City Council allocates $16.5M for 2025 road construction and upgrades

The Newton City Public Facilities Committee meeting on April 9, 2025, unveiled ambitious plans for the city's infrastructure, with a staggering $16.5 million earmarked for construction this fiscal year. This funding, a combination of carryover from previous projects and the current budget, is set to make 2025 one of the busiest years for roadway improvements in the city's history.

Key highlights from the meeting included a detailed breakdown of the budget allocation, with $8 million specifically designated for construction and an additional $1.5 million for traffic calming measures and engineering designs. The committee emphasized that while the typical budget for roads is set at $9.5 million, not all of it is used for direct construction, as funds also support essential improvements and maintenance.

This year's construction plan aims to cover an impressive 23.8 miles of roadway, including major streets like Beacon Street and Homer Street, with a total projected cost of approximately $10.8 million. The committee also announced plans for maintenance overlays on 31 roads, costing nearly $5 million, to address low-volume roadways in poor condition.

In addition to roadwork, discussions touched on the integration of bike lanes into the city’s traffic calming initiatives. A new protected bike lane is set to be installed on Beacon Street, enhancing safety for cyclists. The committee is also finalizing a "Walk, Ride, and Roll" plan to further improve pedestrian and cycling infrastructure.

As the construction season approaches, the committee is focused on ensuring that all projects are well-coordinated to avoid disruptions, particularly around school schedules. The anticipated start dates for major intersection improvements, including Franklin Road at Waverly Avenue, are set for this spring.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to transparency, as the full list of planned projects will be made available online, allowing residents to stay informed about the city's ongoing infrastructure developments. With these initiatives, Newton is poised to make significant strides in enhancing its roadways and overall transportation network.