Massachusetts Infrastructure Faces Aging Systems and Growing Demands
Massachusetts is known for its world-class universities, vibrant economy, and historic communities. But beneath the surface of the Commonwealth’s success lies a challenge that affects every resident, business, and visitor: aging infrastructure.
Today, the Boston Society of Civil Engineers Section (BSCES) released the inaugural 2026 Report Card for Massachusetts’ Infrastructure, assigning the state’s infrastructure an overall grade of D+. The report card evaluated seven categories: bridges, dams, drinking water, roads, stormwater, transit, and wastewater systems. The release event was held at the Massachusetts State House, and featured remarks from BSCES leadership and ASCE President-Elect Carol Haddock.
While a ‘D+’ is much lower than the national infrastructure grade of ‘C’, the report serves an important purpose. It provides a clear, data-driven snapshot of the condition of Massachusetts’ infrastructure and highlights the investments and policy decisions needed to ensure these systems can reliably serve future generations.
Aging Infrastructure Is Outpacing Repairs Across the Commonwealth
The findings reveal a common theme across nearly every infrastructure sector: Massachusetts’ infrastructure is aging faster than it is being repaired. Much of the Commonwealth’s infrastructure was built decades ago, and in some cases more than a century ago. These systems are being tested by growing populations, evolving economic demands, and increasingly severe weather events.
Bridges, Roads, Water and Wastewater Systems Need Long-Term Investment
The report found that Massachusetts has the oldest bridge inventory in the nation, with an average bridge age of 65 years. More than 500 bridges are either in poor condition, closed, or operating with weight restrictions. Roads are also showing signs of deterioration, costing drivers an estimated $3.8 billion annually in additional vehicle operating costs. Meanwhile, aging water and wastewater systems face billions of dollars in long-term investment needs to replace aging pipes, address emerging contaminants, and maintain reliable service.
Targeted Infrastructure Investment Is Showing Results
There are reasons for optimism. Recent federal and state investments have begun making a difference. Transit, which received a ‘C-’, earned the highest grade in the report and exceeded the corresponding national grade. Recent rail expansions, accessibility improvements, and efforts to eliminate MBTA slow zones demonstrate that targeted investment can deliver meaningful results for the public.
The report also notes that Massachusetts has benefited significantly from federal infrastructure funding in recent years. As of 2025, the Commonwealth received more than $11 billion through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act to support hundreds of projects statewide. These investments have helped stabilize key infrastructure systems and address long-standing maintenance needs.
Solutions to Improve Massachusetts Infrastructure
The 2026 Report Card outlines three broad solutions: establish long-term funding mechanisms, modernize regulations and project delivery processes, and invest in workforce recruitment and retention. Together, these steps can help Massachusetts improve reliability, strengthen resilience to extreme weather, and support continued economic growth.
Turning the Report Card into an Advocacy Tool
We’d like to thank every member who contributed to this report, and everyone who will now use this advocacy tool to communicate with local and state leaders in Massachusetts the importance of improving infrastructure in the Commonwealth.
