Town Announces Paving Priorities for FY26

The Town of Amherst has announced its paving plan for the new fiscal year (FY26). The plan outlines the roads that will be paved and repaired during the upcoming summer and fall seasons. Roads will receive different pavement treatment methods (reclamation, micro-milling, etc.) depending on the need of the road and availability of funds. 

Roads scheduled for paving and repair include: 

Current Pavement Conditions
The selected roadways have been identified based on factors such as current pavement condition, traffic volume, and the necessity for improved drainage and safety measures. The town uses StreetScan, a pavement management software, to monitor pavement conditions, help prioritize streets requiring resurfacing, and estimate costs of treatments and rehabilitation.  

StreetScan uses the Pavement Condition Index (PCI) to assess and classify the condition of roads on a scale from 0 (poor) to 100 (excellent). The 2021 Pavement Condition Map is from the most recent scan in July 2021.  

Following this initial scan, the Town uses Streetlogix software which applies a standard pavement deterioration model to annually predict PCI scores. However, many of the streets in Amherst have deteriorated more rapidly than predicted. As a result, the 2025 Predicted Pavement Condition Map may not accurately reflect the true state of the roads. The Department of Public Works is expecting a new Street Scan to be completed this fall, providing an updated and more accurate picture of the town’s pavement conditions. 

Upcoming Pavement Plan
Each year, a combination of reconstruction and preventive treatments are performed on various streets in Town. The traditional reconstruction treatments address pavement surfaces that are in very poor condition and have exceeded their functional lifespan. The preventive treatments are intended to extend the life of pavement in fair to good condition and avoid more costly repairs or replacements.   

This road work is scheduled to begin in August and will continue through November, sometimes longer with warmer winters. If the contractor doesn’t think they can start and finish all of these roadways this year, work will be completed starting in April/May of 2026. The specific paving schedule is subject to change based on weather conditions, contractor availability, and unforeseen circumstances.  

Residents should anticipate temporary detours, periodic lane closures, and some noise during construction hours. The Town will make every effort to minimize disruptions and maintain access for emergency services, school buses, and local traffic. Residents are encouraged to stay updated by checking the website, signing up for news alerts, and following the town’s social media. 

One of the major projects included in this paving plan is the road reconstruction of the downtown intersection including Main St, Amity St, South Pleasant St, and North Pleasant St. This much needed upgrade will enhance infrastructure, improve navigation, and address ADA accessibility requirements. This is part of a larger plan to improve the conditions in downtown Amherst, building off of the newly renovated North Common. 

Another major project happening this fall includes the installation of a roundabout at the intersection of University Drive and Amity Street. More information about this project will be announced soon. 

The town is continually working toward improving and maintaining the condition of its roadways. Funding is primarily through annual appropriations to the Department of Public Works, Amherst’s apportionment of MassDOT’s Chapter 90 program, and, in some cases, through grant funding. 

View a video of the Pavement Management and Paving Plan presented by Town Engineer Jason Skeels.