Press Release: 9/24/2026
MassDOT Board Approves $600 Million for Commuter Rail, Housing, Roads, Bridges and Parkways
BOSTON — The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) Board of Directors today voted to approve the transfer of $600 million for three major transportation investments across Massachusetts: modernizing the MBTA’s commuter rail fleet, supporting infrastructure needed to build more housing, and improving the safety and resilience of roads, bridges and parkways managed by the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR).
The funding was authorized by Chapter 90 legislation signed by Governor Healey earlier this year and includes $200 million for each of three programs.
“We’re continuing to make major investments in transportation because it touches every part of people’s lives,” said Governor Maura Healey. “Better roads, bridges and public transit help us build more housing, create jobs, strengthen our communities and make it easier for people to get where they need to go. This $600 million investment is another important part of our work to improve quality of life and grow our economy.”
“Transportation is connected to so many of the challenges and opportunities facing our communities,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “When we invest in reliable transit and strong local infrastructure, we can unlock new housing, support economic growth and make our communities safer and more resilient. We’re continuing to work with cities and towns to make the investments they need to grow and thrive.”
The project investments include:
- $200 million for the MBTA’s Rail Reliability Program to renew the commuter rail fleet and improve reliability. The funding will support replacement of some of the system’s oldest locomotives with 10 new diesel-electric locomotives and 10 battery/catenary locomotives that will be cleaner and quieter.
- $200 million to unlock housing through transportation investments that directly support new housing development across Massachusetts. Funding can support roads and bridges, sidewalks and bicycle infrastructure, intersections, accessibility and safety improvements, lighting, stormwater management and other transportation needs that can otherwise stand in the way of housing production.
- $200 million for the PRISM Program to repair and modernize transportation infrastructure managed by DCR. Investments can support roads, parkways, bridges, culverts, bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure, intersections, lighting, traffic signals and stormwater improvements, with a focus on safety, deferred maintenance and climate resilience.
“Today’s board vote is an important step toward delivering transportation infrastructure that supports housing production, improves connections and strengthens the resilience of critical assets across the state. These investments reflect our commitment to building a safer, more reliable and seamless multimodal transportation system. We thank the Healey-Driscoll Administration and Legislature for making this possible as we partner with our colleagues at Housing and Living Communities and DCR to put these invaluable resources to work,” said Interim Secretary of Transportation and MBTA General Manager Phillip Eng.
Unlocking Housing Through Transportation Investments
The $200 million housing investment will help communities address transportation needs that can delay or prevent new housing from moving forward. MassDOT will work with the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities to prioritize projects that directly support housing production and connect new homes with jobs, transportation and other opportunities.
Massachusetts is working toward creating 222,000 new homes between 2025 and 2035 and the state added more than 34,500 residential addresses in 2025 alone. The Administration is using these investments as an important tool to help communities accommodate new housing and create the infrastructure necessary for growth.
“Building housing near reliable transportation gives residents better access to jobs, services and the places they need to go,” Secretary of Housing and Livable Communities Juana Matias. “Our partnership with MassDOT will help communities make the infrastructure investments needed to build more homes in well-connected places. That’s how we turn transportation investments into more housing opportunities for people across Massachusetts.”
Making DCR Roadways and Parkways Safer
The new PRISM Program will allow DCR to make significant improvements across its transportation network, which includes roads, parkways, bridges and bicycle and pedestrian facilities used by residents and visitors across Massachusetts.
“PRISM represents a significant opportunity to address DCR’s aging transportation infrastructure that will improve safety, resilience and access for people across the Commonwealth,” said DCR Commissioner Nicole LaChapelle. “Our parkways, bridges, paths and other multimodal facilities connect communities to each other and to our natural, cultural, and recreational resources across Massachusetts. This investment will help us continue to provide these vital connections for the future.”
Since taking office, Governor Healey has made historic investments to improve transportation across Massachusetts and deliver safer, more reliable and more affordable service. The Healey-Driscoll Administration launched South Coast Rail, is advancing West-East Rail, secured more than $1 billion in federal funding to replace the Cape Cod Bridges and hundreds of millions of dollars for major MBTA projects, including the North Station Draw One Bridge and improvements to the Commuter Rail. The Administration has also increased funding for local roads and bridges, eliminated slow zones at the MBTA, expanded service and made transit more affordable for riders through the income-eligible reduced fare program and new fare discounts.
Together, these investments are creating jobs, supporting housing and economic growth, strengthening communities and building the transportation system Massachusetts needs to compete and grow.
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