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| MassDOT Safety: Halloween driving safety tips |
Drivers, whether you're driving or traveling by broomstick for #Halloween festivities, be extra careful in neighborhoods.
Kids are 2 times more likely to get hit on Halloween according to @NHTSAgov.
Always #DriveSober. Designate a sober driver, call a rideshare, or take @MBTA.
Ahead of its upcoming 15-year anniversary, the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) is pleased to announce that the final Beyond Mobility plan document, executive summary, and appendices have been posted to the Beyond Mobility website at the following link: www.mass.gov/beyond-mobility.
“We are excited to share the final version of the Beyond Mobility plan, which is responsive to the extensive public feedback we heard throughout this multiyear process,” said Transportation Secretary and CEO Monica Tibbits-Nutt. “This plan will go on to restructure several recurring planning processes and shape new planning efforts at MassDOT to ensure that all of our work is reflective of the transportation needs of all our residents, today and for many years into the future.”
Considered the Massachusetts 2050 Transportation Plan, Beyond Mobility serves as a blueprint for guiding transportation decision making and investments in Massachusetts in a way that advances MassDOT’s goals and maximizes the equity and resiliency of the transportation system. The project team, considering what the world will be like in 2050, has analyzed previous plans, public engagement responses, and results from a needs assessment and has identified six key priority areas of Massachusetts to focus on over the long term. These are: safety, destination connectivity, travel experience, reliability, supporting clean transportation, and resiliency. Within the Plan, vision statements, values, problem statements, and over 100 action items have been developed and are organized by these six priority areas.
“Our roads and bridges are crucial lifelines for our communities. It is essential that we leverage every available tool to ensure safety, reliability, and resilience in our transportation infrastructure,” said Highway Administrator Jonathan Gulliver. “Implementing initiatives such as Beyond Mobility is vital to anticipate and address future challenges effectively. The decisions and investments we make now will shape our lives in 2050.”
Beyond Mobility - Final Report video from MassDOT on Vimeo.
“Our passenger and freight rail system and regional transit networks are essential in keeping our state’s economy competitive,” said Rail and Transit Administrator Meredith Slesinger said. “Rail and transit’s role in enhancing our quality of life across Massachusetts will only continue to grow. Beyond Mobility lays out a comprehensive plan for expanding and funding these services where they are most needed, and for continuing to make the zero-emission bus fleet transition so we can support our state’s climate goals.”
“Breakthroughs in Advanced Air Mobility, such as electric crewed and uncrewed aircraft, are empowering aviation to move people and goods in a way that’s greener, cleaner, quieter, and more versatile while collecting aerial data that can help optimize the maintenance and safety of transportation infrastructure,” said Aeronautics Administrator Jeff DeCarlo. “Through the Beyond Mobility Plan, we look forward to leveraging these innovative technologies across all domains to help build a cleaner, more efficient multimodal transportation network.”
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| MassDOT Unveils Final Plan for Beyond Mobility, the Massachusetts 2050 Transportation Plan |
“The Beyond Mobility Plan provides excellent guidance for the next 25 years, so we can continue to identify our opportunities to the benefit of everyone who travels in the state,” said Registrar of Motor Vehicles Colleen Ogilvie. “The Plan will help us take steps accordingly so we can optimize our operations and customer service tools.”
The 60-day public comment period for Beyond Mobility began on April 1, 2024 and closed on May 31, 2024. During the public comment period, more than 500 individual comments were received and analyzed by the project team for potential incorporation into the final plan document. Comments were categorized into individual themes, and MassDOT will provide responses to each theme. The full list of comments and MassDOT responses has been posted to the plan website as Appendix E.
“It is obvious that a substantial amount of effort has been expended by MassDOT staff to prepare a document that accurately captures the current conditions, needs and desires of residents,” said Thomas Matuszko, Executive Director of the Berkshire Regional Planning Commission. “This plan has great potential as a transportation policy document, as it establishes a strategic framework with priorities to improve the Commonwealth’s transportation system over the next 25 years.”
“The Beyond Mobility plan is a significant step forward in integrating transportation infrastructure with cultural and environmental preservation,” said Melissa (Harding) Ferretti, Chairwoman of the Herring Pond Wampanoag Tribe. “By considering ferry services and culturally significant pathways, MassDOT has shown a commitment to respecting and incorporating the needs and values of our community. We are excited about the potential for future collaborations that prioritize sustainability and inclusivity.”
UMass Lowell Chancellor Julie Chen said, “In Lowell, we see an incredible opportunity for enhanced collaboration and coordination between the city, university, MBTA, Regional Transit Authorities serving the region, and the private sector, as demonstrated by the Lowell INC project. We are confident that Lowell can serve as a replicable and scalable model for other communities to follow as we look to collectively implement the goals of Beyond Mobility.”
Kimberly Robinson, Executive Director of the Pioneer Valley Planning Commission, said, “The Beyond Mobility document does an excellent job defining the Commonwealth’s vision for advancement and improvement of the transportation system.”
Jason Palitsch, Executive Director of the 495/MetroWest Partnership, said, “The reliability, or lack thereof, of the transportation network across the Commonwealth and in the 495/MetroWest region acts as a deterrent for the use of public transportation options beyond single-occupancy vehicle commuting. The Beyond Mobility Plan reinforces this sentiment by stating that Massachusetts travelers of any mode experience congestion, resulting in low confidence about the conditions they will encounter and diminished access to everyday needs. The Partnership greatly appreciates the effort of MassDOT to prioritize locations within the roadway network that are prone to bottlenecks and delays.”
Caitlin Allen-Connelly, Senior Advisor on Transportation at A Better City, said, “Our region cannot survive let alone thrive without a safe, reliable, equitable, and sustainable transportation system. The Beyond Mobility priority areas—safety, reliability, support of clean transportation, destination connectivity, resiliency, and travel experience—reflect this and support an urgent need to move beyond the status quo. We applaud the Commonwealth for embracing new approaches to address the ongoing challenges that threaten our shared vision of a more equitable, affordable, and competitive region, and we encourage the use of strong metrics to hold us accountable.”
The launch of Beyond Mobility’s public comment period earlier this year was part of a coordinated effort by MassDOT titled “MassDOT@15,” to both commemorate the 15th anniversary of MassDOT on November 1, 2024, and look to the future of transportation in Massachusetts. Beyond Mobility is the blueprint for transportation decision making and prioritization and is one of three major policy and strategy efforts associated with MassDOT@15. The other two are the Healey-Driscoll Administration’s Transportation Funding Task Force and the MassDOT Strategic Business Plan. These three strategy components – Beyond Mobility, the Transportation Funding Task Force, and the Strategic Business Plan – will outline who we are, what we do, and how we pay for it and will be aligned to the mission, values, and goals of MassDOT.
Download the full plan -> https://www.mass.gov/doc/massdot-beyond-mobility-full-plan/download
#MemorialDay? Plan for the best time to go and use the #MassDOT Mass511 mobile app or mass511.com to view live cameras, travel times, real-time traffic conditions before setting out on the road.
ℹ️ https://mass.gov/orgs/massachusetts-department-of-transportation/news
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| MassDOT Travel alerts for the Memorial Day weekend 2024 |
"Congratulations to the winners of the 2024 #MassDOTWork Zone Safety Awareness Billboard Design Contest!Look out for these winning designs on Highway billboards across Massachusetts."
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| "Winners in Work Zone Awareness Billboard Design Contest" |
Thank you for your interest in Beyond Mobility, MassDOT's next Statewide Long Range Transportation Plan. This email provides an update on the plan progress and new information available on the Plan website.
Extension of Public Comment Period
Thank you for the comments you have provided on the Beyond Mobility plan so far. Since the start of the comment period, we have already received many comments. This feedback will be reviewed and incorporated into the final plan as appropriate.
Comment period open until May 31
With this update, we are sharing that the public comment period is being extended to 60 days and will now end on May 31st, 2024. With this extension, we hope to provide you with more time to review the plan and provide feedback.
The press release on the extension of the comment period is available on the MassDOT website. Secretary Tibbits-Nutt's quote in the press release states that “We have extended the public comment period from 30 to 60 days to make sure people have ample opportunity to review this incredibly comprehensive but very important document.”
The full Beyond Mobility plan and the executive summary are available for review on the plan website.
How to Provide Feedback
Comments on any part of the document will be accepted during the comment period through the online comment form. You may also email any comments to BeyondMobility@dot.state.ma.us
"Beyond Mobility is the next Statewide Long Range Transportation Plan. The plan is structured by six Priority Areas: Safety, Reliability, Supporting Clean Transportation, Destination Connectivity, Resiliency, and Travel Experience. These Priority Areas, informed directly by over 5,000 pieces of unique public feedback received as part of the development of the plan, serve as the backbone of Beyond Mobility.
Over 100 action items across these priorities have been identified within the plan for MassDOT and the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) to take to achieve a safer and more equitable, reliable, and resilient network.
For more information on Beyond Mobility please visit the Plan website.
Thank you for your interest in Beyond Mobility, MassDOT's next Statewide Long Range Transportation Plan. This email provides an update on the plan progress and new information available on the Plan website.
Announcement of Public Comment Period We are excited to announce that the full Beyond Mobility plan and the executive summary are now out for public comment and are available for review on the plan website . The 30-day public comment period will end on May 5th, 2024.
How to Provide Feedback Comments on any part of the document will be accepted during the comment period through the online comment form. You may also email any comments to BeyondMobility@dot.state.ma.us.
Plan Structure Beyond Mobility is structured by six Priority Areas: Safety, Reliability, Supporting Clean Transportation, Destination Connectivity, Resiliency, and Travel Experience. These Priority Areas, informed directly by over 5,000 pieces of unique public feedback received as part of the development of the plan, serve as the backbone of Beyond Mobility.
Over 100 action items across these priorities have been identified within the plan for MassDOT and the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) to take to achieve a safer and more equitable, reliable, and resilient network. The final Beyond Mobility plan contains the following seven chapters:
The following appendices are also included and contain additional detail:
For more information on Beyond Mobility please visit the Plan website. |
"More than 400 Massachusetts bridges, including the largest one in New England, are considered to be in such poor condition that they either need major work or to be replaced outright, according to state and federal data, underscoring the challenges the state faces keeping up with its aging infrastructure.
Franklin has 2 In all, 450 of the more than 5,280 bridges tracked by the Federal Highway Administration — roughly 8.5 percent — are rated as poor, or, put more bluntly, are “at the end of their useful life,” according to state officials. State data show that 676 bridges in total are considered “structurally deficient,” meaning at least one major component has enough serious problems it needs to be repaired or replaced.Either designation doesn’t inherently mean the spans are unsafe, transportation officials and experts say. But officials in Massachusetts and elsewhere are taking stock of their infrastructure and safety protocols after a cargo ship rammed into a pillar of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, causing it to collapse. Six construction workers are presumed dead."
"Attention MA college students! #MassDOT is hosting its 2nd work zone safety billboard design contest.
Winning designs will receive a scholarship and be featured on billboards statewide during the 2024 construction season!"
Enter at: https://mass.gov/work-zone-billboard-contest-2024
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| MA College Students: Do you want to try your hand at the Digital billboard contest? |
"Elm Street Bridge Update!!!
So some folks wondering why bridge was closed and when it will reopen??? In layman's terms, the Elm Street bridge is a very old granite block bridge that was constructed in the late 1800s. MassDOT and Franklin Public Works keeps a keen I on it.
When the Charles River raises to a certain level, as measured by the red and yellow marker on the side of the bridge (see photo below), we might recommend closure for safety as the velocity of the water in the river might undermine the footings of the bridge which could cause a bridge failure, i.e. the bridge could collapse!
Before we reopen the bridge, the footings need to be inspected by the MassDOT dive team. They were out there today, even though the level of the Charles River has dropped by more then a foot, the velocity of water is still to swift for them to safely inspect. So we have to wait a little longer.
Going out on limb here, but feeling pretty confident that the inspection will turn out positive. It is very well constructed old bridge that has seen a lot of floods over the years! As they say, they "don't build like that anymore"!
On a side note, it was a 1977 Pontiac that made jump, not a 1978!"
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| "It was a 1977 Pontiac" |
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| "Unless you own a 78 Pontiac Trans AM, I would seek an alternate route" |
via MassDOT:
"Trick-or-treating is all about fun, but safety should always come first!
Drivers, be extra cautious, #slowdown, watch for ghouls and goblins, and don't drink & drive!
Trick-or-treaters, always use a crosswalk to cross & stay on the sidewalks if available!"
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| Trick or treat awareness, please walk safely, please drive safely today (everyday, but especially today!!) |
We're excited to share with you what we're working on. MassDOT will be holding a Virtual Public Meeting for Beyond Mobility next Thursday, October 20th at 6:00 PM.
At this meeting, the Beyond Mobility team will introduce the project and provide summary results from our first public survey which reflects on visions for the future of the transportation network in the Commonwealth. There will also be opportunities for participants to ask questions about the plan following the presentation.
Registration in advance is required. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email with information about joining the meeting.
We look forward to seeing you at the meeting.
More Information and Register for the meeting here:
More info on "Beyond Mobility"
https://www.mass.gov/news/massdot-launches-statewide-long-range-transportation-plan-beyond-mobility
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| Register to Participate in the Virtual Public Meeting for "Beyond Mobility" |
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| 2 RMV inspection stickers changes starting |
"MA Walk, Bike & Roll to School Day is only ONE week away! Schools: “Gear” up for this event on Wednesday, May 4th (which also happens to be Star Wars Day) by registering here tinyurl.com/3m7xm75w"
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| MA Walk, Bike & Roll to School Day - May 4 |
"October is #PedestrianSafetyMonth and we want to remind everyone how travel speed impacts crash injury severity. Pedestrian safety is everyone's responsibility!
#EveryoneIsAPedestrian
#VisionZero https://t.co/WZ453dimIK"
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| MassDOT Safety reminds us that "Pedestrian safety is everyone's responsibility!" |
There are 846 miles of shared use paths in Massachusetts. Learn more about MassDOT's shared use path investments in the 2021 Bicycle and Pedestrian Update #SharedUsePaths https://t.co/PWmT5YCyWW
Shared from Twitter -> https://t.co/mZC8EEkDmW
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| There are 846 miles of shared use paths in MA |
The @MassDOT Shared Streets & Spaces program encourages planners and local leaders to rethink how we use pavement. Prioritizing space for dining, parks and visual arts promotes economic development and quality of life in communities all across MA. #BuildBackBetter #mapoli https://t.co/5QsShVsYPWShared from Twitter -> https://twitter.com/T4MASS/status/1440311515861565454?s=03
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| @MassDOT Shared Streets & Spaces program encourages planners and local leaders to rethink how we use pavement. |
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/
Video overview https://youtu.be/7gG9-Pl-fUA
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| Goodbye exit 16, ext 17; hello exit 41, exit 43 |
From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:
"The morning rush hour on Massachusetts highways is unlikely to return to pre-COVID crowds until at least 2024, and even more drivers may not return to the fray if economic recovery drags or if working from home remains common, according to new Department of Transportation projections.
That might come as good news to commuters who are enjoying this pandemic-inflicted stretch with fewer cars on the road, but it’s bad news for the MBTA, which attracts a significant chunk of its riders by offering an alternative to grinding congestion.
The new multi-year traffic and ridership models MassDOT developed and presented Monday prompted the MBTA to downgrade its already-strained financial outlook, placing even more pressure on decision-makers as they prepare to implement a package of service cuts almost guaranteed to be unpopular.
The new models, built using Moody’s Analytics economic forecasts, Bureau of Labor Statistics surveys and travel data, outline three potential scenarios for transportation trends in Massachusetts: one in which public behaviors gradually return to pre-COVID conditions, another in which telecommuting remains common even as more businesses resume physical operations, and a third in which the pandemic’s economic damage lingers."
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| "None of the three scenarios developed by MassDOT expect full crowds to return to public transit for at least several years" |
From CommonWealth Magazine we share an article of interest for Franklin:
"STATE TRANSPORTATION Secretary Stephanie Pollack embraced a new all at-grade proposal for the so-called throat section of the I-90 Allston interchange that locates a bike and pedestrian path and a tiny portion of Soldiers Field Road in the Charles River.
The latest at-grade proposal, backed by the city of Boston and the business group A Better City, cleared a major hurdle when Pollack approved it as one of three alternatives to be reviewed by state and federal regulators. One of the three alternatives will be selected as the preferred alternative in the coming weeks.
Backers of the at-grade approach say momentum is building for their design, largely because it doesn’t erect an elevated highway as a wall between BU and the river and provides a large bike and pedestrian path and a refurbished river bank.
“Both A Better City and the city of Boston see this as a victory,” said Rick Dimino, the president and CEO of A Better City. “We see no reason why it shouldn’t move forward as the preferred alternative.”
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| Picture shows elevated Massachusetts Turnpike between BU and Charles River with Soldiers Field Road at grade. (via Commonwealth Magazine) |
"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:
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| Goodbye exit 16, ext 17; hello exit 41, exit 43 |
