Springfield allocates $5M for street paving from increased Chapter 90 funding

Springfield City Council's Finance Sub-Committee meeting on April 7, 2025, highlighted a significant boost in funding for the city's paving program, with the state increasing Chapter 90 funds to $300 million over five years. Springfield will receive $5,035,000, a notable increase from previous allocations, allowing for an ambitious paving initiative.

The city plans to allocate approximately $4 million of this funding for paving 25 streets, covering about 6.7 miles of roadway. This comes as part of a broader strategy to address the city's extensive 600-mile road network. The paving program is set to go out to bid within the next week, with work expected to commence by mid-May.

In addition to paving, the budget includes $600,000 for design and easements, $50,000 for crack sealing, and $25,000 for traffic signals. The committee noted that rising material costs have impacted the number of streets that can be paved, with asphalt prices increasing significantly over the past decade.

The meeting underscored the importance of these funds in maintaining Springfield's infrastructure, as officials expressed optimism about the increased financial support from the state. The paving program aims to enhance road safety and accessibility for residents, marking a proactive step in the city's ongoing infrastructure improvements.