Plymouth plans $10 million road improvement program with 40 miles targeted

In the heart of Plymouth's town hall, a spirited discussion unfolded as the Select Board convened to address the pressing issue of road maintenance and improvement. With a focus on the town's ambitious 2025 road program, officials outlined plans to allocate a substantial $10 million towards enhancing nearly 40 miles of roads, a move that aims to balance the urgent need for repairs with the ongoing maintenance of existing infrastructure.

Assistant Director of Public Works, James Downey, alongside his colleague, presented a detailed overview of the town's pavement management program, which has been in place since 2011. This year, the program is set to tackle a backlog of approximately $131 million in road repairs, with a current overall road surface rating of 69.9 out of 100. Downey emphasized the importance of a proactive approach to road management, highlighting that while some roads are past the point of preservation, innovative solutions like asphalt recycling could significantly reduce costs and environmental impact.

The proposed funding for this year's program includes $5.5 million from town funds and additional sources, with a focus on both paving and chip sealing. Downey explained that the chip seal process, while sometimes met with skepticism from residents, serves as a crucial preservation tool that extends the life of roads at a fraction of the cost of complete repaving. He reassured the board that the initial roughness of chip-sealed roads typically smooths out within a year or two, leading to long-term benefits.

As the meeting progressed, board members raised questions about the status of unaccepted roads—those not formally recognized as public by the town—and the challenges of maintaining gravel roads. Downey confirmed that while the town has one grader for these roads, the maintenance schedule can be affected by weather conditions, leading to delays in repairs.

The discussion also touched on the town's strategy for accepting new roads, with officials acknowledging the need for a balanced approach to ensure that new additions do not become financial burdens. The board is actively developing guidelines to facilitate the acceptance of roads that are in good condition, thereby maximizing state funding through Chapter 90.

As the meeting drew to a close, the board expressed a commitment to transparency and community engagement, inviting public comments and questions. The road ahead for Plymouth is paved with challenges, but with a clear plan and dedicated resources, the town is poised to enhance its infrastructure and improve the quality of life for its residents.