The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) announced four public meetings to update the public on the status of the implementation of All Electronic Tolling and the progress of demolishing existing toll plaza infrastructure and reconstructing the roadway. Representatives of MassDOT will discuss the construction progress in 23 work zones, timeline for completion, what to expect as the project moves into the spring and summer months and other issues.
These public meetings will be to receive feedback from users of I-90, (the Massachusetts Turnpike), and neighboring communities and to provide interchange specific information about what the traveling public can expect during 2017. All meetings will be held from 6:30-8:30 p.m. and are scheduled as follows:
• Wednesday, January 11 – Westborough Town Hall, 34 West Main Street
Plaza Focus: Sturbridge / I-84, Worcester/Auburn/I-290, Worcester/Rt. 146, Worcester/Millbury, Westborough/I-495, Framingham, Natick/Rt. 30
(If weather postpones the January 11 meeting, this meeting will be held January 25)
• Wednesday, January 18 – Brighton
WGBH – Yawkey Theater, One Guest Street
Plaza Focus: Weston, Allston/Brighton, Ted Williams Tunnel
(If weather postpones the January 18 meeting, this meeting will be held January 26)
• Monday, January 23 – Northampton
District 2 Highway Office, 811 N. King Street
Plaza Focus: Westfield, Westfield, West Springfield / I-91, Chicopee, Springfield / I-291 Ludlow, Palmer
(If weather postpones the January 23 meeting, this meeting will be held January 24)
• Tuesday, February 7 – Lenox
District 1 Highway Office, 270 Main Street
Plaza Focus: West Stockbridge and Lee
(If weather postpones the February 7 meeting, this meeting will be held February 9)
Toll demolition and roadway reconstruction continues to proceed on schedule at all 23 work zones and Phase One work was completed ahead of schedule in time for the Thanksgiving holiday travel week, which reportedly saw less severe congestion than in previous years. During the winter months, as weather permits, construction activities will continue focusing on the toll plaza infrastructure that stands to the left and right of what had been the center areas of toll plazas.
Ongoing work also includes focusing on drainage issues in the area of former toll plazas and in some cases means the need to install catch basins and culverts. Other activities underway include repaving road surfaces and adding lighting, guardrail, and other safety features. This work will occur throughout the winter, as weather permits. Crews are working under more traditional construction hours, rather than the 24/7 schedule that was part of the first phase. Each of the 23 work zones has its own management, design, and construction plan. Activities are scheduled to be completed by the end of calendar year 2017 in all work zones.
If you are unable to attend a public meeting, a copy of the presentation will be available at https://www.massdot.state.ma.us/highway/TollInformation/AllElectronicTolling. Public comments and questions may also be submitted by email AETinfo@dot.state.ma.us.
Locations are accessible to people with disabilities. MassDOT provides reasonable accommodations and/or language assistance free of charge upon request (including but not limited to interpreters in American Sign Language and languages other than English, open or closed captioning for videos, assistive listening devices and alternate material formats, such as audio tapes, Braille and large print) as available. For accommodation or language assistance, please contact Katy Zazzera by phone 857-368-8986 or by email (Kathryn.Zazzera@dot.state.ma.us). Requests should be made as soon as possible prior to the meeting. For other services including sign language, CART or language translation or interpretation, requests please should be made at least ten (10) business days before the meeting.