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Pioneer Valley JTC warns of project delays, scarce 'ready' projects as it weighs FFY 2027 TIP scenarios
Summary
Staff told the joint transportation committee that several regional projects face design, permitting or Article 97 delays and that the JTC has not identified projects ready for FFY 2027 despite roughly $20 million in regional discretionary funds; the committee recommended MPO endorsement of TIP Amendment No. 3.
Andy Mikeal, a PVPC staff member, told the joint transportation committee that two recent TIP amendments do not affect regional discretionary dollars but include large scope and cost changes that the MPO has already released for public review. “When MassDOT initially programmed this, they didn't necessarily know the full scope of the project or the scope of the project has changed to include additional signage…resulting in a roughly…increase in the project cost,” Mikeal said of a Route 291 signage project. He also described a large 391 viaduct/bridge project in Chicopee that the design phase identified additional items and a 17% cost increase.
On the larger issue of the FFY 2027 TIP, Mikeal said staff is preparing three draft scenarios for MPO consideration and that the region has just over $20 million in regional discretionary dollars in 2027 but "we're struggling to find a project that meets the readiness criteria to go into 27 at this time." He warned that multiple projects are being pushed into 2028–2030 and that splitting funds across years through advanced construction is being used to avoid additional cost escalation.
Committee members raised specific concerns. Betsy Johnson urged reconsideration of a Bernie Avenue project because the city is relocating the Harena School; she said the project “was not solving the speeding on Bernie Ave” and recommended removing it so funds could be reallocated. Mikeal said staff would consult MassDOT and the city about removing the project to free funds for other work.
Mikeal also called attention to a Williamsburg project that may trigger an Article 97 review related to open-space protections; if Article 97 applies, the project could be delayed beyond 2026. He said Northampton has encountered repeated surprises in design that may push that project from 2027 into 2028, and that staff will coordinate with MassDOT and municipalities to refine scenarios before the March MPO meeting.
The committee voted to recommend that the MPO endorse Amendment Number Three to the FFY 2026 TIP as presented. The transcript records a roll-call recommendation and the chair said the motion passed.
Mikeal asked members to review detail tables that staff will circulate, to propose projects that could be ready in 2026–2027, and to expect three scenarios at the MPO meeting that the MPO will direct staff to advance into the draft TIP.
The committee’s discussion highlighted the region’s difficulty identifying projects that are sufficiently advanced in design to accept regional discretionary funding in 2027, and the risk of losing unspent regional funds if projects are not advertised by the end of the federal year.
