City Council addresses deteriorating small roads funding and infrastructure plans

The Newton City Public Facilities Committee meeting on April 9, 2025, focused on the ongoing challenges of maintaining and improving the city's roadways. Key discussions highlighted the condition of smaller roads, many of which are in poor shape and require urgent attention.

Committee members reviewed a list of roads with low Pavement Condition Index (PCI) scores, indicating that many streets are deteriorating rapidly. The PCI scores, which measure road quality, revealed that several roads have fallen into the thirties and forties, prompting complaints from residents about their poor conditions. The committee emphasized the need to address these issues to prevent further decline.

Funding for road repairs remains a significant concern. The committee noted that while they have been able to allocate funds through various sources, including free cash and ARPA (American Rescue Plan Act) money, the overall budget for road maintenance is still not fully funded. The annual Chapter 90 funding, which provides $2.3 million, is insufficient to cover the extensive needs of the city's roadways. The committee acknowledged that they must continue to seek additional funding sources to maintain and improve the road infrastructure effectively.

Looking ahead, the committee expressed a commitment to advancing their road repair program, aiming to improve the condition of the most severely affected streets. However, they recognized that financial constraints will require ongoing efforts to secure necessary funding to sustain these initiatives. The discussions underscored the importance of addressing roadway conditions to enhance community satisfaction and safety.