By Marcia Parnell
Unexpected State Funding Fast Tracks Repair of Route 8 Embankment: The Route 8 embankment repair project is the fortunate recipient of $4.27 million in federal funds recently received by MassDOT, which is responsible for the road’s maintenance and repair. The state secured $153 million in additional federal transportation funding for sixteen MassDOT and MBTA projects across the commonwealth. The funds came through a redistribution process from other states and programs that were unable to use them. States that have eligible, shovel-ready projects can request and may be granted some of the unused funds.
The embankment on Route 8 near the intersection of McNerney Road last experienced significant erosion in summer 2023 when heavy rains took a toll on several roads around town. Shortly after the rain storms, the DOT erected a temporary cliff-hugging fence and cement barriers to keep any additional erosion from falling onto the road and potentially injuring motorists and other passersby.
Planning has been underway for a permanent fix which will remove the ledge along Route 8, but the funding was not yet in hand. Town Administrator Kathe Warden said she has been keeping an eye on the temporary repair and recently called her MassDOT contact because debris had once again dropped into the road.
Still, Warden said she was taken by surprise to recently learn funding had come through, and work would start in the near future. “We don’t always know what the state is doing until the last minute, but I’m grateful for that money because funds like that are few and far between, and it’s a real safety issue. Fortunately, our only role will be to direct traffic during the construction period.” According to MassDOT, the project is out for bid, and work is expected to begin in late 2026 or early 2027.
County, Yokum Pond, and Leonhardt Roads Resurfacing: All of the permits and sign-offs are complete, and the projects will be put out for bid next month with responses and pricing expected back sometime in January. Actual construction work is expected to begin in spring 2027.
Becket Highway Department Acquires New Roller and Trailer: Purchase of the new trailer for local dirt and gravel road maintenance and repair was fully funded by a $151,615 grant awarded through the state’s Unpaved Roads Program, which was implemented last year. There are nearly 2,500 miles of locally owned dirt or gravel roads in Massachusetts, and $11.26 million in grants were awarded to forty-eight towns across the state. Becket has thirty miles of dirt and gravel and twenty-nine miles of paved roads — a near even split.
