Dracut Faces Challenges with Unaccepted Streets, Public Works Director Reports

Residents of Dracut are confronting significant issues related to the town’s unaccepted streets, as outlined by Ed Patenaude, the director of the Dracut Department of Public Works, during a recent Board of Selectmen meeting. Patenaude emphasized the difficulty of informing taxpayers that their concerns cannot be addressed due to the status of their streets, which number approximately 140 in total.

During the December meeting, Patenaude addressed two interconnected concerns: the challenges posed by unaccepted streets and the ongoing selection process for public road repairs. Funding for all road repair initiatives in Dracut primarily comes from the state’s Chapter 90 reimbursements, which may be jeopardized by the town’s noncompliance with the MBTA Communities Act. Chapter 90 is designed to provide municipalities with essential funds for capital improvements on local public roads, according to state resources.

Many residents are unaware they reside on unaccepted streets until they encounter issues. Streets typically remain unaccepted due to administrative oversights following construction projects. For instance, a developer may receive a bond refund before fulfilling all necessary requirements, leaving the streets incomplete. A resident voiced his frustration during a 2018 Town Meeting, stating his street had become an embarrassment, prompting questions from visitors about his tax payments.

In response to these issues, the Department of Public Works commissioned a consultant to create a comprehensive inventory of both accepted and unaccepted streets, along with their conditions. The last inventory was published in 2019, and an updated version is expected in 2026. Following this, the DPW plans to implement a five-year road repair strategy for Dracut’s 147 miles of unaccepted streets.

Patenaude noted a target of accepting five to seven streets annually. “There’s no way we could do 140 all at once,” he remarked. The DPW ranks each street from Level 1, indicating the best condition, to Level 5, which signifies the need for major reconstruction. Road repair efforts typically focus on those in better condition to prevent further degradation, while Level 5 streets require substantial work.

Selectman Tony Archinski highlighted Tally Ho Drive as a prime example of an unaccepted street necessitating significant repairs. Resurfacing for this road was financed through federal American Rescue Plan Act funds, which were crucial for enabling any work to proceed. Using Chapter 90 funds for this project would have hindered other necessary repairs.

In a positive development, the DPW announced that an additional 10 streets had recently been accepted, which will enhance the town’s funding from the state. Patenaude indicated that some unaccepted streets are particularly small and old, presenting challenges for bringing them up to current standards. The DPW is actively collaborating with state authorities to address these complexities and improve the overall condition of Dracut’s roadways.