How Would You Spend $14 Billion to Improve Transportation in Massachusetts?

By CHARLENE ARSENAULT (Patch Staff)

BEDFORD, MA - Over the next five years, Massachusetts has plans to spend more than $14 billion to repair and improve the state's transportation network.

The Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) sets out the investments in fleet, tracks, stations, roads, bikeways, bridges and facilities. This plan is out for comment, and MassDOT and the MBTA is urging the community to use that voice with feedback at a number of public meetings.

The MBTA provided this snapshot of the plan:

• What's good: this is an integrated plan and includes investments in all modes of travel, all regions, and with the benefit of past public input.

• What needs work: Massachusetts must have a bolder vision for mobility, and it must measure our needs versus available resources. Many transformative projects that will move Massachusetts forward, and a full repair of our aging transportation network, are not part of this plan.

• What you can do:you know that our rails, roads, bikeways and bridges urgently need help. The Capital Plan must reflect our transportation priorities. On May 23, the MassDOT Board will approve a final plan.

MassDOT has set up a schedule of 15 meetings all across the state for you to share your ideas.

If you can't go in person, send an email no later than May 13.

Here is the list of upcoming public meetings:

• Monday, May 2, 6 p.m. Boston (Public Hearing)
  Public Library, McKim Building, 230 Dartmouth St.

• Tuesday, May 3, 6 p.m. Quincy
  Public Library, 40 Washington St.

• Wednesday, May 4, 11 a.m. Boston
  State House, 24 Beacon St., Room 428

• Wednesday, May 4, 6 p.m. Lynn
  North Shore Community College, Room LE303, 300 Broad St.

• Thursday, May 5, 6 p.m. Pittsfield
  City Hall Council Chamber, 70 Allen St.

• Monday, May 9, 6:30 p.m. Mansfield
  Qualters Middle School, Auditorium, 240 East St.

• Tuesday, May 10, 6:30 p.m. Worcester
  Union Station, 2 Washington St.

• Tuesday, May 10, 6 p.m. Westfield
  City Hall Council Chamber, 59 Court St.

• Wednesday, May 11, 6 p.m. Andover
  Public Safety Center, 32 North Main St.

• Thursday, May 12, 6 p.m. Chelsea
  City Hall Council Chamber, 500 Broadway St.