Amherst Allocates Nearly $4 Million for Road Repairs and Paving in Fiscal Year 2027
The investment includes roads throughout town, with work expected to continue through June 2027 as the town addresses a maintenance backlog.
Amherst is committing nearly $4 million to road repairs and paving in fiscal year 2027, with work set to begin in October and finish by June 30, 2027. The plan will address roads across town using different treatment methods based on each street's condition and available funds.
Amherst has identified roads needing repair based on current pavement conditions, traffic volume, and drainage and safety needs. The town uses pavement management software called Citylogix to monitor conditions and prioritize work. According to the most recent assessment from September 2025, the average condition rating for Amherst's 104-mile road network is 57 out of 100, classified as fair.
Town Manager Paul Bockelman said the investment "is a start in addressing the backlog of road and sidewalk repairs in the Town" and noted that "it will be important to maintain and increase this level of investment annually for the next several years to make a meaningful impact on the overall condition of our roads."
The bid price for the work is $3,960,148.50, though the final cost could be higher depending on asphalt and diesel prices at the time work is performed. Funding comes from annual appropriations to the Department of Public Works, the town's share of the state's Chapter 90 highway program, and occasionally grant funding.
Work is scheduled to start in October and continue through November, with any remaining projects completed beginning in April or May 2027. Residents should expect temporary detours, lane closures, and construction noise. The town will maintain access for emergency services, school buses, and local traffic. The specific paving schedule may change based on weather, contractor availability, and other unforeseen circumstances.
The Department of Public Works is introducing enhanced maintenance capacity and updated treatment methods to expand the scope of work. Residents can stay updated by checking the town website, signing up for news alerts, and following the town's social media accounts.