Boston region that the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA), MetroWest Regional Transit Authority (MWRTA), and Cape Ann Transportation Authority (CATA) plan to undertake.

The second part of the chapter includes detailed descriptions of projects funded through both the Regional Target and statewide portions of the Highway Program, including evaluation scores (for MPO-funded projects), project proponents, and funding details. The pages are organized alphabetically by the municipality in which each project is located.

Table 3-1

Boston Region MPO Regional Target Program Funding Summary

Investment Summary

This section summarizes the investments made by the Boston Region MPO, Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT), MBTA, CATA, and MWRTA in the FFYs 2021–25 TIP. Table 3-2 shows the Boston Region MPO’s investments of Regional Target funding— including both the number of projects and the dollar amount—by investment program. These investments are aimed at making progress towards the MPO’s goals for the region, including enhancing safety for all users, preserving and modernizing the transportation system, promoting mobility and reducing congestion, supporting clean air and sustainability, ensuring all have equitable access to the transportation system, and fostering economic vitality in the region through investments in transportation.

Table 3-2

FFYs 2021–25 Boston Region MPO Regional Target Investment Summary

Note: Funding amounts in this table include both federal and non-federal funds, including matching funds.

^* Project 606501—Reconstruction of Union Street (Route 139) in Holbrook—is also supported by $1,527,250 in earmark funds, which are not shown in this table. 

^† The MPO will flex federal highway improvement dollars to support the Green Line Extension.

^‡ In FFYs 2021 and 2022, the MPO will contribute $22,115,687 to Project 606476—Summer Tunnel Improvements—and MassDOT will contribute other funds. This project is included in the total number of projects in this category.

Source: Boston Region MPO.

Table 3-3 shows MassDOT’s FFYs 2021–25 TIP investments—including both the number of projects or programs and the dollar amount—by MassDOT program. MassDOT’s investments are distributed across a variety of programs and will support bridge and pavement improvements, roadway improvements and reconstruction, new bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure, and safety improvements.

Table 3-3
 MassDOT Highway Program Investment Summary

Note: Funding amounts in this table include both federal and non-federal funds, including matching funds.

^* Funding has been earmarked for three projects. Two of these projects are also receiving funding through MassDOT’s Roadway Reconstruction Program (606476—Summer Tunnel Improvements, and 607977—Interstates 90/495 Interchange Reconstruction). Each project is counted in the tally for the Earmark Projects and Roadway Reconstruction categories, but is only counted once in the total number of projects funded.

^† Project 606476—Sumner Tunnel Improvements—is also funded with $22,115,687 in Regional Target funds, which are not shown in this table.

^‡ Project 606501—Reconstruction of Union Street (Route 139) in Holbrook—is also supported by $2,287,523 in Regional Target funds, which are not shown in this table. 

^§ Two projects are funded through this program while also receiving funding through MassDOT’s Safety Improvements Program (607748—Intersection and Signal Improvements in Acton, and 607759—Intersection and Signal Improvements in Boston). Each project is counted the tally for the Intersection Improvements and Safety Improvements categories, but is only counted once in the total number of projects funded.

Sources: MassDOT and the Boston Region MPO.

Table 3-4 shows the MBTA’s programs and associated TIP funding amounts.

Table 3-4
 MBTA Transit Program Investment Summary

Note: FTA formula funds (Sections 5307, 5337 and 5339) are based on estimated apportionments. TIP programs and projects are based on a preliminary draft Capital Investment Program as of April 30, 2020. Adjustments will be made to federal projects and budgets as the CIP process is finalized. Funding amounts in this table include both federal and non-federal funds, including matching funds.

^a Positive Train Control investments are funded with Railroad Rehabilitation and Improvement Financing.

Sources: MBTA and the Boston Region MPO.

Note: FTA formula funds (Sections 5307, 5337 and 5339) are based on estimated apportionments. TIP programs and projects are based on a preliminary draft Capital Investment Program as of April 30, 2020. Adjustments will be made to federal projects and budgets as the CIP process is finalized. Funding amounts in this table include both federal and non-federal funds, including matching funds.

^a Positive Train Control investments are funded with Railroad Rehabilitation and Improvement Financing.

Sources: MBTA and the Boston Region MPO.

Table 3-5 summarizes CATA and MWRTA investments included in the FFYs 2021-25 TIP.

Table 3-5
 CATA and MWRTA Transit Program Investment Summary

Note: Funding amounts in this table include both federal and non-federal funds, including matching funds.
Sources: CATA, MWRTA, and the Boston Region MPO.

Tables 3-6 through 3-9 build on the summary tables listed above by detailing investments made through both the Highway and Transit Programs by project, program, and funding year.

Table 3-6

FFYs 2021-25 Transportation Improvement Program Highway Table

Table 3-7

FFYs 2021-25 Transportation Improvement Program Transit Table (MBTA)

Table 3-8

FFYs 2021-25 Transportation Improvement Program Transit Table (MWRTA)

Table 3-9

FFYs 2021-25 Transportation Improvement Program Transit Table (CATA)

detailed project descriptions

Field Definitions

Proponent: This field lists the primary advocate for each project, who is responsible for seeing the project through to completion.

ID Number: This number references the project’s identification number in MassDOT’s project-tracking system.

Project Type: This field provides the type of project programmed. For those projects programmed with Regional Target funds (projects listed in Section 1A of the TIP tables), the projects are categorized according to the MPO’s six investment categories (Bicycle and Pedestrian, Complete Streets, Intersection Improvements, Major Infrastructure, Community Connections, and Transit Modernization). For those projects programmed directly by MassDOT (projects listed in Sections 1B, 2A, 2B, and 2C), MassDOT’s STIP Program categories are applied.

Cost: This is the total project cost as programmed in the TIP across all fiscal years, including years outside of FFYs 2021–25.

Funding Source: This identifies whether a project is funded using the MPO’s Regional Target funds or MassDOT’s statewide highway funds.

Scoring Summary: This table shows the number of points awarded to the project across each of the MPO’s project evaluation categories. MPO staff has not evaluated all projects in the TIP; staff only evaluates projects that are being considered for funding with the MPO’s Regional Target funds. The field definitions for the tables are as follows:

• Safety: Safety (30 possible points)
• Sys Pres: System Preservation and Modernization (29 possible points)
• CM/M: Capacity Management and Mobility (29 possible points)
• CA/SC: Clean Air/Sustainable Communities (16 possible points)
• TE: Transportation Equity (12 possible points)
• EV: Economic Vitality (18 possible points)
• Total: This is the summation of the project’s scores across the above six categories (134 possible points)

Project Description: The description of the project is based, in part, on the written description of the project on MassDOT’s Project Information website. In some cases, these descriptions have been modified to clarify the details of the projects. Projects evaluated by the MPO tend to have more detailed descriptions, as more complete project documentation was provided to MPO staff for these projects.

Funding Summary: Funding tables are included for each project and show the following information:

• Year: This field provides the federal fiscal year(s) during which the project is programmed for funding.
• Federal and Non-Federal Funds: These fields show a breakdown of project funding from federal and non-federal sources. Typically, these fields will show an 80/20 split, with federal funds accounting for 80 percent of project funding and a 20 percent state match accounting for the remaining funds.
• Total Funds Programmed: This field shows the total funding programmed for the project in the FFYs 2021–25 TIP by the year of expenditure. Information regarding TIP projects changes periodically, so funding amounts for all projects are subject to adjustment throughout the fiscal year.

Acton: Intersection Improvements at Massachusetts Avenue (Route 111) and Main Street (Route 27) (Kelley’s Corner)

Proponent:         Acton
ID Number:       608229
Project Type:      Intersection Improvements
Cost:                 $14,687,418
Funding Source: Regional Target Funds

Scoring Summary

Project Description

This project involves improvements to address traffic congestion and the safety of pedestrians and bicyclists through the addition of turning lanes and the reduction and consolidation of curb cuts. Full accommodations for vehicular, bicycle, and pedestrian travel and upgraded signage and wayfinding will also be established to improve accessibility for all users who travel to and from the nearby businesses.

Acton: Intersection and Signal Improvements on Routes 2 and 111 (Massachusetts Avenue) at Piper Road and Taylor Road

Proponent:         Acton
ID Number:       607748
Project Type:      Intersection Improvements
Cost:                 $4,382,329
Funding Source: Statewide Highway Funds

Scoring Summary

This is a MassDOT-prioritized project and is therefore not directly evaluated using the MPO’s TIP scoring criteria.

Project Description

The project will make upgrades at the intersection to improve safety. The upgrades will include signs, pavement markings, and traffic signals as identified through a Road Safety Audit process in the Town of Acton.

Acton, Boxborough, and Littleton: Pavement Preservation on Route 2

Proponent:         MassDOT
ID Number:       610722
Project Type:      Non-Interstate Pavement
Cost:                 $ 8,124,073
Funding Source: Statewide Highway Funds

Scoring Summary

This is a MassDOT-prioritized project and is therefore not directly evaluated using the MPO’s TIP scoring criteria.

Project Description

This project includes pavement preservation work on Route 2 in Acton, Boxborough, and Littleton.

Arlington: Stratton School Improvements (SRTS)

Proponent:         MassDOT
ID Number:       609531
Project Type:      Roadway Reconstruction
Cost:                 $1,112,484
Funding Source: Statewide Highway Funds

Scoring Summary

This is a MassDOT-prioritized project and is therefore not directly evaluated using the MPO’s TIP scoring criteria.

Project Description

This project will make upgrades to promote safety along the roadways surrounding Stratton Elementary School in Arlington through the Safe Routes to Schools program. 

Ashland: Rehabilitation and Rail Crossing Improvements on Cherry Street

Proponent:         Ashland
ID Number:       608436
Project Type:      Intersection Improvements
Cost:                 $1,316,339
Funding Source: Regional Target Funds

Scoring Summary

Project Description

The primary purpose of the project is to improve the safety features for the roadway corridors of Cherry Street and Main Street in order to establish a Federal Railroad Administration Quiet Zone surrounding the railroad crossings on those two roadways. This goal will primarily be accomplished through the installation of roadway medians and the enhancement of existing railroad crossing signals and gates. In addition, the project addresses a critical gap in the pedestrian sidewalk network through the construction of new sidewalks. The project’s other goals include improving the existing roadway condition through pavement reconstruction and enhancing stormwater drainage in the project area.

Ayer and Littleton: Intersection Improvements on Route 2A at Willow Road and Bruce Street

Proponent:         MassDOT
ID Number:       608443
Project Type:      Intersection Improvements
Cost:                 $2,287,523
Funding Source: Regional Target Funds

Scoring Summary

Project Description

The primary purpose of this project is to reduce angled collisions and improve the pavement condition of the intersection on Route 2A at Willow Road and Bruce Street. This goal will primarily be accomplished by reconstructing the skewed intersection and adding a new signal system. In addition, the project will also address safety for pedestrians and bicyclists through the provision of 5-foot wide shoulders and the addition of crosswalks.

Bedford: Minuteman Bikeway Extension, from Loomis Street to the Concord Town Line

Proponent:         Bedford
ID Number:       607738
Project Type:      Bicycle and Pedestrian
Cost:                 $7,331,040
Funding Source: Regional Target Funds

Scoring Summary

Project Description

The Minuteman Bikeway currently ends at Depot Park, in Bedford, near the intersection of South Road and Loomis Street. This project would extend the bikeway by making a 1,665 foot portion of Railroad Avenue accessible to bikes and by constructing 8,800 feet of bikeway on the Reformatory Branch Trail, from Railroad Avenue past Concord Road to Wheeler Drive, near the Bedford/Concord town line. As a part of the Railroad Avenue reconstruction, sidewalks, bike accommodations, new drainage, pavement markings and signs, and defined curb cuts will be constructed.

Bellingham: South Main Street (Route 126), from Mechanic Street (Route 140) to Douglas Drive

Proponent:         Bellingham
ID Number:       608887
Project Type:      Complete Streets
Cost:                 $6,132,594
Funding Source: Regional Target Funds

Scoring Summary

Project Description

The primary purpose of this project is to improve the poor curb reveal pavement condition and the lack of facilities for pedestrians and bicyclists. The project will include full-depth pavement reclamation and the reconstruction of existing sidewalks with 5-foot shoulders to accommodate bicycle travel. In addition, pedestrian signal poles and intersection warning signage will be added to improve pedestrian safety and reduce rear-end collisions on Easy Street.

Belmont: Safe Routes to School Improvements at Wellington Elementary School

Proponent:         MassDOT
ID Number:       608911
Project Type:      Bicycle and Pedestrian
Cost:                 $1,529,472
Funding Source: Statewide Highway Funds

Scoring Summary

This is a MassDOT-prioritized project and is therefore not directly evaluated using the MPO’s TIP scoring criteria.

Project Description

Safe Routes to School improvements at Wellington Elementary School

Beverly: Rehabilitation of Bridge Street

Proponent:         Beverly
ID Number:       608348
Project Type:      Complete Streets
Cost:                 $8,248,361
Funding Source: Regional Target Funds

Scoring Summary

Project Description

The project involves rehabilitation of pavement and sidewalks along the Bridge Street corridor from the Danvers town line to River Street, excluding the Hall Whitaker drawbridge.  The project includes cross section improvements to accommodate on-street parking and on-street bicycle accommodations. Existing traffic signal equipment at the intersection of Bridge Street at Livingstone Avenue will be upgraded, and new traffic signals will be installed at the intersection of Bridge Street with Kernwood Avenue and the intersection of Bridge Street with River Street.  Under the proposed project, continuous cement concrete sidewalks with vertical granite curb will be provided along both sides of the roadway for the full length of the project.  As part of the proposed project, a 7-foot wide parking shoulder will be provided on the eastbound side of the roadway to prevent vehicles from parking on the sidewalk. Additionally, a 5-foot wide bicycle lanes shoulder will be provided along the corridor. Minor realignments will be performed at the intersections of Bridge Street with Cressy Street, County Way/Bates Park Avenue, and Eastern Avenue/Dolloff Avenue.

Boston: Bridge Reconstruction/Rehabilitation, B-16-181, West Roxbury Parkway over MBTA

Proponent:         MassDOT
ID Number:       606902
Project Type:      Bridge
Cost:                 $6,899,839
Funding Source: Statewide Highway Funds

Scoring Summary

This is a MassDOT-prioritized project and is therefore not directly evaluated using the MPO’s TIP scoring criteria.

Project Description

This project will involve the reconstruction of this bridge which is currently rated at 5, 5, and 4.

Boston: Bridge Rehabilitation, B-16-107, Canterbury Street Over Amtrak Railroad

Proponent:         MassDOT
ID Number:       608197
Project Type:      Bridge
Cost:                 $4,678,193
Funding Source: Statewide Highway Funds

Scoring Summary

This is a MassDOT-prioritized project and is therefore not directly evaluated using the MPO’s TIP scoring criteria.

Project Description

Superstructure Replacement, B-16-107, Canterbury Street over Amtrak/MBTA tracks

Boston: Bridge Replacement, North Washington Street over the Boston Inner Harbor

Proponent:         MassDOT
ID Number:       604173
Project Type:      Bridge
Cost:                 $176,318,433
Funding Source: Statewide Highway Funds

Scoring Summary

This is a MassDOT-prioritized project and is therefore not directly evaluated using the MPO’s TIP scoring criteria.

Project Description

The North Washington Street Bridge is a historic structure constructed in 1898. The bridge consists of ten approach spans and a swing span, which is not operational. The bridge is structurally deficient and is posted as weight restricted. There have been extensive emergency repairs done to the bridge in the past few years. Currently the two center lanes on the swing span are closed due to steel deterioration. The City of Boston proposes to replace the bridge. The existing granite/concrete bridge piers on the approach spans will be replaced with reinforced concrete V piers and continuous trapezoidal steel box girders. The proposed deck will provide for increased bicycle and pedestrian accommodations between Kearney Square and Rutherford Avenue. This project is funded over five federal fiscal years (FFYs 2017-21). The total estimated cost of the project is $144,066,616. Of that amount, $6,400,000 was funded in FFY 2017 and the remaining $137,666,616 is funded in FFYs 2018-21.

Boston: Ellis Elementary Traffic Calming (SRTS)

Proponent:         MassDOT
ID Number:       610537
Project Type:      Roadway Reconstruction
Cost:                 $1,086,421
Funding Source: Statewide Highway Funds

Scoring Summary

This is a MassDOT-prioritized project and is therefore not directly evaluated using the MPO’s TIP scoring criteria.

Project Description

This project will make upgrades to promote safety along the roadways surrounding Ellis Elementary School in Boston through the Safe Routes to Schools program..

Boston: Improvements on Boylston Street, from Intersection of Brookline Avenue and Park Drive to Ipswich Street

Proponent:         Boston
ID Number:       606453
Project Type:      Complete Streets
Cost:                 $9,192,999
Funding Source: Regional Target Funds

Scoring Summary

Project Description

This roadway improvement project will enhance pedestrian mobility and safety by providing neck downs at intersections. In addition, exclusive bike lanes in both directions will be established along Boylston Street to encourage local and regional bicycle travel. The project also involves an upgrade of the existing geometric layout and old signal equipment to reduce vehicular congestion and increase overall safety.

Boston: Inner Harbor Stormwater Improvements

Proponent:         MassDOT
ID Number:       610806
Project Type:      Roadway Improvements
Cost:                 $513,216
Funding Source: Statewide Highway Funds

Scoring Summary

This is a MassDOT-prioritized project and is therefore not directly evaluated using the MPO’s TIP scoring criteria.

Project Description

This project will make drainage and stormwater upgrades along Boston’s Inner Harbor.

Boston: Intersection and Signal Improvements at the VFW Parkway and
Spring Street

Proponent:         MassDOT
ID Number:       607759
Project Type:      Intersection Improvements
Cost:                 $3,788,711
Funding Source: Statewide Highway Funds

Scoring Summary

This is a MassDOT-prioritized project and is therefore not directly evaluated using the MPO’s TIP scoring criteria.

Project Description
The project will make upgrades at the intersection to improve safety. The upgrades will include signs, pavement markings, and traffic signals as identified through a Road Safety Audit process.

Boston: Neponset River Greenway (Phase 3)

Proponent:         Boston
ID Number:       608943
Project Type:      Bicycle and Pedestrian
Cost:                 $5,571,629
Funding Source: Statewide Highway Funds

Scoring Summary

Project Description

This project will provide the final northern link of the Neponset River Greenway with the addition of approximately 0.77 miles of 10-foot paved, shared-use path between Tenean Beach and Morrissey Boulevard. The extension of the greenway will improve accessibility for pedestrian and bicycle transportation to Boston from Readville, Hyde Park, Milton, Mattapan, and Dorchester and will provide ADA-accessible connections to MBTA bus Routes 201 and 202 and the Savin Hill and Fields Corner MBTA stations. This project was evaluated using the MPO’s scoring criteria because it was considered for funding using Regional Target funds. MassDOT funded the project, however.

Boston: Reconstruction of Rutherford Avenue, from Sullivan Square to North Washington Street Bridge

Proponent:         Boston
ID Number:       606226
Project Type:      Major Infrastructure
Cost:                 $146,377,974
Funding Source: Regional Target Funds

Scoring Summary

This project is funded using Regional Target funds, but was not evaluated using the MPO’s TIP scoring criteria.

Project Description

The reconstruction of Rutherford Avenue from Sullivan Square to the North Washington Street Bridge will make the road a multi-modal urban boulevard corridor. This project will be funded over five years, starting in FFY 2022. The total project cost is estimated to be $146,377,974, and the total funding in the FFYs 2021-25 TIP is $115,640,366. Earmark discretionary funding of $8,578,930 is intended to be used for design of the project. Funding in FFY 2026, to be allocated in the FFYs 2022-26 TIP, will be approximately $30,737,608 in order to make up the entire estimated construction cost.

Boston: Roadway, Ceiling and Wall Reconstruction, New Jet Fans, and other Control Systems in Sumner Tunnel

Proponent:         MassDOT
ID Number:       606476
Project Type:      Major Infrastructure
Cost:                 $121,677,818
Funding Source: Regional Target and
                                 Statewide Highway Funds

Scoring Summary

This project is partially funded using Regional Target funds, but was not evaluated using the MPO’s TIP scoring criteria

Project Description

This project aims to repair the existing deterioration in Sumner Tunnel by reconstructing the roadway pavement, replacing existing jet fans with modern enhancements, and repairing cracking and corrosion on the tunnel’s walls and ceiling. The total cost of this project is $121,677,818, with $22,115,687 in Regional Target funding allocated to the project. The rest of the project is funded using statewide funds.

Boston, Braintree, Milton, Quincy, Randolph, and Somerville: Interstate Maintenance Resurfacing and Related Work on Interstate 93

Proponent:         MassDOT
ID Number:       608208
Project Type:      Interstate Pavement
Cost:                 $ 23,892,804
Funding Source: Statewide Highway Fund

Scoring Summary

This is a MassDOT-prioritized project and is therefore not directly evaluated using the MPO’s TIP scoring criteria.

Project Description

The project is an interstate maintenance resurfacing project on the Southeast Expressway. A preservation treatment or thin-bonded overlay is proposed to extend the pavement service life and improve safety.

Boston: Multi-use Path Construction on New Fenway, Phase 1

Proponent:         Boston
ID Number:       607888
Project Type:      Bicycle and Pedestrian
Cost:                 $957,509
Funding Source: Statewide Highway Funds

Scoring Summary

This is a MassDOT-prioritized project and is therefore not directly evaluated using the MPO’s TIP scoring criteria.

Project Description

This project will construct a new 1,700 foot long multi-use bike/pedestrian pathway from the Muddy River to Maitland Street in Boston. The project will improve access to the Fenway MBTA station and the Yawkey commuter rail station and provide a non-motorized transportation link to key job centers and new mixed-use developments planned for the Fenway area. The Brookline portion of this project was removed from the project scope and will be added to a future Phase II of this project.

Boston, Milton and Quincy: Highway Lighting System Replacement on Interstate 93, from Neponset Avenue to the Braintree Split

Proponent:         MassDOT
ID Number:       609090
Project Type:      Safety Improvements
Cost:                 $9,568,001
Funding Source: Statewide Highway Funds

Scoring Summary

This is a MassDOT-prioritized project and is therefore not directly evaluated using the MPO’s TIP scoring criteria.

Project Description

Highway Lighting System Replacement on Interstate 93, from Neponset Avenue to the Braintree Split

Braintree, Hingham and Weymouth: Resurfacing and Related Work on Route 53

Proponent:         MassDOT
ID Number:       608498
Project Type:      Non-Interstate Pavement
Cost:                 $7,452,000
Funding Source: Statewide Highway Funds

Scoring Summary

This is a MassDOT-prioritized project and is therefore not directly evaluated using the MPO’s TIP scoring criteria.

Project Description

Resurfacing and related work on Route 53

Cambridge: Concord Avenue Transit Signal Priority

Proponent:         Cambridge
ID Number:       S10786
Project Type:      Community Connections
Cost:                 $160,000
Funding Source: Regional Target Funds

Scoring Summary

This project received a total score of 22 points when evaluated using the MPO’s Community Connections Program criteria. These criteria are listed in Table A-5.

Project Description

This project includes the addition of transit signal priority equipment along the Concord Avenue corridor in Cambridge. The goal of the project is to reduce travel times for passengers on MBTA bus routes 72, 74, 75, and 78. This project is funded through the pilot round of the MPO’s Community Connections Program.

Cambridge: US Route 3 Over Route 2 & Route 16 Over Alewife

Proponent:         MassDOT
ID Number:       610776
Project Type:      Bridge
Cost:                 $14,418,800
Funding Source: Statewide Highway Funds

Scoring Summary

This is a MassDOT-prioritized project and is therefore not directly evaluated using the MPO’s TIP scoring criteria.

Project Description

This project will rehabilitate bridge C-01-031 in Cambridge.

Cambridge and Somerville: Green Line Extension Project - Extension to College Avenue with the Union Square Spur

Proponent:         MBTA
ID Number:       1570
Project Type:      Major Infrastructure
Cost:                 $ 190,000,000
Funding Source: Regional Target Funds

Scoring Summary

This project is partially funded using Regional Target funds, but was not evaluated using the MPO’s TIP scoring criteria.

Project Description

The purpose of this project is to improve corridor mobility, boost transit ridership, improve regional air quality, ensure equitable distribution of transit services, and support opportunities for sustainable development. The project will extend the MBTA Green Line from a relocated Lechmere Station in East Cambridge to College Avenue in Medford, with a branch to Union Square in Somerville. FFY 2021 is the sixth and final year of the Boston Region MPO’s funding obligation to the Green Line Extension. The project is expected to be complete by late 2021.

Cambridge and Somerville: Resurfacing and Related Work on Route 28

Proponent:         MassDOT
ID Number:       608482
Project Type:      Non-Interstate Pavement
Cost:                 $8,585,362
Funding Source: Statewide Highway Funds

Scoring Summary

This is a MassDOT-prioritized project and is therefore not directly evaluated using the MPO’s TIP scoring criteria.

Project Description

The project consists of resurfacing on Route 28 in Cambridge and Somerville.

Canton: Bridge Replacement, C-02-042 (33V) Revere Court over East Branch of the Neponset River

Proponent:         MassDOT
ID Number:       609438
Project Type:      Bridge
Cost:                 $2,714,892
Funding Source: Statewide Highway Funds

Scoring Summary

This is a MassDOT-prioritized project and is therefore not directly evaluated using the MPO’s TIP scoring criteria.

Project Description

Bridge replacement, C-02-042, 33V, Revere Court over east branch of the Neponset River

Canton, Dedham, Norwood, Sharon, and Westwood: Highway Lighting Improvements at Interstate 93 and Interstate 95/Route 128

Proponent:         MassDOT
ID Number:       609053
Project Type:      Safety Improvements
Cost:                 $5,238,054
Funding Source: Statewide Highway Funds

Scoring Summary

This is a MassDOT-prioritized project and is therefore not directly evaluated using the MPO’s TIP scoring criteria.

Project Description

Highway lighting improvements at Interstate 93 and Interstate 95/Route 128

Canton, Foxborough, Norwood, Sharon, and Walpole: Stormwater Improvements along Route 1, Route 1A, and Interstate 95

Proponent:         MassDOT
ID Number:       608599
Project Type:      Roadway Improvements
Cost:                 $508,879
Funding Source: Statewide Highway Funds

Scoring Summary

This is a MassDOT-prioritized project and is therefore not directly evaluated using the MPO’s TIP scoring criteria.

Project Description

The project consists of stormwater drainage improvements along Route 1, Route 1A, and Interstate 95.

Chelsea: Route 1 Viaduct Rehabilitation on C-09-007 and C-09-011

Proponent:         MassDOT
ID Number:       605287
Project Type:      Bridge
Cost:                 $210,617,533
Funding Source: Statewide Highway Funds

Scoring Summary

This is a MassDOT-prioritized project and is therefore not directly evaluated using the MPO’s TIP scoring criteria.

Project Description

Route 1 is a vital gateway between Boston and communities to the north. The roadway carries over 65,000 people each day in private vehicles, MBTA buses, and freight trucks. The project will rehabilitate the Tobin Bridge and Chelsea Viaduct, including steel and structural repairs, gutter repairs, and reconstruction of ramps and bridge deck. The Tobin Bridge/Chelsea Curves Rehabilitation Project will keep Route 1 safe for travel which is essential for local and regional mobility. When complete, the project will remove 15% of the structurally deficient bridge deck in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. This project is funded over four fiscal years (FFYs 2018-21).

Chelsea: Reconstruction of Broadway, from City Hall Avenue to the Revere City Line

Proponent:         Chelsea
ID Number:       608078
Project Type:      Complete Streets
Cost:                 $10,278,940
Funding Source: Regional Target Funds

Scoring Summary

Project Description

This project will reconstruct of one mile of Broadway. Improvements to the roadway will include surface and subsurface work, including replacement of utilities; construction of a dedicated bike lane along Broadway; and upgrades to the existing sidewalk network, including the installation of ADA compliant ramps at all intersections.

Chelsea: Targeted Safety Improvements and Related Work on Broadway, from Williams Street to City Hall Avenue

Proponent:         Chelsea
ID Number:       609532
Project Type:      Safety Improvements
Cost:                 $6,670,001
Funding Source: Statewide Highway  Funds

Scoring Summary

Project Description

This project aims to enhance the safety of all users of Broadway in Chelsea while promoting economic activity along the corridor. Improvements to pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure include the widening of sidewalks, installation of tree boxes, and the implementation of dedicated bike or combined bus and bike lanes with protective barrier options. Additionally, the upgrading of signals and pavement markings at each intersection along the corridor will increase safety of pedestrians through higher levels of visual indication while allowing the implementation of transit signal priority for buses and emergency vehicles. This project will upgrade the entire corridor to ADA compliance and allow for more efficient on-boarding and off-boarding of MBTA bus patrons. This project was evaluated using the MPO’s scoring criteria because it was considered for funding using Regional Target funds. MassDOT funded the project, however.

Cohasset and Scituate: Corridor Improvements and Related Work on Justice Cushing Highway (Route 3A), from Beechwood Street to the Scituate Town Line

Proponent:         Cohasset
ID Number:       608007
Project Type:      Complete Streets
Cost:                 $8,971,635
Funding Source: Regional Target Funds

Scoring Summary

Project Description

Work on this project includes corridor improvements from the Beechwood Street intersection to the Cohasset/Scituate town line.  The Route 3A/Beechwood Street intersection will be upgraded with new traffic signal equipment as well as minor geometric improvements.  The Route 3A/Henry Turner Bailey Road intersection will be reviewed for meeting requirements for traffic signals as well as geometric improvements.  Pedestrian and bicycle accommodation will be included along the corridor.

Concord: Bruce Freeman Rail Trail Bike Shelters

Proponent:         Concord
ID Number:       S10788
Project Type:      Community Connections
Cost:                 $100,000
Funding Source: Regional Target Funds

Scoring Summary

This project received a total score of 20 points when evaluated using the MPO’s Community Connections Program criteria. These criteria are listed in Table A-5.

Project Description

This project includes the construction of several protected bike racks near the West Concord MBTA Commuter Rail station. These bike shelters will support commuters who ride the Bruce Freeman Rail Trail to the train station. This project is funded through the pilot round of the MPO’s Community Connections Program.

Concord, Lexington, and Lincoln: Resurfacing and Related Work on Route 2A

Proponent:         MassDOT
ID Number:       608495
Project Type:      Non-Interstate Pavement
Cost:                 $3,276,000
Funding Source: Statewide Highway Funds

Scoring Summary

This is a MassDOT-prioritized project and is therefore not directly evaluated using the MPO’s TIP scoring criteria.

Project Description

The project consists of resurfacing and related work on Route 2A.

Danvers: Resurfacing and Related Work on Route 114

Proponent:         MassDOT
ID Number:       608818
Project Type:      Non-Intersection Pavement
Cost:                 $1,133,382
Funding Source: Statewide Highway Funds

Scoring Summary

This is a MassDOT-prioritized project and is therefore not directly evaluated using the MPO’s TIP scoring criteria.

Project Description

The project consists of resurfacing and related work on Route 114.

Danvers, Lynnfield, and Peabody: Guide and Traffic Sign Replacement on Interstate 95/Route 128 (Task ‘A’ Interchange)

Proponent:         MassDOT
ID Number:       609060
Project Type:      Intersection Improvements
Cost:                 $455,208
Funding Source: Statewide Highway Funds

Scoring Summary

This is a MassDOT-prioritized project and is therefore not directly evaluated using the MPO’s TIP scoring criteria.

Project Description

Guide and Traffic Sign Replacement on Interstate 95/Route 128 (Task ‘A’ Interchange)

Danvers, and Middleton: Bridge Maintenance, Andover Street (D-03-009) Over Ipswich River

Proponent:         MassDOT
ID Number:       610782
Project Type:      Bridge
Cost:                 $5,689,600
Funding Source: Statewide Highway Funds

Scoring Summary

This is a MassDOT-prioritized project and is therefore not directly evaluated using the MPO’s TIP scoring criteria.

Project Description

This project will fund maintenance of bridge D-03-009, which carries Andover Street over the Ipswich River between Danvers and Middleton.

Dedham: Pedestrian Improvements along Bussey Street

Proponent:         Dedham
ID Number:       607899
Project Type:      Complete Streets
Cost:                 $5,355,932
Funding Source: Regional Target Funds

Scoring Summary

Project Description

Improvements along the Bussey Street corridor will include resetting and setting the curb and reconstructing ADA compliant sidewalks and ramps on both sides of the roadway. Some area of pavement reconstruction may be necessary to obtain the necessary curb reveal. Minor geometric improvements are expected at the intersection with Colburn Street and Clisby Avenue to make them more pedestrian friendly, current conditions include expansive pavement width. Shared bicycle accommodations are planned.

Dedham: Pedestrian Improvements along Elm Street and Rustcraft Road Corridors

Proponent:         Dedham
ID Number:       607901
Project Type:      Roadway Reconstruction
Cost:                 $2,706,712
Funding Source: Statewide Highway Funds

Scoring Summary

This is a MassDOT-prioritized project and is therefore not directly evaluated using the MPO’s TIP scoring criteria.

Project Description

Improvements along the Elm Street and Rustcraft Road corridor will primarily consist of the installation of new curbing, sidewalks, and ramps on both sides of the corridor. This area will also require drainage improvements to modify stormwater management from sheet flow to catch basins, which is necessary with the installation of new curbs and sidewalks. Minor roadway widening is anticipated to achieve a minimum roadway width to accommodate a five-foot bicycle lane.  An off-road area for drop off and pick up at the Dedham Corporate Center Station on the MBTA commuter rail has already been constructed by the Town of Dedham.

Essex: Superstructure Replacement, E-11-001 (2TV), Route 133 (Main Street) over Essex River

Proponent:         MassDOT
ID Number:       608596
Project Type:      Intersection Improvements
Cost:                 $5,695,162
Funding Source: Statewide Highway Funds

Scoring Summary

This is a MassDOT-prioritized project and is therefore not directly evaluated using the MPO’s TIP scoring criteria.

Project Description

This bridge preservation project will address the bridge that carries Route 133 (Main Street) over the Essex River in Essex.

Essex, Gloucester, Manchester-by-the-Sea, and Wenham: Pavement Preservation and Related Work on Route 128

Proponent:         MassDOT
ID Number:       609102
Project Type:      Non-Interstate Pavement
Cost:                 $14,892,926
Funding Source: Statewide Highway Funds

Scoring Summary

This is a MassDOT-prioritized project and is therefore not directly evaluated using the MPO’s TIP scoring criteria.

Project Description

Pavement preservation and related work on Route 128

Everett: Reconstruction of Ferry Street, South Ferry Street, and a Portion of
Elm Street

Proponent:         Everett
ID Number:       607652
Project Type:      Complete Streets
Cost:                 $25,000,000
Funding Source: Regional Target Funds

Scoring Summary

Project Description

The project will reconstruct Ferry Street from the Malden city line (Belmont Street) to Route 16 and Elm Street between Ferry Street and Woodlawn Street. The work will include resurfacing and construction of new sidewalks, wheelchair ramps, and curb extensions. The traffic signals at five locations and the fire station will be upgraded. The signalized intersection at Chelsea Street will be replaced by a roundabout.

Everett: Rehabilitation of Beacham Street, from Route 99 to Chelsea City Line

Proponent:         Everett
ID Number:       609257
Project Type:      Complete Streets
Cost:                 $10,921,632
Funding Source: Regional Target Funds

Scoring Summary

Project Description

This Complete Streets project involves the reconstruction of Beacham Street to reduce vehicular collisions and improve bicycle travel. This project also includes the implementation of a shared-use bike path with a buffer along 0.65 miles of the Beacham Street corridor, a major connection between Boston, Somerville, and Cambridge, and Chelsea and East Boston. To promote pedestrian safety, upgrades to traffic signals, pavement markings, and sidewalk conditions will be incorporated to reduce conflict with vehicular traffic and provide an ADA-compliant travel route.

Foxborough, Sharon, and Walpole: Resurfacing and Related Work on Route 1

Proponent:         MassDOT
ID Number:       608480
Project Type:      Non-Interstate Pavement
Cost:                 $8,016,840
Funding Source: Statewide Highway Funds

Scoring Summary

This is a MassDOT-prioritized project and is therefore not directly evaluated using the MPO’s TIP scoring criteria.

Project Description

The project consists of resurfacing on Route 1 in Foxborough, Sharon, and Walpole.