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DOT outlines $4.5 billion, 10‑year transportation plan; committee weighs toll revenue, project cuts and a New Boston bridge amendment
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Summary
DOT presented the 2027–2036 10‑year plan emphasizing maintenance and safety amid a $300–$400 million shortfall; commissioners proposed redirecting federal funds and discussed toll increases; committee adopted an amendment to expedite the Greg Mill Road bridge in New Boston and considered adding projects if toll revenue materializes.
Department of Transportation officials presented the state's 2027–2036 10‑year transportation improvement plan to the Senate Transportation Committee as Representative David E. Mills opened the HB2026 hearing.
Commissioner David Rodrigue and project director Toby Reynolds outlined a roughly $4.5 billion plan that allocates about 85 percent of funds to roads and bridges and the remainder to airports, rail and transit. They said revenue is relatively flat amid higher project costs driven by inflation and that priorbetterment and turnpike revenues have shifted, producing a $300–$400 million shortfall that required project cuts and re‑sequencing.
DOT described guiding principles: prioritize preservation and maintenance, sustain pavement condition gains, address "red list" bridges (DOT reported 114 state red‑listed bridges), and continue safety programs. The department proposed to reallocate some federal funds—about $16 million—to preserve rural pavements and bridges after a revenue shift to debt service on prior turnpike financing.
Toby Reynolds walked senators through funding assumptions (4.4% construction escalation), an indirect cost increase from 10% to 12% to pay program overhead, and an overprogramming adjustment of roughly $400 million in the federal program due to rising bid costs. DOT also reported its Transportation Alternatives Program selection (17 projects funded at $33 million) and summarized public feedback gathered during 26 regional GACET hearings.
Committee members pressed DOT on which projects were removed or delayed, the implications of a potential toll increase (which could free federal funds for other projects), and the status of several safety and municipal projects that had been deferred. DOT said if a toll increase proceeds the department could shift some projects to toll funding, freeing about $86.6 million in federal funds for other priorities.
A focused local dispute produced a time‑sensitive amendment: New Boston officials and engineering consultants sought legislative authority to secure temporary and permanent easements on two parcels held by the Division of Natural and Cultural Resources (DNCR) so the Greg Mill Road Bridge reconstruction could proceed without a year of court process. Engineers said the bridge is load‑posted at 15 tons, is 18 feet curb‑to‑curb (today’s standard is 24 feet), and that delaying construction would raise costs. The committee accepted the amendment language and added the Greg Mill Road Bridge reconstruction easement language to the bill to avoid further delay.
Senators also discussed and adopted (by separate amendment) a delayed effective date for an OHRV‑related change to allow stakeholders additional time to negotiate (effective date 05/01/2028). Several other amendments were considered and placed on consent; some projects were left off the plan pending additional revenue.
What happens next: The committee moved several amendments and 'ought to pass' motions with amendments to consent and will forward the recommended 10‑year plan and adopted amendments per usual legislative process. DOT will follow up with amendment language if toll legislation advances and will continue to track red‑list bridges and funding reallocation options.
