MassDOT Secretary Speaks to Somerville Chamber of Commerce

Saying he was a friend to the Somerville community, Richard Davey, secretary of the Massachusetts Department of Transportation, spoke to the Tuesday morning, outlining some of the transportation challenges facing Massachusetts. The talk was held at the on Washington Street.

The state's current transportation system—roads, bridges, trains, etc.—"is one we can't afford," Davey said, and "certainly" the state cannot afford the improved transportation system it desires.

The transportation system, "all in," faces a $1.3 billion annual deficit, he said, partly due to a structural budget deficit at the MBTA, the cost of maintaining and repairing the MBTA system, the cost of borrowing to pay salaries in the Highway Division and the backlog of highway projects and repairs.

As an example, Davey pointed out the MBTA's Orange Line runs trains built during Michael Dukakis's first term as governor in the late 1970s and the Red Line has trains from 1969—equipment that isn't even scheduled for replacement.

Despite the challenges, Davey said the department has had some successes. The , where the state used innovative construction methods to replace bridges on Interstate 93 during weekends over the summer—as opposed to engaging in an ongoing five-year project using traditional methods—is seen as a highly successful project around the country, he said.

He said the department has been focusing on reform, customer service and transparency and is dedicated to running itself like a business.

Electronic tolls may be on the horizon, allowing the state to "knock down" toll booths, he said, and starting in April MassDOT will begin hosting quarterly meetings designed to boost transparency.

Some other ideas mentioned by Davey at Tuesday's talk involved installing solar panels in the median strips of highways, improving public transportation options to Logan Airport and looking for ways to earn revenue from department-owned land through leases and sales.

"The businesses of Somerville care deeply about public transportation," he said, arguing that a robust public transportation system a key part of encouraging job growth and economic development.