The MassDOT Municipal Small Bridge Program offers crucial financial support to Massachusetts municipalities for replacing, preserving, and rehabilitating small bridges with spans between 10 and 20 feet. These structures, classified as “BRI” bridges, are vital for local transportation but do not qualify for federal aid under existing programs. The program is divided into two funding phases—design (Phase 1) and construction (Phase 2)—to ensure efficient allocation of resources.
What Does the Program Fund?
Eligible projects under the program focus on:
- Replacement: Addressing structurally deficient or load-posted bridges.
- Preservation/Rehabilitation: Extending the service life of existing bridges through activities such as:
- Cleaning and painting steel structures.
- Concrete deck patching and resurfacing.
- Joint sealing and scour repairs.
- Structural improvements like beam repairs and masonry arch restoration.
Ineligible expenses include administrative costs, legal fees, and costs incurred before grant approval.
How the Program Works
Phase 1: Design Grants
- Purpose: Covers design and permitting costs.
- Funding: Up to $100,000 or direct design support from a MassDOT-led consultant team.
- Requirements: Municipalities must meet permitting, rights-of-way, and other local requirements.
Phase 2: Construction Grants
- Purpose: Funds bridge construction based on completed designs.
- Funding: Up to $500,000 for eligible construction costs.
- Requirements: A finalized design approved by a MassDOT prequalified engineering firm and a successful Chapter 85 review.
The program is open to all Massachusetts municipalities. Applications must demonstrate fiscal need and outline the bridge’s impact on the community, such as detour lengths, emergency response times, and service disruptions.
FY25 Application Round Now Open
- Closes: February 3, 2025
- Process: Applications must be submitted online via Grant Central.
Don’t miss the FY25 application deadline—your community’s bridge could be next in line for critical improvements!
Capital Strategic Solutions assists our clients with researching grant opportunities and obtaining grant funding each year by crafting compelling applications and identifying ways to scale effective programs. We offer a full variety of grant writing, management and technical assistance services customized to the needs of our clients. Our team is skilled at overseeing the entire grant lifecycle process, from proposal to closing, including pre-award management, approval process, tracking payments, reviewing budgets, producing relevant reports and post-award contract compliance.
For more information, email us at [email protected].