Commonwealth Conversations: Transportation

MassDOT Plan: Revolutionize Toll Collection

MassDOT announced plans are underway to implement on the Tobin Bridge All Electronic Tolling (AET), a form of toll collection that saves drivers from both stopping and slowing down to pay their toll. MassDOT has scheduled a series of informational meetings to inform North Shore commuters and answer questions about the upcoming transition.

“With the implementation of this innovative form of toll collection we are saying to our customers that their time is valuable,” said MassDOT Secretary & CEO Richard A. Davey. “We are also increasing safety and reducing greenhouse gas emissions by cutting congestion and the time spent idling at the cash booth.”

Beginning early in 2014, motorists will no longer have the option to stop at a toll booth and pay cash for their Tobin Bridge toll. Tolls will be collected electronically in one of two ways: either through the motorist’s E-ZPass transponder or via a program in which a camera captures the license plate and the vehicle’s registered owner is billed by mail. A contractor has been selected to install the gantry or overhead collection system and work is beginning to support the technical back-office operations.

The informational meeting series will include timeframes and the benefits of AET such as reduced congestion, increased safety and cutting greenhouse gas emissions.  Motorists will be able to sign up for an E-ZPass transponder on-site.

MassDOT is encouraging motorists to join E-ZPass in advance of the transition and making it easier than ever for new customers to join E-ZPass. MassDOT is planning a new North Shore Customer Walk-In Center as well as putting a new mobile E-ZPass registration vehicle on the road this summer to reach those motorists still using cash.

Despite the introduction of transponders and electronic toll collection in the late 1990s, a significant portion of Tobin Bridge customers still elect to pay with cash. In 2012, there were 4.1 million cash transactions on the Tobin Bridge, an average of more than 11,000 each day.

E-ZPass transponders are now available at 17 AAA branches and 20 Registry of Motor Vehicles branches. You can also order a transponder online: www.Mass.gov/EZPassMA.

A list of informational meetings is available after the break.

MassDOT, AAA Promote E-ZPass

MassDOT Secretary and CEO Richard A. Davey and Registrar of Motor Vehicles Rachel Kaprielian today joined AAA of Southern New England to announce the availability of E-ZPass transponders at 17 AAA branches across the Commonwealth.

“Expanding the avenues through which motorists may join the E-ZPass program is an important convenience for MassDOT to offer,” said Secretary Davey. “Considering our many mutual customers, AAA is a logical partner in this effort and we are proud to bring this service to their members.”

E-ZPass transponders are now available to AAA members at AAA branches across Massachusetts, including in: Auburn, Boston, Burlington, Framingham, Haverhill, Lawrence, Leominster, Lowell, Newburyport, Newton, North Andover, Peabody, Plymouth, Rockland, Saugus, Waltham and Westwood.

E-ZPass users can forget about keeping cash and change on hand as they skip the line at the cash booths and travel, instead, through dedicated lanes without stopping. As residents begin to plan summer travel, it is important to note that E-ZPass is accepted on toll roads from Maine to Virginia and west to Illinois.
Non-AAA members may obtain a transponder by visiting our customer service centers in Auburn, East Boston or Natick, at select Registry branches or by joining online.

Early next year, MassDOT will launch All Electronic Tolling (AET) on the Tobin Bridge, which means no cash will be accepted at the point of toll collection. A statewide transition to AET is planned along the Massachusetts Turnpike and at the Airport Tunnels in the future.

Customers may be familiar with the AAA and MassDOT partnership through MassDOT’s Registry of Motor Vehicles Division. The Registry offers AAA members select transactions, such as license and registration renewals in Boston, Framingham, Saugus, South Dennis, West Springfield and Worcester.

Salisbury: Gillis Rail Trail Connector Opens

MassDOT Highway Administrator Frank DePaola joined state and local officials, as well as bicycling and walking advocates to celebrate Bay State Bike Week 2013 with the opening of the Gillis Rail Trail Connector in Salisbury. The connection links existing bicycling and walking paths in Salisbury and Newburyport.

“MassDOT is pleased to promote the healthy transportation modes of walking, bicycling and transit. The growing network of shared use paths in this region make it easier for residents and visitors alike to walk and bicycle in comfort and safety, and to connect with transit, such as at the Newburyport MTBA Commuter Rail station,” said Administrator DePaola.

The completion of the $1 million project adds a new piece to the Bay State Greenway, which is a growing network that hopes to establish 788 miles of bicycling facilities across the Commonwealth. So far, more than 150 miles have been established.

The project also supports MassDOT’s GreenDOT and Mode Shift policies, as well as the Healthy Transportation Compact. The policies and initiatives work to balance the needs of all transportation users, expand mobility, improve public health, support a cleaner environment and create stronger communities.

Later this year, MassDOT will begin construction to replace the Whittier Bridge on Interstate 95. While construction will use innovative, accelerated techniques to better accommodate vehicle traffic, the project also allows for the construction of the first separate shared use path for pedestrians and bicyclists on an Interstate in Massachusetts and will provide a direct bicycling and walking link to the park & ride facility on Route 133.

MassDOT McGrath Highway Recommendations

MassDOT has recommended that the McCarthy Overpass portion of McGrath Highway be grounded and the roadway developed into a Boulevard that reconnects East Somerville, Union Square and Brickbottom.  Project managers released the recommendation during a May 15 public meeting in Somerville to discuss the Grounding McGrath Study.

A multiyear planning study examining multiple alternatives concluded this approach best balances local and regional needs in the McGrath Highway corridor and area neighborhoods.  The recommended plan preserves continuity at Washington Street, while enhancing pedestrian and bicycle connections. This option will also create a new connection from McGrath Highway northbound to Somerville Avenue and Union Square, providing full access in all directions at that location. The removal of the overpass will allow for wider sidewalks, bicycle paths, added green space that will help spur redevelopment and enhance existing uses along the corridor. 

“Our decision to go with the boulevard option reflects the strong desire to integrate more, and healthier, modes of transportation into our highway network,” said MassDOT Highway Administrator Frank DePaola.  “Investing public dollars into projects like this will catalyze private development, which creates jobs and economic activity, which will benefit Somerville for the next generation.”

MassDOT worked with the Cities of Somerville and Cambridge, community leaders, advocacy groups and elected officials to develop recommendations through the involvement of the Grounding McGrath Study Working Group.

A Health Impact Assessment in conjunction with the Massachusetts Department of Public Health concluded that the Boulevard option offers a great opportunity for mobility and access.

The study’s recommendations also support other efforts adjacent to the Route 28 Corridor, including the MBTA Green Line Extension to Somerville and Medford; the Somerville Community Path; the NorthPoint development in Cambridge; and the City of Somerville's planning efforts in Inner Belt, Brickbottom and Union Square. 

The Grounding McGrath Study and draft recommendations can be found on the MassDOT Grounding McGrath website.

Dennis Bridge Opens Ahead of Summer Season

The Upper County Road Bridge over the Swan River in Dennis has reopened to traffic in advance of the upcoming busy season.

“MassDOT is pleased to inform the community we have met our milestone completion date of May 15 for replacing the structurally deficient bridge at Upper County Road,” said MassDOT Highway Administrator Frank DePaola. “MassDOT is attuned to the needs and economy of Cape Cod and we do our best to complete our work with both safety and the quality of life impacts in mind.” 

MassDOT used rapid construction techniques and also accelerated the timetable for replacing the bridge structure by more than five months to lessen impacts on residents and visitors to the area. Residents and visitors have followed a detour since late November of 2012 to allow for the replacement. Prefabricated bridge units were used as part of the acceleration.

The replacement of Upper County Road is part a $9 million bridge replacement project that also includes the replacement of the Main Street Bridge (Route 28) in Dennis. Construction sequencing at Main Street allows for continuous traffic during construction and work will continue on this bridge through the summer months including construction of a temporary bridge. The completion date for the Main Street Bridge is mid-2014.

Westfield-Barnes Airport Celebrates Gulfstream Expansion

MassDOT Secretary and CEO Richard Davey today joined Gulfstream Aerospace leaders, Westfield-Barnes Regional Airport and local officials to celebrate the ribbon-cutting for the Gulfstream Hangar Expansion Project.

Gulfstream’s expansion includes a new 100,000 square foot hangar with office space and will result in 100 new jobs added to Gulfstream’s existing airport workforce of 140.

“Massachusetts is leading the nation in economic recovery, thanks to companies like Gulfstream that are expanding right here in the Commonwealth,” said Governor Patrick. “Because of our investments in innovation, education and infrastructure, Massachusetts is a great place for business, and I thank Gulfstream for adding these 100 new jobs, and the economic benefits that will follow.”

“Aviation is an economic engine across the state, and right here in Westfield it generates more than 2,000 jobs and economic output of $180 million,” said Secretary Davey. “Gulfstream’s investment combined with MassDOT and other state financial support will further enhance opportunities in this area.”

Gulfstream Aerospace manufactures mid-size and large cabin business jet aircraft with Northeast aircraft maintenance repair facilities centered at Westfield-Barnes Regional Airport.  The company invested approximately $20 million in the hangar expansion. MassDOT funds totaling $3 million realigned the airport perimeter roadway and provided additional parking, while the Massachusetts Office of Business Development provided $2 million for a new road providing access to Gulfstream and a newly-created industrial park.

“In addition to Gulfstream’s commitment to expansion, MassDOT is also pleased to join our partners at the Federal Aviation Administration, the City of Westfield, and the Air National Guard in preserving and enhancing the infrastructure at the Westfield-Barnes Regional Airport,” said Christopher Willenborg, MassDOT Aeronautics Division Administrator.

Willenborg said upcoming improvements include reconstruction and pavement replacement of a key airport runway later in 2013.

1st in Nation "Carbon Neutral" Airport Project

MassDOT's Aeronautics Division and Volpe National Transportation Systems Center have announced a pilot program to create the first ever airport with “carbon neutral” ground operations in the United States.

Nantucket Memorial Airport has been chosen to take all steps necessary to implement that designation.

“This truly revolutionary partnership to develop an airport with entirely carbon neutral operations is a shining example of our 'GreenDOT' plan to build a transportation system that is environmentally sustainable, and we look forward to working with the Nantucket Airport on this groundbreaking effort,” said MassDOT Secretary and CEO Richard Davey.

“Nantucket has a storied tradition as a community of seafarers, and its whaling fleet was once at the heart of the world’s energy and transportation economies,” said Nantucket Airport Manager Thomas Rafter. “The concept of sustainable transportation is something that makes sense on Nantucket, and is something I feel the community can really get behind and be proud to showcase.”

The Carbon Neutral Airport Pilot Program will assist the Nantucket Airport to implement measures that dramatically reduce fossil fuel consumption and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The program will identify lessons and practices learned to assist other general aviation and large commercial service airports.

MassDOT and Volpe, with the support of a Planning Advisory Group, chose the Nantucket Airport from among five Commonwealth general aviation airports that were eligible to receive Federal Aviation Administration sustainability/low emission funding to support the project.

The program to achieve “carbon neutrality” will move forward in 2013 with data collection and inventory in Phase One, followed by implementation in Phase Two.

MassDOT and the Nantucket Airport plan to rigorously pursue energy efficiency in airport buildings, on the airfield and among fleet vehicles. Efficiency will likely involve major upgrades to retrofit mechanical equipment, lighting systems and other facilities. New automation systems and operational changes will achieve additional energy savings. On-site renewable energy will be generated with the goal of equaling or exceeding energy consumption that cannot be eliminated.

The Carbon Neutral project includes $805,000 in MassDOT Aeronautics funding along with other expected local and federal funding sources.
 

Fore River Bridge Public Hearing May 16th

MassDOT has scheduled a Fore River Bridge Replacement Project design public hearing as follows:

Thursday, May 16, 6:30 – 8:30 PM, Abigail Adams Middle School Auditorium, 89 Middle Street, Weymouth

The purpose of this hearing is to provide an overview of the construction plans and traffic impacts for the replacement of the Fore River Bridge, which carries Route 3A over the Fore River between Quincy and Weymouth. The hearing will provide an opportunity to meet MassDOT’s design/build team for the project and offer comments or ask questions.

The Fore River Bridge Replacement is part of the Patrick-Murray Administration's Accelerated Bridge Program to repair or replace structurally deficient bridges across the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. The Fore River Bridge project includes the complete replacement and eventual removal of the existing temporary span. The project now underway is scheduled for completion in 2016.

To be added to the project email list, please contact Donny Dailey, 857-368-8902 or donny.dailey@state.ma.us.  For more information, we invite you to visit the Fore River Bridge project website.

MassDOT Farmer's Markets 2013

MassDOT's annual Farmer’s Market Program will begin on Friday, May 17, and invites local farmers to take advantage of free space to sell their home grown produce and made-in-Massachusetts products at our 18 Service Plazas.  Eleven plazas are located along the Massachusetts Turnpike and seven others along various Massachusetts highways.

This year’s selling season kicks off at the I-90 Charlton Service Plazas, East and West, Friday, May 17, 10am-4pm, with Frank and Kay Magrone of Shaker Kitchen in Athol and Kevin Nimtz of Prairie Orchard’s at the Charlton eastbound Service Plaza and Joe Strong of East Brookfield selling his local fruits and vegetables at the Charlton West Service Plaza.

Letters have been sent to more than 100 Massachusetts farmers inviting them to sell their goods and produce. The Farmer’s Market Program offers Massachusetts farmers a unique opportunity to sell and market their locally grown products.

Complimentary vending space is made available on a first-come, first-served basis at the Massachusetts Turnpike Service Plazas located in Lee, Blandford, Ludlow, Charlton, Westborough, Framingham and Natick.  Space is also available at seven MassDOT locations in Newton, Lexington and Beverly along Route 128/I-95, along with Bridgewater on Route 24, Plymouth on Route 3, and Barnstable, Route 6. 

Farmers may sell their goods as long as they do not compete with the businesses that operate within the service plazas.  MassDOT also assists in setting up the outdoor markets and provides on-the-road advertising using portable message boards.

Local farmers wanting more information should contact Dave Fenton, dave.fenton@state.ma.us or 413-572-3171.

Mother's Day: Busy Travel Weekend

MassDOT encourages travelers to plan ahead and travel safely during the upcoming Mother's Day weekend especially for travelers using the Massachusetts Turnpike (I-90) or traveling to Cape Cod.  The heaviest traffic is expected Friday and Sunday afternoons and early evenings.  Drivers are encouraged to make travel plans accordingly and if possible avoid peak traffic volumes between 1pm and 7pm on those days.

 

I-90 traffic is expected to be especially heavy at the I-84 interchange at Exit 9 in Sturbridge and at Exit 11A, I-495, which handles cars headed south to Cape Cod and north to New Hampshire and Maine. Traffic congestion is also expected heading on and off Cape Cod throughout the weekend; the Sagamore and Bourne Bridges are maintained by the Army Corps of Engineers. Also, be prepared for traffic at the I-95 and I-495 Turnpike interchanges along with I-495 and I-93 northbound leading into New Hampshire.

 

Turnpike toll transactions statistics from 2012 ranked the Friday before Mother’s Day as the heaviest traffic day on the Turnpike with more than 363,000 transactions logged between Interstate 95/Route 128 and the New York border. Friday nights in the warm weather months accounted for the top 20 heaviest travel days on the Turnpike last year. Cash collection booths will be adequately staffed throughout the weekend. To save time, money and gas, motorists who have not yet done so are encouraged to join E-ZPass to avoid waiting in line at cash toll booths.

MassDOT's Traffic and Travel Resources page includes links to all MassDOT travel resources. Use MassDOT traffic resources available to assist motorists.  Before you travel, check the interactive live Traffic Cameras web page to view current traffic. 

Sign up at the 511 Traveler Information Service to receive personalized travel information alerts via email, text or telephone. MassDOT as always reminds drivers to avoid using cell phones while driving.  Call into the 511 service before departing. You can also download the I-93 Real Time Traffic Management app, Ride Wise for various Smartphones including the iPhone. 

A reminder that the Massachusetts Safe Driving Law bans texting while driving and cell phone use while driving by 16 and 17 year old drivers.  Drivers are reminded to travel safely and avoid distracted driving such as using cell phones.