Massachusetts Says "No Kings" in Protests Across State March 28 (2 locations in Franklin)

Massachusetts Says "No Kings" in Protests Across State March 28

People in 130 Massachusetts cities and towns will rally against Trump administration abuses

On Saturday, March 28, Massachusetts residents will mobilize in Boston and more than 120 other cities and towns across the Commonwealth, joining millions around the nation and abroad in rallies against the Trump administration's authoritarian takeover of the United States. The events will be part of the nation's third and largest "No Kings Day," demonstrating an unequivocal belief by "we the people" that in a democracy, there is no king. 

The No Kings Boston rally is set for 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM on Saturday, March 28. It is organized by a coalition of Indivisible Mass Coalition, ACLU of Massachusetts, and Mass 50501.

In Franklin:

• 10:00 AM - Franklin Town Common
• 11:30 AM - i495/RT 140 Bridge Overpass

Massachusetts Says "No Kings" in Protests Across State March 28 (2 locations in Franklin)

Dozens of other local Indivisible groups and allies – from Pittsfield, Northampton, Lancaster, and Worcester to Framingham, Methuen, Lexington, and towns in southeastern Mass and the Cape – have also scheduled No Kings events during the morning and early afternoon of March 28. 

The nonviolent protests will range from major gatherings in town and city centers to standouts on highway overpasses.

Information on the growing list of No Kings events throughout the Commonwealth can be found on the map HERE and in list form HERE.

***

Why the NoKings Protests? History has shown that mass mobilization is vital to block authoritarianism from taking hold. The Trump administration is trying to shred the Constitution; the No Kings movement is an unequivocal statement that we, the people, will not let that happen. This will be the third global No Kings Day, and it's not just about protesting what's wrong—it's about building something better. We intend to show our power, build our power, and power a democracy that advances freedom, equality, justice, and dignity for all.

 All No Kings events adhere to a shared commitment to nonviolent protest and community safety. Organizers are trained in de-escalation and are working closely with local partners to ensure peaceful and powerful actions nationwide.      

Indivisible Mass Coalition (IMC) consists of more than 120 Indivisible groups and their allies across Massachusetts, working to improve democracy and support policies and legislation that improve equity and justice for everyone and that eliminate institutional racism. IMC helps to build, support, and amplify the network of Indivisible groups throughout Massachusetts and is committed to ensuring that people are informed, organized, motivated and have the necessary tools to engage in our democracy. IMC coordinates with Indivisible National to work on our shared goals for democracy in our country.

Uxbridge Police Officer Tribute - Standout on the i495 overpasses in Franklin

via Officer Frankie

"This morning, members of the Franklin Police Department and Franklin Fire Department stood in tribute during the procession of fallen Uxbridge Police Officer Stephen LaPorta from the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner."

View the video clip here ->  https://www.instagram.com/reel/DTTYCROET6d/

Uxbridge Police Officer Tribute - Standout on the i495 overpasses in Franklin

i-90/i495 interchange work overnight this week will reroute traffic

Overnight construction on I-495 and I-90 through Westborough is scheduled to take place through the upcoming week as part of MassDOT’s Interchange Project.

i-90/i495 interchange work overnight
 this week will reroute traffic

Starting at 11 p.m. on Monday through 5 a.m. Tuesday, and then again Tuesday night into Wednesday morning, the exit 58 ramp from I-495 to I-90 westbound will be closed and a detour will be established at exit 111 to take drivers eastbound on I-90 in order to reverse direction. 

When exit 106 on I-90 eastbound to I-495 northbound is closed, drivers can take I-495 southbound to exit 54A to get back to I-495 northbound.

Shared from -> https://www.facebook.com/share/19ZRLR5vrU/

495 Connector to launch May 27

495 Connector to launch May 27

The 495/MetroWest Partnership (@495Partnership) posted Tue, May 13, 2025:

"Since our founding, @495Partnership has advocated for improved transit connectivity to address the lack of north-south linkages along Rt. 85 & 495.

On 5/27, that dream moves closer to reality, when @MWRTA launches their 495 Connector! 

Watch https://t.co/hPUtsjbm2Q to learn more! "

https://t.co/qsdUVl7m1P

Shared from -> https://x.com/495Partnership/status/1922369341489594538

Blasting/Drilling on i495 southbound/northbound cause brief road closures 4/29 - 5/1

MassDOT will resume rock drilling & blasting on 495 starting April 29th

Blasting/Drilling on i495 southbound/northbound

"As part of the Route 1A Slip Ramp Project, MassDOT will be conducting rock drilling and blasting starting April 29, 2025. 

All lanes on Route 495 Northbound and Southbound will be closed for approximately 10 minutes for safety will blasting occurs. 

It is anticipated that this will happen twice per day at approximately 11:00AM and 1:30PM. 

The road will be closed using local & state police. "

Read more: https://www.wrentham.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=121

I-90 Exit Number Conversion Advisory

Dear Customer,

The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) is in the process of converting all exit numbers on freeways to a milepost-based numbering system, per Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) requirements. Currently, interstates and freeways in Massachusetts utilize a sequential exit numbering method. Construction began in the Fall of 2020 and is anticipated to be completed in the Summer of 2021.

This notice is to inform you that exit numbering conversion will begin on Interstate 90 on December 13, 2020. Construction details are as follows:

•       Corridor: Interstate 90 (Massachusetts Turnpike)
•       Location: Boston to West Stockbridge
•       Approximate start date: Dec. 13
•       Approximate construction duration: 4 weeks
•       Hours of operation: 8:00 PM - 5:00 AM

Please note that all work is weather dependent and construction dates may be adjusted accordingly. This work will not impact the tolls on this roadway.

For more information on the project and construction status, to leave a comment or sign up for project updates, please visit: https://www.newmassexits.com/

 

 

From the Franklin Matters archives  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/09/goodbye-exit-16-ext-17-hello-exit-41.html

Video overview https://youtu.be/7gG9-Pl-fUA

 

 

Goodbye exit 16, ext 17; hello exit 41, exit 43

Goodbye exit 16, exit 17; hello exit 41, exit 43

MA highway exit numbers change in October to meet Federal standard. Announced last year and guess what, it was delayed by the pandemic, but the change is coming in October.

 

"Amid constant changes in 2020 not even highway exit numbers are safe.

Massachusetts will begin to transition to mileage-based exit numbers in October, according to WCVB.

The change was announced last year as the state will drop its current sequential numbering in order to comply with a 2009 federal mandate.

Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Delaware are the only states that have yet to implement the change, and are at risk of losing federal funding if they do not comply."

Continue reading the article at MassLive: 

https://www.masslive.com/news/2020/09/massachusetts-highway-exit-numbers-to-change-in-october-to-reflect-mileage-based-denominations-to-meet-federal-mandate.html

The MA DOT page for the overall project including an interactive map of all the exit number changes   https://www.newmassexits.com/

Exit numbers for i495  https://www.newmassexits.com/i-495-corridor

MA DOT video explanation = https://youtu.be/7gG9-Pl-fUA 

 

 

 

Goodbye exit 16, ext 17; hello exit 41, exit 43

 

In the News: MassDOT webinar released on i495/i90 interchange project

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"Plans for the long-awaited reconstruction of the Interstate 495-Mass Pike interchange eliminate weaving movements that have caused the junction to be susceptible to crashes and congestion for years. 

State transportation leaders and project officials posted a webinar Thursday outlining the 25% design details of the project, which includes seven new direct and semi-direct ramps connecting the two interstates. The designated ramps and lanes for each traffic maneuver will make getting off the highway and merging much safer, project officials said. 

“The reason for the project is that the I-90/495 interchange is identified as a high-crash and high-congestion location,” Ryan McNeill, a state Department of Transportation project manager, said during the webinar. “The enhancements that are discussed in this presentation will improve the safety and operational efficiency at the system interchange and address chronically deficient traffic conditions for the movement of people and goods within the project area.” 

New ramps will be widened to include shoulders and will have designated speeds of 45 mph, 10 mph faster than the existing ramps. The radius of the ramps will not be as tight. Tractor-trailers currently are required to go very slow entering Interstate 495 southbound due to the tight radius of the off-ramp."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200709/i-90495-reconstruction-aims-to-ease-traffic-reduce-bottlenecks-crashes

Additional info and to provide comments during this period
https://www.mass.gov/event/hopkintonwestborough-design-public-hearing-webinar-and-comment-period-2020-07-09t000000-0400


YouTube link = https://youtu.be/xJN9_LHpzi8

In the News: "State officials have estimated delays will be reduced by 91 percent with the preferred design"

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

Want to learn more about the upcoming Mass Pike-Interstate-495 interchange reconstruction?

The state Department of Transportation Thursday morning will post a pre-recorded webinar to present the design for the proposed Mass Pike-Interstate-495 interchange project. The webinar is scheduled to be posted at 9 a.m. The webinar can be found at www.mass.gov/massdot-highway-design-public-hearings.

The project team has completed 25% of the designs, according to the state Department of Transportation’s website.

“The purpose of this hearing webinar is to provide the public with the opportunity to become fully acquainted with the proposed I-495/I-90 Interchange Improvements project,” according to a posting on the DOT’s website. “All views and comments submitted in response to the webinar will be reviewed and considered to the maximum extent possible.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200707/state-dot-will-hold-pre-recorded-webinar-thursday-on-pikei-495-interchange-project

Handout for this webinar
https://www.mass.gov/doc/massdot-hearing-handout-hopkinton-westborough-070920/download
 

pre-recorded webinar to present the design for the proposed Mass Pike-Interstate-495 interchange project

In the News: Medway votes to approve bag ban; new exit numbers coming to i495/MassPike

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"Medway voted to ban carry-out plastic bags at its Fall Town Meeting Tuesday night in an effort to reduce litter and promote environmental sustainability. 

By a show of hands, Article 5 was approved by a little over half of residents present, amending the town’s general bylaws by adding a new article called “Article XXXII Plastic Bag Reduction.” The ban targets plastic check-out bags sold or provided to customers at any town establishment, but the following are still acceptable:

• Thin plastic bags used to protect delivered newspapers
• Laundry or dry-cleaning bags
• Thin film bags, typically without handles, used to contain produce, meat or fish
• Bags sold in packages containing multiple bags intended to be used for home food storage, garbage, waste, pet waste or yard waste
• Product bags (bag integrated into packaging of a product)
• Town Pay-As-You-Throw trash bags"

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20191119/medway-bans-plastic-check-out-bags

"Exit numbers on Massachusetts highways will be changing over the next two years, according to the Massachusetts Department of Transportation. 

The state currently utilizes a sequential exit numbering method and will change to a mileage-based exit system in order to comply with a federal mandate, which was laid out in 2009. 

Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Delaware are the only three states that do not comply with the federal mandate at this time."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20191119/mass-pike-and-495-are-among-massachusetts-highways-that-are-getting-new-exit-numbers

"State officials estimated delays will be reduced by 91 percent with the preferred design"

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"The public next week will have the opportunity to learn and ask questions about the Draft Environmental Impact Report for the upcoming Mass Pike-Interstate-495 interchange reconstruction.

A public meeting will be held Wednesday, Oct. 30 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. in the Marathon Elementary School cafeteria.

The report includes the status of project planning and design, the type and size of the project, requirements of state agencies and reasonable alternatives and methods to avoid, minimize and mitigate environmental impacts, according to the state Department of Transportation’s website. The project needs to dodge wetlands, the Sudbury River, Department of Conservation and Recreation land, train tracks and private property.

Residents can receive a copy of the Draft Environmental Impact Report by emailing Nathaniel Curtis at ncabralcurtis@hshassoc.com. Those unable to attend next week’s meeting can provide written comments on the report. Written comments can be sent to Secretary Kathleen Theoharides, Attn: Page Czepgia, Assistant Director, MEPA Office, Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs, 100 Cambridge St., Suite 900, Boston, MA 02114 or page.czepgia@state.ma.us."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20191022/public-can-ask-questions-at-oct-30-forum-about-report-on-reconstruction-on-pike495-interchange


Additional info can be found on the MassDOT page
https://www.mass.gov/service-details/about-the-i-495i-90-interchange-improvements-project

https://wikimapping.com/wikimap/I495I90.html

https://wikimapping.com/wikimap/I495I90.html

"estimated delays will be reduced by 91 percent"

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"The state’s preferred design for the reconstruction of the troublesome Interstate-495-Mass Pike interchange eliminates weaving that often causes bottlenecks and crashes at the existing junction.

State transportation leaders unveiled the preferred project design at the first of four public information meetings at Hopkinton Town Hall on Thursday. The design includes designated ramps and lanes for each traffic maneuver to make getting off the highway and merging much safer.

The interchange is known for significant traffic during peak hours, weekends and summertime. It also has a high crash rate. More than 75,000 vehicles pass through the junction each day. More than 450 crashes – including two fatalities – occurred there between 2011 and 2015. Joseph Cahill, a consultant on the project, estimated a crash occurs there once every three or four days.

“We’re significantly improving the safety of the interchange,” said Cahill."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20190725/state-officials-unveil-preferred-design-for-overhaul-of-i-495-mass-pike-interchange

For more info on the project visit their webpage
https://www.mass.gov/i-495i-90-interchange-improvements

There is an interactive map for comments
  https://wikimapping.com/wikimap/I495I90.html

an interactive map

"designed to improve safety and operational efficiency"

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"State transportation leaders will outline preferred design for I-495/90 interchange reconstruction.

Want to learn more about the potential design plan for the reconstruction of the heavily traveled interchange of I-495 and the Mass. Pike? The state Department of Transportation (DOT) will hold four informational meetings throughout MetroWest later this month.

Meetings: The first public meeting will be held Thursday, July 25, at Hopkinton High School. Others will be held Tuesday, July 30, at Hudson Town Hall; Wednesday, July 31, at Shrewsbury Town Hall; and Thursday, Aug. 1, at the Holliston police headquarters. All meetings will be held from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m"

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20190714/transportation-officials-will-share-preferred-deisgn-for-i-49590-interchange-at-four-public-meetings-this-month

For more info on the project visit their webpage
https://www.mass.gov/i-495i-90-interchange-improvements

There is an interactive map for comments
  https://wikimapping.com/wikimap/I495I90.html

an interactive map

In the News: Franklin kids up for TV appearance; i495-i90 interchange planning underway

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"Being an American Ninja Warrior doesn’t always mean hulking muscles and decades of training - sometimes all it takes is the fearlessness of a child. 

Franklin siblings Zack and Penny Keenan will soon be featured as part of the inaugural American Ninja Warrior Junior competition. 

The premiere of American Ninja Warriors Jr. will be aired on Saturday at 7 p.m. on the NBC channel Universal Kids. It’s not guaranteed that the Keenan siblings will be on that first show, but they will be featured at some point during the debut season. 

“They each have unique stories,” said their father, Tim Keenan, who owns Strive Ninja Fitness in Franklin. “Penny is almost 10 years old, and her whole life she’s been in the zero-growth percentile.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required) 
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20181008/franklin-siblings-make-debut-season-of-american-ninja-warriors-junior

Strive Ninja Fitness in Franklin (Strive Ninja photo)

"State officials are working to narrow down four designs to rebuild the Interstate 495-Mass Pike interchange, which becomes a traffic chokepoint in the region at rush hour, weekends and during the height of the summer tourism season. 

Nearly a dozen Hopkinton residents and business officials saw the conceptual plans during a meeting at the Marathon Elementary School Tuesday night. Similar meetings will take place in Worcester, Bolton and Milford for the project that started picking up steam in 2013. 

The price tag is expected to be $296 million to $413 million, depending on which option is selected. A 25 percent design public hearing is expected in 2020. 

The interchange is known for significant traffic congestion during peak hours, weekends and summertime and has a high crash rate. Approximately 75,000 cars go through the interchange daily. The project is designed to improve traffic and reduce the impact on wetlands, according to the presentation."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required) 
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20181009/three-49590-interchange-designs-rise-to-top

The next information session is scheduled for Oct 11 in Worcester. Details for the meeting and additional documents for the project can be found online
https://www.mass.gov/i-495i-90-interchange-improvements

Check out the interactive map for the i495-i90 project
http://wikimapping.com/wikimap/I495I90.html

the interactive map for the i495-i90 project

Attention businesses: survey "on employer-specific issues"

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"For a sixth consecutive year, businesses throughout the MetroWest and Milford regions have been invited to weigh in on factors affecting their companies through an online survey. 

The 495/MetroWest Employer Survey and Forecast is being conducted by the 495/MetroWest Partnership, Framingham State University and the MetroWest and Milford Daily News. 

Paul Matthews, executive director of the 495/MetroWest Partnership - a Westborough-based public-private association that advocates for economic development, transportation and a skilled workforce in the region - said the survey was formed about five years ago with an initial goal of gauging employers’ confidence in the region’s business climate. 

“It was designed to be similar to AIM’s monthly survey, except to be focused on our region,” Matthews said, in reference to the statewide Associated Industries of Massachusetts Business Confidence Survey, which has been conducted monthly since 1991."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20181001/employers-we-need-your-help-to-gauge-local-business-climate

"The survey runs for roughly a month, from Oct. 1 through Nov. 3, and can be accessed through several links, including one through the the MetroWest Daily News, https://www.research.net/r/495SurveyMWDN. Respondents can expect to complete it in 5 to 7 minutes, Matthews and Harrison said.

Results will be released on Nov. 30."

https://www.495partnership.org/

“Our success has come about from our partnering within the region"

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"For almost 15 years, Paul Matthews has been hearing from companies about the challenges of the 495/90 interchange. 

But last year the long-standing project to fix the interchange entered its design phase with $227 million set aside in the state’s capital plan. 

Matthews, executive director of the 495/MetroWest Partnership, said enhancing the project is key for the region’s economy. The interchange is vital for companies to transport products and raw materials and for their employees’ commutes, he said. 

“It is in its final design stage,” Matthews said."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20180301/495metrowest-report-highlights-success-in-regional-economy

For more about the 495/MetroWest Partnership, visit them on the web
http://www.495partnership.org/

The "Strength in Numbers" report for 2017 can be found here
http://www.495partnership.org/strength-in-numbers-2017

495/MetroWest Partnership

“A lot of these issues have to do with congestion”

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"MetroWest in recent years has become an economic hub home to numerous global corporations and businesses. 

The large corporations bring increased tax revenue for local communities and much-needed jobs, but also more commuters and traffic congestion to the area’s main thoroughfare – Interstate 495. 

“The congestion has increased dramatically the past 15 years,” said Stephanie Hirshon, executive director of the MetroWest/495 Transportation Management Association. 

With more congestion comes more car crashes, said Hirson and Milford Fire Chief William Touhey."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20170826/officials-hope-to-reduce-crashes-on-i-495

Tri-County Urgent Care now open in Hopkinton, just off Route 495!

Meeting to focus on Regional Transportation Challenges

The 495/MetroWest Suburban Edge Community Commission, co-chaired by Senator Karen Spilka, Representative Kate Hogan, and Assistant Secretary for Communities and Programs Juan Vega, will hold a meeting focused on regional transportation challenges.

The 495/ MetroWest Suburban Edge Community Commission was established by the Legislature in Section 233 of Chapter 165 of the Session Laws of 2015. The commission will study development challenges experienced by edge communities, including transportation, water, cellular, and energy infrastructure, transit services, residential development, reuse of former industrial facilities and historic mills, brownfields reclamation, downtown redevelopment and other such constraints. 

The commission will then develop policy responses and recommendations to ensure that edge communities can participate in state development initiatives and benefit from state resources. The commission will focus its investigation and study on the 35 municipalities served by the 495/MetroWest Corridor Partnership, Inc. and develop a pilot program to address the issues to be studied and investigated by the commission.


WHEN: 
Friday, September 16, 2016, 11:00 am

WHERE: 
Warren Conference Center
529 Chestnut St,
Ashland, MA 01721

WHO: 
Senator Karen Spilka
Representative Kate Hogan
Assistant Secretary for Communities and Programs Juan Vega
Senator James Eldridge
Senator Richard Ross
Representative Carolyn Dykema
Representative David Muradian

http://www.mass.gov/hed/economic/initiatives/metrowest-suburban-edge-community-commission.html

• Additional info on the Commission can be found her

http://www.mass.gov/hed/economic/initiatives/metrowest-suburban-edge-community-commission.html

Goodbye Exit 16, Hello Exit 41

i495

Yes, there is a change coming. 

The time line has yet to be determined. Reports appeared in The Attleboro Sun and Universal HUB about this. MassDOT has apparently put the work on hold as some folks who had not heard about the change as it went through the planning process including bids awarded in December 2015 are now raising issues.

It is fairly common as the Federal Highway system is encouraging a conversion to exit numbers aligned with the milage as opposed to the current simple numerical sequence. So Exit 16 on i495, Franklin would become Exit 41 and Exit 17 would become Exit 43.

The full listing of exit number changes on the major highways can be found here
http://www.gribblenation.net/mass21/intexits.html

The i495 list is found here
http://www.gribblenation.net/mass21/i495exits.html