LYNN — The Department of Public Works has completed 2/3rds of its 2025 resurfacing project. 

With roughly 1300 public roadways in Lynn, life expectancy of its streets vary with vehicle usage wear and tear on asphalt, causing the need for these roads to be tended to annually. The DPW utilizes federal Chapter 90 funding and city funding to complete this project. 

To assess which Lynn roads need to be repaved and when, the DPW uses pavement studies that give the condition of each street, public feedback, and a general eyeball test.

“We gauge how a street compares to the one next to it, if it can wait a year while another one needs to be resurfaced this year,” explained DPW Associate Commissioner George Potter. 

Resurfacing a street is typically two days of interruption. Day one, which is called milling, involves removing the first inch and a half of the current street surface. During this time, residents can still easily get in and out of their houses with their vehicles. 

The second day involves the resurfacing itself, and depending on the street and weather conditions, typically has a 4-5 hour period when vehicles cannot drive on the roads. 

“We keep it to a minimum as much as possible. A roughly one-day inconvenience — the result is years and years of good drivability on the streets,” Potter said. 

The second part of the 2025 road resurfacing project was completed on schedule, and the final third will begin this fall. 

Mayor Jared C. Nicholson applauded the DPW’s efficiency with the project. 

“The City is committed to providing residents with smoother, safer roadways. Thanks to the tireless work of our DPW, we’re building on last year’s record-setting number for street repaving. This is a major investment in our community’s infrastructure, improving the quality of life for our residents,” he said.