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

By Charlene Arsenault, Patch Staff

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 the MassDOT/MBTA is urging the community to use that voice with feedback at a number of public meetings.

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

The closest meeting to Salem is in Lynn on Wednesday, May 4 at 6 p.m. at North Shore Community College.

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.

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

Here are the public meetings:

• Monday, April 25, 6 p.m. Fitchburg
  Public Library, 610 Main Street
• Tuesday, April 26, 6 p.m. Framingham
  Town Hall, Blumer Room, 150 Concord Street
• Wednesday, April 27, 6 p.m. Barnstable
  Hyannis Transportation Center, 215 Iyannough Road
• Wednesday, April 27, 6 p.m. Greenfield
  Olver Transit Center, Floor 1, 12 Olive Street
• Thursday, April 28, 6 p.m. New Bedford
  Public Library, 613 Pleasant Street
• Monday, May 2, 6 p.m. Boston (Public Hearing)
  Public Library, McKim Building, 230 Dartmouth Street
• Tuesday, May 3, 6pm Quincy
  Public Library, 40 Washington Street
• Wednesday, May 4, 11 a.m. Boston
  State House, 24 Beacon Street, Room 428
• Wednesday, May 4, 6 p.m. Lynn
  North Shore Community College, Room LE303, 300 Broad Street
• Thursday, May 5, 6 p.m. Pittsfield
  City Hall Council Chamber, 70 Allen Street
• Monday, May 9, 6:30 p.m. Mansfield
  Qualters Middle School, Auditorium, 240 East Street
• Tuesday, May 10, 6:30 p.m. Worcester
  Union Station, 2 Washington Street
• Tuesday, May 10, 6pm Westfield
  City Hall Council Chamber, 59 Court Street
• Wednesday, May 11, 6 p.m. Andover
  Public Safety Center, 32 North Main Street
• Thursday, May 12, 6 p.m. Chelsea
  City Hall Council Chamber, 500 Broadway Street