Preliminary cost estimates put Needham center alternatives in the low‑to‑mid‑$10 million range; Chapter 90 and state grants could help cover costs

At the Nov. 19 meeting the project team presented order‑of‑magnitude cost estimates for the three alternatives and discussed likely funding sources.

Presenter (Speaker 3) said the 4‑lane alternative subtotal was roughly $8.9 million before inflation and contingency; with a 5% annual inflation assumption to 2028 and a 20% contingency, the total was shown as approximately $12.4 million. The hybrid alternative was estimated at about $15.3 million and the 2‑lane alternative about $15.4 million under the same assumptions. Major cost drivers cited included drainage and utility upgrades (assumed 24‑inch mainline for runoff control), overnight construction premiums because much work would occur in off‑hours, sidewalk reconstruction to meet ADA standards, and streetscape elements such as pedestrian lighting and trees.

Chair (Speaker 2) and project staff reviewed funding options. Speaker 1 noted the town has saved Chapter 90 funds for this corridor but that some of those funds have been used for other projects. Staff said a new Complete Streets state grant now offers roughly $1 million per year and could cover part of the work; MassWorks was cited as another funding possibility (projects up to $5 million). Speaker 1 said the project is not expected to require a Proposition 2½ override and that any town capital allocation or grant awards would be brought forward through the town meeting/capital process.

Members asked for clearer presentation of relative costs on a one‑pager and for the project team to show where additional streetscape or drainage elements increase cost to help the public weigh trade‑offs. Staff committed to providing more granular cost comparisons alongside the revised evaluation matrix.