Massachusetts is investing nearly $1 billion in road and bridge projects statewide. The initiative kicked off last week in time for the summer construction season and will have an immediate job creation impact in the state. The funding will go to nearly 450 projects that are a mix of new and on-going construction work and maintenance.
Funding for the work will come from a variety of existing construction programs including: $550 million from the Statewide Road and Bridge Program, $208 million from the Administration’s historic Accelerated Bridge Program, and $173 million in federal American Recovery and Reinvestment funds. Last year, MassDOT projects created or sustained an estimated 30,000 jobs and is expected to increase that number for 2011.
One of the key projects being funded in this round is the Accelerated Bridge Program (ABP) an 8-year, $3 billion investment in the Commonwealth’s bridges. So far, the program has reduced the number of structurally deficient bridges from 543 to 458. Other bridge repair projects are also in the works throughout the state.
“We are building a legacy of investing in our infrastructure that will provide long-term benefits for generations to come,” said Governor Patrick. “This historic level of investment is creating thousands of jobs while providing a timely economic boost this construction season.”
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