Beckett officials request $887,000 to restore failing culverts and enhance infrastructure

During a recent meeting of the Joint Committee on Transportation, representatives from the town of Beckett highlighted urgent infrastructure challenges stemming from extreme weather conditions. With a population of just 1,930 and 59 road miles, Beckett is grappling with the deterioration of its culverts, which are essential for maintaining water flow and ensuring public safety.

Currently, Beckett faces a critical situation with one culvert on the verge of failure, leading to the reduction of Benton Hill Road to a single lane. The town has initiated plans to convert this failing culvert into a small bridge, a project estimated to cost $887,000. This total includes $137,500 for engineering and permitting, alongside $750,000 for construction. The financial burden is significant, especially considering the town's annual budget of $9 million and the potential need to replace five additional culverts that are also at risk.

The testimony underscored the broader implications of infrastructure decay across Massachusetts, where approximately 25,000 culverts and small bridges exist. Many of these structures are undersized and in need of urgent attention. The proposed funding from Governor Healy's House 5 3 proposal aims to provide a consistent and reliable funding stream for communities like Beckett, enhancing investments not only in Chapter 90 funding but also for designated culverts and small bridges.

The committee was urged to support this bill, which is seen as critical for addressing the pressing infrastructure needs of small towns throughout the Commonwealth. The discussions reflect a growing recognition of the importance of maintaining and upgrading transportation infrastructure to ensure public safety and environmental protection. As the meeting concluded, the call for action resonated, emphasizing the need for immediate support to prevent further deterioration of vital infrastructure.