MPO endorses MassDOT pavement and bridge condition targets; bridge 'poor' currently above federal threshold

MassDOT representatives briefed the Cape Cod MPO on federally required performance measures for pavement and bridge condition and the agency’s proposed targets for the next performance period. After a presentation and questions, the MPO voted to endorse MassDOT’s proposed PM2 targets.

Jack Moran of MassDOT’s highway division explained the PM2 framework, which measures pavement and bridge condition as a percentage in ‘good’ and ‘poor’ condition and weights bridge measures by square‑foot area. On federal minimums, Moran noted that regulations effectively instruct that “no state should have any more than 5% of their interstates in poor condition,” and said MassDOT’s target for interstates is more ambitious than the federal minimum.

On bridges Moran said the Commonwealth’s National Highway System bridge inventory has about 29 million square feet of surface area statewide and that the department is currently slightly above the federal minimum condition threshold for bridge area in poor condition. Moran told the MPO the statewide NHS bridge area in poor condition is about “11 and a quarter” percent, down from a mid‑2010s high and the focus of the NextGen and Bridge Formula funding efforts.

Members asked technical questions about how stormwater and corridor context feed into pavement choices; Moran and Pam Hasner (MassDOT district) said corridor scoping routinely includes drainage and resiliency considerations and that preservation and reconstruction decisions are made on a case‑by‑case basis. Moran described the target‑setting approach as tied to the DOT’s 5‑year program and capital investment decisions.

The chair opened the motion to endorse MassDOT’s PM2 targets. Kevin Galligan moved and Carol Mitchell seconded; the MPO took a roll‑call vote and adopted the endorsement.

What’s next: staff said the targets will be included in performance management reporting and can be adjusted mid‑performance period if monitoring suggests targets were set too aggressively or not aggressive enough.