Norton Will Get Help Fixing Potholes

Norton is getting $84,000 from the state to help pay for repairing potholes.

Winter is gone, but her fury is still evident on roads across Massachusetts. Local Departments of Public Works have been working to repair potholes and other damage caused by the winter.

The Patrick Administration announced the 2014 Pothole and Winter Recovery Program, which includes one-time payments totaling $40 million to the Massachusetts Department of Transportation and cities and towns, including $84,000 for Norton.

“We experienced an extraordinary winter season that caused damage to our roads, bridges, and vehicles well beyond the typical year,” said MassDOT Secretary and CEO Richard A. Davey. “This one-time, targeted program will speed repair and recovery and maintain safe travel for motorists.”

“Our cities and towns already challenged by what seemed to be never ending snow and ice removal now face higher than expected costs in fixing streets, signs, and other transportation facilities,” said MassDOT Highway Division Administrator Frank DePaola. “These funds to be spent immediately this spring and summer will allow all communities to make the most basic and necessary repairs and provide quick improvements for the traveling public.”

The bulk of the money ($30 million) will go to cities and towns based on the Chapter 90 formula that is used for state funding to repair and maintain roads and bridges.

MassDOT has received nearly 1,700 pothole reports this year and spent more than $880,000 in repairing potholes on state roads.