Norton Roads Need More Repairs, State Funding Going Down

The Norton Board of Selectmen discussed the state of Norton’s roads on Thursday, and the outlook isn’t great.

“Our roads and bridges are falling apart,” said selectmen chair Robert Kimball. “We need to get some improvements on these before we can’t drive on the streets in the area. We have a number of issues here in Norton where some of our roads are getting to the point where you can’t drive on them.”

Town manager Michael Yunits said most of the work is funded through Chapter 90 money from the state, but he said reductions have slowed needed repairs.

“We had planned a lot of work this summer,” he said. “We’re working out on North Worcester Street right now. Due to reduced funding we will only have a balance of $100,000 in Chapter 90 funds.”

Kimball said there is a lot more work to be done in Norton if the streets are to be maintained.

“East Main Street, there’s going to be a lot of work done down there,” he said. “The roads aren’t getting any better.”

Kimball added he feels the state is not doing enough to fund repairs in local municipalities.

“They keep talking about job creation, well the best way to create jobs is to put people back to work. It’s sad the state can’t get its act together.”