UPDATE: Dracut residents are grappling with an urgent issue as over 140 streets remain unaccepted, leaving many taxpayers frustrated and seeking immediate solutions. Ed Patenaude, director of Dracut’s Department of Public Works, addressed the Board of Selectmen during their recent meeting, highlighting the challenges of maintaining these streets and the potential impact on state funding.
The situation is critical: Chapter 90 funding, which provides essential financial support for local road improvements, may be jeopardized due to the town’s noncompliance with the MBTA Communities Act. This funding is vital for repairing public ways, and any disruption could affect the quality of life for residents living on these unaccepted streets.
Many residents are unaware they live on unaccepted streets until it’s too late. Often, these issues stem from mismanagement during construction projects. For instance, a developer may receive their bond back prematurely, leading to incomplete work and unresolved street conditions. Patenaude shared that this has prompted residents to express their discontent: “I pay my taxes,” they tell him, demanding services for roads that fall outside the DPW’s jurisdiction.
As part of their efforts, the DPW commissioned a comprehensive inventory of the town’s streets after a particularly vocal resident labeled his unaccepted street “an embarrassment.” The last update came in 2019, and a new inventory is set for release in 2026. This updated data will inform a five-year road repair plan for the town’s 147 miles of unaccepted streets.
Patenaude aims to get five to seven streets accepted each year, acknowledging the extensive work required to address the backlog. Streets are evaluated and ranked from Level 1 to Level 5, with Level 1 being in the best condition and Level 5 requiring major reconstruction. Tally Ho Drive was cited as a notable example, which received federal funding from the American Rescue Plan Act for crucial resurfacing.
In a positive turn, the DPW confirmed that 10 additional streets have just been accepted, which will boost state funding for Dracut. However, some unaccepted streets are so small and aged that meeting modern standards poses a significant challenge. The DPW is actively collaborating with the state to find solutions.
The urgency of this situation cannot be overstated. With funding and infrastructure at stake, residents and officials alike are calling for immediate action. As the DPW continues to navigate these challenges, community engagement and awareness will be pivotal in ensuring Dracut’s roads meet the standards expected by its residents.
Stay tuned for further developments as the town works to address this pressing issue.
