Government

RMV Extends Deadlines for Vehicle Inspections, Commercial Licenses & Permits

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The Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) is announcing today that it will be implementing a 60-day extension to Commercial Driver’s Licenses (CDLs) and Commercial Learner’s Permits (CLPs) expired or expiring in March and April, and that the Service Centers in Milford and Wilmington are reopened to exclusively perform commercial license/permit transactions. These initiatives recognize the importance of commercial vehicle drivers to the supply chain during the State of Emergency declaration, and will continue to prioritize reducing customer volumes in physical locations. All commercial licenses or permits with an expiration date between March 1, 2020 and April 30, 2020, will have the 60-day extension applied to that customer’s credential. The RMV implemented a similar extension for residents with Class D, Class M and Class DM driver’s licenses, ID cards, and Learner’s Permits on March 16 with the exception of customers whose end of stay in the United States is the same as the expiration date on their driver’s license, ID card, or Learner’s Permit. Customers eligible for these extensions should wait to visit an RMV Service Center to renew until after the State of Emergency has concluded.

Transportation

Lane Closing on Mass. Pike for Overnight Bridge Repair

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The following information was provided by MassDOT:

The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) is announcing that it will be conducting overnight bridge deck repairs on I-90 westbound at exit 15 in Newton. This work is scheduled to take place from 8:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 21, through 10:00 a.m. on Sunday, March 22.  

The bridge repair operations will require the temporary closures of right travel lanes on I-90 westbound. At 8:00 p.m., one right travel lane westbound will be temporarily closed.  At 11:00 p.m., two right travel lanes westbound will be temporarily closed.

Police/Fire

Hands-Free Driving Law Goes into Effect Sunday Feb. 23

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Massachusetts drivers can face a fine of up to $500 for violating the hands-free law, beginning Sunday, Feb. 23, 2020. The law aims at preventing drivers from being distracted by their cellphones while driving. This includes not only texting while driving, but also talking on the phone while holding the cellphone or dialing manually. Driver’s cannot even hold a phone while driving, even if not using it, and can only touch it to put it into hands-free mode.

MassDOT

Thanksgiving Week Travel Tips from MassDOT

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The following announcement was provided by MassDOT:

The Massachusetts Department of Transportation is encouraging members of the public to plan ahead for the Thanksgiving holiday travel period by recognizing that traffic volumes and the number of travelers on public transportation will be higher than normal. Drivers and transit customers should use the appropriate resources to make informed decisions on route and timing of travel, and check public transportation service schedules. “Thanksgiving is an incredibly busy time for travel, whether on the roads, in the skies, or on public transit,” said Transportation Secretary and CEO Stephanie Pollack. “The get-away rush will be starting Tuesday and we encourage everyone to think ahead, have a plan and exercise patience with each other.”

The MassDOT Highway Division is taking several steps to ensure safe and efficient travel on roadways, shutting down scheduled construction activities effective at 5 a.m., Tuesday, November 21. Scheduled construction will resume at 5 a.m., Monday, December 2. “The top priority during the Thanksgiving travel period is safety,” said Highway Administrator Jonathan Gulliver. “Before heading out, travelers should evaluate weather conditions so smart decisions can be made about when to leave and return from trips. We want everyone to safely arrive at their destinations to be able to celebrate the holiday with their family and friends.”

MassDOT strongly urges all drivers to minimize distractions by turning off or putting away cellphones, traveling the posted speed limit, driving sober and devoting full attention to what is ahead on the road. MassDOT encourages travelers to make an extra effort to be courteous on the roads and report to law enforcement any reckless driving.

Around Town

Some Registry of Motor Vehicles Services Closed Over Veterans Day Weekend

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The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) is announcing that due to its final upgrade to new technology, ATLAS, no customer service transactions can be conducted starting tonight at 6 p.m., and until 7 a.m., Tuesday, Nov. 12.  In addition, inspection station locations will not be able to conduct motor vehicle inspections on Nov. 9, 10, and 11. “We appreciate the public’s patience, cooperation, and understanding as the RMV completes its transition to a new platform that will greatly enhance the quality and number of online vehicle transactions available to our customers,” explained the RMV’s Acting Registrar, Jamey Tesler. “This transition began with the introduction of new customer credentialing and licensing service in March 2018 and, as with any major organization-wide technology change, we expect an initial learning curve for our staff, business partners, and customers.

Labor Day

Labor Day Travel Tips for Drivers, MBTA & More

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The following information was provided by MassDOT:

The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) is advising Labor Day travelers to make informed decisions, utilize all the available technology tools including www.mass511.com, and consider public transportation if possible to reach destinations. MassDOT is taking several steps to ensure reliable travel for members of the public who utilize transportation systems across the Commonwealth and will be shutting down construction outside of fixed work zones for the Labor Day travel period effective at 5 a.m., Friday, August 30. Scheduled road work will then resume at the start of normal business hours on Tuesday, September 3. “We know there typically are higher volumes on some state highways during Labor Day weekend, and we advise everyone to make smart decisions before getting behind the wheel and heading to their holiday travel destinations,” said Highway Administrator Jonathan Gulliver. “Everyone should utilize the appropriate technology tools and wayfinding resources, consider the best route and time to travel, remain sober or use a designated driver, and exercise safe driving behavior at all times.”

The High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lane on I-93 between Boston and Quincy will have normal morning hours this week and open early for the afternoon commute at 2 p.m., on Thursday, August 29, and 1 p.m., on Friday, August 30.  The HOV lane will be closed on Monday, September 2, and will then re-open for regularly scheduled hours on Tuesday, September 3.

MassDOT

Rte. 128 Service Plaza Closed During Paving Project

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The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) has announced that the service plaza on Route 128/I-95 southbound in Newton will be closed from 10 p.m., Wednesday, Aug. 14, through 12 a.m., Thursday, Aug. 15. This short-term impact is necessary in order to allow crews to safely and effectively conduct milling operations in this area. Advanced warning signs will be deployed to notify drivers of the closure of this facility. MassDOT encourages members of the public to plan ahead and utilize alternative service plazas during this period.

Transportation

Overnight Closures on Mass. Pike Begin Soon

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The following information was provided by MassDOT:

The Massachusetts Department of Transportation has announced that there will be various overnight impacts including lane closures on I-90 east and westbound as well as short-term detours of Commonwealth Avenue east and westbound in the area of the Commonwealth Avenue Bridge and the Boston University Bridge from Monday, July 22 through Saturday, August 10. These impacts will take place during overnight hours only and will allow crews to safely and effectively conduct scheduled construction operations on the Commonwealth Avenue Bridge. The impacts will vary depending upon the work being conducted, but in general, the I-90 lane closures will take place from approximately 9 p.m., through 4:30 a.m., and the Commonwealth Avenue detours will take place from 1:30 a.m., to 4:30 a.m.

As always, work is being conducted in ways that minimize impacts on the traveling public and local community. For example, operations are being conducted during overnight hours to prevent travel disruptions. These impacts are associated with the larger bridge replacement project and are necessary to conduct final scheduled construction activities per project plans.