2026 Transportation First | State of Transportation Megaprojects

Join us for a compelling conversation featuring Luisa Paiewonsky, Executive Director of MassDOT’s Megaprojects Delivery Office, who leads the development and delivery of two of the Commonwealth’s most significant infrastructure efforts: the $4.5 billion Cape Cod Bridges Program and the $2 billion Allston Multimodal Transportation Project.

Massachusetts is undertaking some of the most ambitious and complex transportation investments in its history – projects that will reshape regional mobility, strengthen economic competitiveness, and deliver long-term resilience for communities across the Commonwealth. This conversation will explore what it takes to plan, fund, and deliver large-scale transportation projects – balancing technical complexity, community impact, and long-term value – while keeping projects on track and accountable.

Drawing on decades of experience across state, federal, and White House leadership roles, Luisa will share insights into how Massachusetts is advancing these transformative projects and what it takes to successfully deliver infrastructure at scale, in a conversation led by James E. Rooney, President & CEO of the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce.

The discussion will also explore:

• What it takes to deliver megaprojects in complex urban and regional environments
• Real-world lessons from planning and implementing large-scale transportation investments
• How leaders balance innovation, resilience, and long-term public value
• What major transportation projects mean for mobility, economic growth, and quality of life across Massachusetts

ABOUT TRANSPORTATION FIRST

The Transportation First series offers a platform to discuss the urgent challenges Greater Boston faces by bringing in experts and changemakers to explore the issues and potential solutions for the future of the Commonwealth. This series will help raise broader awareness among employees and employers who are affected by the transit system every day.