LYNN — The condition of Lynn’s roads has been a frequent topic of discussion, and beginning July 29, five roads will undergo major improvements over the coming weeks. 

The Department of Public Works (DPW) plans to mill and repave the streets within two weeks. The work includes removing the existing asphalt and repaving the roads, eliminating potholes and cracks. 

The five roads scheduled for resurfacing are Tudor Street, from Nahant Street to the Lynnway; O’Callaghan Way, from Fecteau Way to Walnut Way; Holyoke Street, from Thorpe Road to Curwin Circle; Maple Street, from Western Avenue to Cross Street, including the intersection; and York Road, from Hilda Road to York Terrace. 

Parking access along the roads will be restricted, and detours and signage will be in place to redirect traffic during construction.

Every year, the DPW completes roadway resurfacing projects. The work is funded through Chapter 90, which is state funding allocated to cities and towns for their transportation infrastructure improvements, according to the Mass Gov website. 

For FY27, the Healey-Driscoll administration committed $300 million for the state of Massachusetts, which has been divided into two methods of distribution: $200 million for local road mileage, population, and employment, and $100 million solely distributed for local mileage roads. 

This means communities with more local road mileage receive a larger share of that funding. 

In Lynn, the local road mileage is more than 160 miles, the population is 101,253 people, and employment in the city includes 25,837 individuals. 

Out of the $200 million standard formula distribution, the city received $1,522,030.99, and out of the $100 million standard formula distribution, it received $529,830.18, which totals more than $2 million, according to the state’s apportionment spreadsheet. 

Lynn received more Chapter 90 funding than 335 of the state’s 352 cities and towns in Massachusetts. However, the top fund-receiving city is Boston with more than $17,000,000 allocated for FY27. 

Ward 1 City Councilor Dr. Pete D. Meaney shared how the projects within his ward will bring a better experience to all who commute on the roads every day. He shared that improving infrastructure has been a critical method that aids in the overall health and vitality of the city. 

“While we do not have the resources to repave every street that needs attention, the state funding we secured allows us to prioritize key thoroughfares with heavy traffic, including Maple Street and York Road,” Meaney said. “Completing this work will deliver smoother, safer roads that better serve residents and strengthen our city.” 

Ward 7 City Councilor Jordan T. Avery understands that road construction can be a temporary inconvenience to constituents along the roads in his ward, including O’Callaghan Way and Holyoke Street, but asks residents to maintain patience and cooperation for necessary work that will soon improve commuting. 

On O’Callaghan Way, Avery shared that there are three schools that see heavy traffic during school time: Lynn Classical High School, Breed Middle School, and Julia F. Callahan School. This roadwork will improve safety and remove potential hazards before students return to school this fall. 

“This is important work that needs to move forward, and these will provide smoother roadways for motorists, vehicles, pedestrians, school buses, and even our emergency vehicles… It’s been kind of neglected, you know, for a little bit and definitely needs those repairs,” Avery said. 

Avery backed Meaney’s statement on the fact that many roads in Lynn need revamping, but that these five roads are the right step in the right direction to fix travel on some of the busiest roads in the city. 

The list of roads was finalized several months ago, Avery said, and the choice was a group effort between the Mayor’s office, DPW, and City Councilors who hear the concerns regularly from their constituents. 

The DPW Commissioner had not responded to requests for comment by print deadline. 

Avery said that when issues arise from residents, they go directly to those who can make the improvements, like DPW in this situation of road infrastructure. 

“We hear firsthand from our residents, and we take those concerns each and every time I meet with the commissioner,” Avery added. “If it’s with the mayor’s office, if it’s with his chief of staff, if it’s with the city planner, I continue to advocate and fight for our residents and our wards, making sure that we’re investing in our roadways and making sure that it’s being appropriated correctly into areas that need it most.”