Governor Healey Highlights Rep. Leigh Davis’ Accelerated Bridge Program Proposal in State of the Commonwealth Address

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

January 23, 2026

Contact:

Office of State Representative Leigh Davis

Serena.Keenan@mahouse.gov

413-854-4623

Boston — State Representative Leigh Davis (D–3rd Berkshire) praised Governor Maura Healey for remarks delivered during last night’s State of the Commonwealth address at the Massachusetts State House that align with advocacy raised by Rep. Davis and legislation she has filed to renew and expand the Accelerated Bridge Program.

During the address, the Governor emphasized the need to reopen closed bridges and accelerate repairs across Western Massachusetts, citing the urgency of addressing aging infrastructure statewide. She noted that 27 bridges in Western Massachusetts—many within the 3rd Berkshire District—are slated to benefit, reinforcing the importance of faster, more equitable repairs.

Governor Healey and Leigh discussed the need to modernize the state's Accelerated Bridge Program during the governor's visit to the 3rd Berkshire District in March, 2025

The Governor’s remarks followed earlier discussions during her March 18, 2025 visit to the 3rd Berkshire District, when Rep. Davis raised the need to modernize the Accelerated Bridge Program with a focus on rural equity and timely project delivery as part of the administration’s broader transportation planning.

“I’m grateful to see the Governor elevate this issue on a statewide stage,” said Rep. Davis. “Rural communities depend on safe, reliable bridges for emergency response, economic activity, and daily life. When a bridge fails in a small town, there often isn’t another route—the impacts are immediate and serious.”

Rep. Davis has filed legislation, H.4130, An Act relative to renewing and expanding the Accelerated Bridge Program, which would establish a dedicated program to finance the repair, replacement, and maintenance of structurally deficient bridges, with an emphasis on rural and underserved communities and streamlined project delivery.

Following the address, Rep. Davis spoke with officials from the Massachusetts Department of Transportation, who indicated that additional details regarding specific bridges and project timelines will be released in the coming weeks.

“The Governor’s acknowledgment signals that rural infrastructure is finally being taken seriously,” Rep. Davis said. “This is about fairness, safety, and making sure no part of Massachusetts is left behind as we invest in our transportation future.”

Rep. Davis looks forward to working with the Healey-Driscoll Administration and legislative colleagues to advance the proposal and ensure the Accelerated Bridge Program is fully integrated into the Commonwealth’s long-term transportation strategy.

About Representative Leigh Davis

State Representative Leigh Davis represents the 3rd Berkshire District in the Massachusetts House of Representatives. Learn more at leighdavis.org or malegislature.gov/Legislators/Profile/LSD1