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Middleborough plans more paving as frost damage forces year‑by‑year changes; Chapter 90 and ARPA funds to be used
Summary
Highway Director Chris Peck reviewed FY26 highway funding, said town expects roughly $1.2 million in Chapter 90 if governor allocation holds and will use remaining ARPA funds and existing contracts to repave major routes after severe frost damage.
Highway Director Chris Peck told the Select Board Feb. 24 that the department expects roughly $865,000 from Chapter 90 this year and that a proposed state allocation could add about $400,000 — lifting available Chapter 90 funds to about $1.2 million. He said the town also plans to use roughly $700,000 of remaining ARPA funds for roadway work in FY26.
Peck warned that an unusually deep frost this winter has damaged roads not previously scheduled for full reconstruction and said Route 105 is among the routes in the worst condition. He said paving and reconstruction timing will depend on thaw conditions: contractors typically begin work when temperatures are consistently above roughly 40°F and many of the town contractors are already under obligation to town contracts.
Peck described the town’s strategy as prioritizing numbered and main roads while still using less‑expensive techniques, such as mill‑and‑fill and reclamation, where safe and appropriate to stretch available dollars. He said last year the department completed nearly nine miles of paving, and that use of extra funding in recent years was intended to increase annual roadway work and avoid costlier full reconstructions later.
Board members and residents asked about the paving schedule for downtown Center Street and whether Route 105 is town‑ or state‑maintained; Peck clarified that Route 105 is town‑maintained through the Halifax line. Glenn Montepert of the Finance Committee noted concern about long‑term funding and urged consideration of a multiyear plan or dedicated financing to catch up on deferred maintenance.
No formal vote was taken on the highway budget at the meeting; Peck said the department will re‑evaluate the work list after spring thaw and will submit updated project lists to the Select Board and Finance Committee.
