Providing accurate and timely information about what matters in Franklin, MA since 2007. * Working in collaboration with Franklin TV and Radio (wfpr.fm) since October 2019 *
"Join us for iWalk 2026 (International Walk, Bike, & Roll to School Day) on Wednesday, October 7, 2026. We're excited to come together with schools across the Commonwealth to celebrate students' active commutes (even during recess or lunch).
We have special incentives such as bookmarks and stickers to help schools encourage participation. It's easy to participate - in fact, you can celebrate iWalk any day in October! However, please be sure to place your order for items at least a week in advance of your event.
The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) is excited to launch its 13thannualSafe Streets Smart Trips High School Video Contest and we look forward to your students participating!
For the 2026-2027 school year, we are inviting all enrolled Massachusetts public high school students to write and produce a 30-60 second video showcasingsafe riding behaviors for electric micromobility devices (e-bikes, e-scooters, etc.). By bringing attention to this growing safety topic, we can help students, families, and community members better understand their role in promoting safe and responsible behaviors.
The video contest will feature two entry categories – a Freshman/Sophomore category and a Junior/Senior category. A grand prize, runner-up, and honorable mention will be selected in each category. Top videos may be used in future MassDOT safety campaigns.
Prize categories:
Grand Prize package – $500 Amazon gift card & sponsor items
Runner-up package – $300 Amazon gift card & sponsor items
Honorable Mention package – Sponsor items
All winners will be announced on October 27, 2026 at MassDOT’s Moving Together Conference. The winners will be featured during one of the conference sessions and the videos will be showcased to a large audience of transportation professionals.
Please circulate the attached submission guidelines and encourage your students to have fun, be safe, and get creative! There is no limit to the number of students who can participate. All video submissions must be uploaded in the submission form no later than,
I-90 Westbound to I-495 Northbound Ramp Now Opens September 19
Overnight Ramp Closures at I-495/I-90 Interchange,
September 21-24
What is Hap
pening?
The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) is announcing a new date for opening of the new ramp connecting I-90 westbound to I-495 northbound, as well as overnight ramp closures at the I-495/I-90 interchange to facilitate construction operations.
I-90 Westbound to I-495 Northbound Ramp Opening
The new I-90 westbound ramp to I-495 northbound is now scheduled to open on Saturday, September 19. This work will require a single lane closure on I-90 westbound from 8:00 PM on Friday, September 18 to 5:00 AM on Saturday, September 19. You can view a map of the new ramp here.
Overnight Ramp Closures
The I-495 northbound ramp to Route 9 East (Exit 59A) will be closed nightly from Monday, September 21 through Thursday, September 24, from 10:00 PM each night to 5:00 AM the following morning. During these overnight closures, the following detour will be in place:
Take Exit 59B (Route 9 West) to reverse direction onto I-495 southbound to access Exit 59A (Route 9 East).
Appropriate signage, law enforcement details, and messaging will be in place to guide drivers through the work area.
Drivers traveling through the affected areas should expect delays, reduce speed, and use caution.
All scheduled work is weather dependent and/or may be impacted due to an emergency.
About the Project
The purpose of the I-495/I-90 Interchange Improvements Project is to provide a safe and efficient interchange of the interstate highways I-495 & I-90. The project will replace the interchange, eliminate the old toll booth area and weaving areas, improve ramp spacing, acceleration, and deceleration lanes, and add an auxiliary lane from I-495 Northbound to Route 9. New bridges will be constructed on I-495 over I-90, on I-495 and I-90 over the MBTA/CSX/Amtrak lines, on I-495 Northbound over Flanders Road, and on Fruit Street.
Stay Informed
If someone you know would like to subscribe to receive project updates, meeting notices, and traffic impact advisories, they can do so here.
To report a noise complaint, please call the project hotline: (508) 676-3551
"Join us for iWalk 2026 (International Walk, Bike, & Roll to School Day) on Wednesday, October 7, 2026.
We’re excited to come together with schools across the Commonwealth to celebrate students’ active commutes to school (or even during school recess or lunch). We have special incentives such as bookmarks and stickers to help schools encourage participation.
It’s easy to participate—in fact, you can celebrate iWalk any day in October!
Schools can register for iWalk, download promotional flyers for families in four languages, and check out our activity books/coloring pages on the Encouragement page of our website."
As students across Massachusetts return to school, the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) is reminding drivers to use extra caution around school buses, bus stops, and school zones and to follow state laws designed to keep students safe.
Under Massachusetts law, when a school bus stops to pick up or drop off students and its red lights are flashing, drivers approaching from either direction must stop before reaching the bus. The only exception is for drivers traveling in the opposite direction on a divided highway separated by a physical barrier.
Drivers must remain stopped until the red lights are turned off and the stop-sign arm has fully retracted, unless directed to proceed by a police officer. Motorists traveling behind a school bus must remain at least 100 feet back.
“As students return to school, we are asking every driver to build extra time into your commute so you can slow down and stay alert as school buses are picking up and dropping off children,” said Colleen Ogilvie, Massachusetts Registrar of Motor Vehicles. “Stop when a school bus or van has its red lights flashing and a stop sign extended. Remain stopped until the lights stop flashing and proceed with caution being on the lookout for children.”
“This time of year brings many transitions for communities, children and families,” Elementary and Secondary Education Commissioner Pedro Martinez said. “I’m grateful to the transportation and public safety professionals who get students to and from school safely. I ask drivers to please be patient and careful during back-to-school season.”
The six school bus rules every Massachusetts driver should know:
Stop when red lights are flashing: Drivers approaching a stopped school bus with its red lights flashing must stop before reaching the bus.
Traffic in both directions must generally stop: The exception is for drivers traveling in the opposite direction on a divided highway separated by a physical barrier.
Remain stopped until the lights are off: Do not proceed until the flashing red lights have been turned off and the stop-sign arm fully retracted or a police officer directs you to move.
Slow down and prepare to stop when the yellow/amber lights are flashing which indicate the bus is slowing down and preparing to stop to load or unload passengers.
Stay at least 100 feet behind a school bus: Drivers following a school bus must maintain this distance and be prepared for frequent stops.
Watch for children: Slow down and remain especially alert near bus stops, schools, crosswalks and residential areas.
In Massachusetts, the first offense for failing to stop for a school bus carries a minimum fine of $250, with higher fines and possible license revocation for repeat offenses.
Massachusetts law also allows cities and towns to adopt school-bus camera programs. In participating communities, cameras can document vehicles that illegally pass stopped school buses. Local law enforcement reviews the footage and determines whether to issue a citation.
The RMV inspects Massachusetts school buses three times each year, in addition to the required annual state inspection. Approximately 10,000 buses undergo comprehensive reviews covering brakes, steering, suspension, lights, emergency equipment, interiors and seating.
MassDOT encourages drivers to build additional time into their morning and afternoon travel as school resumes, avoid distractions behind the wheel, and be prepared for increased pedestrian, bicycle, and school bus activity.
The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) is excited to launch its 13thannualSafe Streets Smart Trips High School Video Contest and we look forward to your students participating!
For the 2026-2027 school year, we are inviting all enrolled Massachusetts public high school students to write and produce a 30-60 second video showcasingsafe riding behaviors for electric micromobility devices (e-bikes, e-scooters, etc.). By bringing attention to this growing safety topic, we can help students, families, and community members better understand their role in promoting safe and responsible behaviors.
The video contest will feature two entry categories – a Freshman/Sophomore category and a Junior/Senior category. A grand prize, runner-up, and honorable mention will be selected in each category. Top videos may be used in future MassDOT safety campaigns.
Prize categories:
Grand Prize package – $500 Amazon gift card & sponsor items
Runner-up package – $300 Amazon gift card & sponsor items
Honorable Mention package – Sponsor items
All winners will be announced on October 27, 2026 at MassDOT’s Moving Together Conference. The winners will be featured during one of the conference sessions and the videos will be showcased to a large audience of transportation professionals.
Please circulate the attached submission guidelines and encourage your students to have fun, be safe, and get creative! There is no limit to the number of students who can participate. All video submissions must be uploaded in the submission form no later than,
The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) is announcing a traffic shift on I-90 eastbound and overnight ramp closures at the I-495/I-90 interchange to facilitate construction operations.
I-90 Westbound Traffic Shift
The traffic on I-90 eastbound will be shifted to its new temporary alignment the evening of Thursday, August 27. Temporary lane closures will be in place beginning at 8:00 PM on Thursday, August 27, until 5:00 AM on Friday, August 28 while the traffic shift is completed. At least one travel lane will remain open at all times.
In the event of inclement weather, these construction activities will be pushed back by 24 hours and temporary lane closures will be in place beginning at 8:00 PM on Friday, August 28 until 5:00 AM on Saturday, August 29.
The new alignment is expected to remain in place until mid-2027 when the third phase of the Railroad Bridge structure is completed.
Overnight Ramp Closures
The I-90 eastbound ramp to I-495 northbound (Exit 106) will be closed overnight on Monday, August 24 throughThursday, August 27 from 11:00 PM each night to 5:00 AM the following morning. During these overnight closures, the following detour will be in place:
Take I-495 southbound to Exit 54A (West Main Street, Hopkinton) toreverse direction back to I-495 northbound.
Additionally, the I-495 northbound ramp to I-90 East and West (Exit 58) will be closed nightly from Monday, August 24 throughThursday, August 27 from 11:00 PM each night to 5:00 AM the following morning. During these overnight closures, the following detour will be in place:
Take I-495 northbound to Exit 59B (Route 9 westbound) to reverse direction onto I-495 southbound to access I-90 East and West.
Appropriate signage, law enforcement details, and messaging will be in place to guide drivers through the work area.
Drivers traveling through the affected areas should expect delays, reduce speed, and use caution.
All scheduled work is weather dependent and/or may be impacted due to an emergency.
About the Project
The purpose of the I-495/I-90 Interchange Improvements Project is to provide a safe and efficient interchange of the interstate highways I-495 & I-90. The project will replace the interchange, eliminate the old toll booth area and weaving areas, improve ramp spacing, acceleration, and deceleration lanes, and add an auxiliary lane from I-495 Northbound to Route 9. New bridges will be constructed on I-495 over I-90, on I-495 and I-90 over the MBTA/CSX/Amtrak lines, on I-495 Northbound over Flanders Road, and on Fruit Street.
Stay Informed
If someone you know would like to subscribe to receive project updates, meeting notices, and traffic impact advisories, they can do so here.
To report a noise complaint, please call the project hotline: (508) 676-3551
I-495 Northbound Lane Closure Began Saturday, August 15
What is Happening?
The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) is announcing a right lane closure on I-495 northbound at the I-495/I-90 interchange to facilitate construction operations.
I-495 Northbound Lane Closure
The right lane closure on I-495 northbound, which began on Saturday, August 15 will remain in place for approximately three weeks. This traffic management change is required in preparation for upcoming construction staging for the I-495/I-90 Interchange Improvements Project. The right lane will remain open until the ramp to I-90 westbound and eastbound (Exit 58). Traffic traveling on I-495 north of the I-495/I-90 interchange should utilize the two left lanes.
As a reminder, there will be overnight ramp closures the I-495/I-90 interchange this week. See the traffic and construction updates page on the project website for details on which ramps are closed which nights, as well as detour routes.
Appropriate signage, law enforcement details, and messaging will be in place to guide drivers through the work area.
Drivers traveling through the affected areas should expect delays, reduce speed, and use caution.
All scheduled work is weather dependent and/or may be impacted due to an emergency.
About the Project
The purpose of the I-495/I-90 Interchange Improvements Project is to provide a safe and efficient interchange of the interstate highways I-495 & I-90. The project will replace the interchange, eliminate the old toll booth area and weaving areas, improve ramp spacing, acceleration, and deceleration lanes, and add an auxiliary lane from I-495 Northbound to Route 9. New bridges will be constructed on I-495 over I-90, on I-495 and I-90 over the MBTA/CSX/Amtrak lines, on I-495 Northbound over Flanders Road, and on Fruit Street.
Stay Informed
If someone you know would like to subscribe to receive project updates, meeting notices, and traffic impact advisories, they can do so here.
To report a noise complaint, please call the project hotline: (508) 676-3551
I-495/I-90 Interchange Improvements Project Advisory: Hopkinton, Westborough Overnight Ramp Closures at I-495/I-90 Interchange August 10-13
What is Happening?
The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) is announcing overnight ramp closures at the I-495/I-90 interchange to facilitate construction operations.
The I-90 eastbound ramp to I-495 northbound (Exit 106) will be closed nightly starting Monday, August 10 through Thursday, August 13 from 11:00 PM each night to 5:00 AM the following morning. During this overnight closure, the following detour will be in place:
Take I-495 southbound to Exit 54A (West Main Street, Hopkinton) to reverse direction back to I-495 northbound.
Additionally, the I-90 westbound ramp to I-495 northbound (Exit 106B) will be closed overnight on Monday, August 10 from 11:00 PM to 5:00 AM the following morning. During this overnight closure, the following detour will be in place:
Take Exit 106A (I-495 southbound), down to Exit 54A, and back onto I-495 northbound.
The I-495 northbound ramp to I-90 East and West (Exit 58) will be closed nightly starting Monday, August 10 through Thursday, August 13 from 11:00 PM each night to 5:00 AM the following morning. During this overnight closure, the following detour will be in place:
Take I-495 northbound to Exit 59B (Route 9 westbound) to reverse direction onto I-495 southbound to access I-90 East and West.
Appropriate signage, law enforcement details, and messaging will be in place to guide drivers through the work area.
Drivers traveling through the affected areas should expect delays, reduce speed, and use caution.
All scheduled work is weather dependent and/or may be impacted due to an emergency.
About the Project
The purpose of the I-495/I-90 Interchange Improvements Project is to provide a safe and efficient interchange of the interstate highways I-495 & I-90. The project will replace the interchange, eliminate the old toll booth area and weaving areas, improve ramp spacing, acceleration, and deceleration lanes, and add an auxiliary lane from I-495 Northbound to Route 9. New bridges will be constructed on I-495 over I-90, on I-495 and I-90 over the MBTA/CSX/Amtrak lines, on I-495 Northbound over Flanders Road, and on Fruit Street.
Stay Informed
If someone you know would like to subscribe to receive project updates, meeting notices, and traffic impact advisories, they can do so here.
To report a noise complaint, please call the project hotline: (508) 676-3551
I-495 Southbound Traffic Shift Rescheduled to August 4
What is Happening?
The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) is announcing overnight ramp closures at the I-495/I-90 interchange to facilitate construction operations.
The I-90 eastbound ramp to I-495 northbound (Exit 106) will be closed nightly on Tuesday, August 4, through Friday, August 7 from 11:00 PM each night to 5:00 AM the following morning. During these overnight closures, the following detour will be in place:
Take I-495 southbound to Exit 54A (West Main Street, Hopkinton) toreverse direction back to I-495 northbound.
Additionally, the I-495 northbound ramp to I-90 East and West (Exit 58) will be closed nightly on Tuesday, August 4, through Friday, August 7 from 11:00 PM each night to 5:00 AM the following morning. During these overnight closures, the following detour will be in place:
Take I-495 northbound to Exit 59B (Route 9 westbound) to reverse direction onto I-495 southbound to access I-90 East and West.
Next, the I-90 westbound ramp to I-495 northbound (Exit 106B) will be closed nightly on Wednesday, August 5 through Friday, August 7 from 11:00 PM each night to 5:00 AM the following morning. During the overnight closure, the following detour will be in place:
Take I-90 westbound to Exit 106A (I-485 southbound), then take Exit 54A to reverse direction onto I-495 northbound.
Lastly, traffic on I-495 southbound will be shifted from the median into the final alignment beginning the evening of Tuesday, August 4. This work was initially scheduled to take place the evening of Monday, August 3, but has been postponed due to weather.
This work will take place from 8:00 PM until 5:00 AM the following morning. During this time, one or more travel lanes may be temporarily closed to allow for these construction activities. At least one lane on I-495 southbound will remain open while the work occurs. Additionally, the connection to the I-90 eastbound and westbound on-ramp (Exit 58) from I-495 southbound will be moved approximately 1,000 feet south to its permanent location. You can view a map of the new traffic alignment here.
Appropriate signage, law enforcement details, and messaging will be in place to guide drivers through the work area.
Drivers traveling through the affected areas should expect delays, reduce speed, and use caution.
All scheduled work is weather dependent and/or may be impacted due to an emergency.
About the Project
The purpose of the I-495/I-90 Interchange Improvements Project is to provide a safe and efficient interchange of the interstate highways I-495 & I-90. The project will replace the interchange, eliminate the old toll booth area and weaving areas, improve ramp spacing, acceleration, and deceleration lanes, and add an auxiliary lane from I-495 Northbound to Route 9. New bridges will be constructed on I-495 over I-90, on I-495 and I-90 over the MBTA/CSX/Amtrak lines, on I-495 Northbound over Flanders Road, and on Fruit Street.
Stay Informed
If someone you know would like to subscribe to receive project updates, meeting notices, and traffic impact advisories, they can do so here.
To report a noise complaint, please call the project hotline: (508) 676-3551
"Please familiarize yourself with the recent traffic pattern changes at the I-495 Northbound off-ramp and King Street intersection. Motorists exiting I-495 Northbound and turning right onto King Street are now required to come to a complete stop before proceeding.
These changes are part of ongoing efforts to improve safety at the intersection. We would like to thank the Town of Franklin Officials and the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) for their collaboration and commitment to enhancing roadway safety for everyone."
"So long, plastic rectangles: Massachusetts is phasing in a new type of E-ZPass transponder. Beginning this Sunday, the state will no longer hand out the hard-plastic transponders that Bay Staters have been using for years to pay highway tolls. Instead, you'll get a small E-ZPass sticker to put on your windshield.
New simpler EZ Pass in future, and for some the future is now
Why? For one, they're "much cheaper," according to Massachusetts Highway Administrator Jonathan Gulliver. The current transponders, which MassDOT gives out to new customers for free, cost the state $6.70 each. The stickers cost just $0.55, which officials estimate will save more than $7 million a year."
Continue reading the WBUR article on the change to stickers instead of devices
MassDOT is expecting heavy traffic along I-90 at I/95
Friday, May 30, 2025, 9 PM to Monday, June 2, 2025, 5 AM and
Friday, June 20, 2025, 9 PM to Monday, June 23, 2025, 5 AM
WHAT IS HAPPENING?
MassDOT will replace the I-90 bridge over the MBTA Worcester Commuter Rail in Newton, MA. Accelerated Bridge Construction methods will be used to replace the bridge over two weekends to minimize impacts to the public.
Traffic will be reduced to one lane in each direction between Exit 123 in Weston and Exit 125 in Newton.
Drivers should expect significant delays on I-90 during these weekends. If possible, drivers should plan ahead, avoid the area, and seek an alternate route. Real-time messaging boards will be along the interstates providing travel times through the area.
HOW CAN I FIND MORE INFORMATION?
For more information on traffic conditions, travelers are encouraged to:
• Download the Mass511 mobile app or visit www.mass511.com to view live cameras, travel times, real-time traffic conditions, and project information before setting out on the road. Users can subscribe to receive text and email alerts for traffic conditions. • Dial 511 and select a route to hear real-time conditions. • Follow @MassDOT on X (formerly known as Twitter) to receive regular updates on road and traffic conditions. • For questions email: I-90newton-weston@dot.state.ma.us
