MATTAPOISETT — For the past three years, there’s been a leaking hole in the roof of Mattapoisett Highway Surveyor Garrett Bauer’s office.

With severe storms, winter weather and a tornado damaging the facility last year, the roof is rapidly deteriorating and often exposes the facility to the elements. The crew has attempted to seal it with “a gallon pail of roof patch,”  like putting a band aid on a bullet wound.

This is just one of many infrastructure issues that the highway department deals with on a day-to-day basis, leading the team to start renovating their existing facility, which hasn’t had significant improvements since the 1960s.

Inadequate ventilation, limited accessibility and significant weather damage are currently hampering the department’s ability to efficiently work, according to Bauer.

Emergency responses to highway crises are handled directly from the facility, as well as snow and ice operations and highway equipment and vehicle storage.

“It’s become increasingly clear that a modern facility is essential to improving our emergency response capabilities,” said Bauer.

The cost was initially estimated at $2.5 million for facility improvements and is now up to a projected $4 million. The department will seek approval for $4 million worth of funding at the annual Town Meeting and also plan to use free cash to offset costs.

Bauer says the renovations are vital to the department’s operations.

“For our whole operation, this facility plays a vital role in servicing the community,” said Bauer. “As our operations grow, so does the need for an updated and more efficient space.”

The construction will be done in three phases. Phase one was completed in February and consisted of adding new compliant flooring and floor drains in addition to installing a sprinkler system to assist in fire suppression.

Phase two and three will be executed at the same time, with construction supposed to begin in fall.

Improvements will include adding garage space, improved bathroom facilities to accommodate 10 department employees and a new break room. The department will also move the office to the front of the building to improve accessibility for the public.

“It’s tough to say” when construction will be finished, according to Bauer. Ideally, the facility will have all their renovations done by late summer 2026.

Bauer hopes that the improved space will help the department’s “functionality, safety and efficiency.”