05/11/2012

Toll Plaza Signs: E-Z Pass Replaces Fast Lane

MassDOT this week began a change of all signage at toll plazas on the Turnpike, Tobin Bridge and Airport Tunnels to improve safety and meet federal highway guidelines. Drivers will see E-ZPass signs go up and ‘Fast Lane’ signs come down.

“Driver hesitation and confusion can jeopardize safety at our toll plazas,” said MassDOT Secretary and CEO Richard A. Davey. “We want the general public and our 1.7 million transponder holders to know that E-ZPass and Fast Lane are now one in the same.”

Purple and white E-ZPass signs will be familiar to many drivers- the brand exists on toll roads in more than a dozen states, including Maine, New Hampshire, and New York. There are more than 22 million E-ZPass holders in the country.

“Fast Lane customers will be driving through the electronic collection lanes just like before, but with new E-ZPass signs overhead,” said Highway Administrator Frank DePaola. “No action is necessary by our customers. Their transponders will still work and their contact and financial information will remain the same.”

The $1.2 million project is funded primarily through a federal safety grant along with $185,000 from the Western Turnpike Capital fund. The project is expected to continue through the summer months with work performed during overnight off-peak hours, 9 p.m. to 5 a.m., to reduce the impact on the motoring public

Travelers will first notice ‘COMING SOON: We are Changing Our Name’ signs along the Turnpike and Interchange 11 (Route 122, Millbury/Worcester) will be the first plaza to completely transition to E-ZPass signs.

Bay State Bike Week Begins May 14

MassDOT Secretary and CEO Richard A. Davey is encouraging residents to bicycle during Bay State Bike Week, May 14-20. Hundreds of events across the Commonwealth have been planned and groups and individuals can participate by signing up at www.baystatebikeweek.org.

“I value the work each community is putting forth to make this year a success and to encourage bicycling as an enjoyable way to stay active,” said MassDOT Secretary and CEO Richard A. Davey

Two years ago, MassDOT became the first state DOT in the nation to organize and lead a statewide Bike Week celebration, working in partnership with MassBike, the Massachusetts Bicycle Coalition statewide bicycle education and advocacy group, and MassRIDES, MassDOT's travel options program.

Bay State Bike Week supports GreenDOT, a comprehensive environmental responsibility and sustainability initiative of MassDOT.

The 11 Massachusetts Transportation Management Associations are presenting the 18th annual MassCommute Bicycle Challenge, a friendly competition among employers, schools and communities to encourage Massachusetts residents to take some of their regular short trips by bicycle during Bay State Bike Week. For more information, visit www.masscommutebicyclechallenge.org

Participants are also encouraged to track their trips through NuRide, the nation’s largest rewards program for taking green trips – walking, biking, carpooling, vanpooling, public transportation, and even telecommuting

Learn more about Bay State Bike Week and current bicycling projects in your area by visiting www.mass.gov/massdot/bike

Chelsea Street Bridge to Reopen May 12

The new bridge carrying Chelsea Street over the Chelsea Creek at the Boston/Chelsea line is scheduled to reopen to traffic on Saturday, May 12.

Construction crews are completing the last of the major work items necessary to allow the opening of the new bridge.

Final work items will continue after the bridge is opened to traffic on May 12, requiring overnight closures during May and early June that will not affect weekday commuter traffic. Additional work will be completed during the day after the morning commute with at least one lane of traffic open in each direction.

The historic $125.3 million project will improve the efficiency and operation of the bridge for vehicle traffic and for critical maritime vessels to safely navigate the channel.

MassDOT Board June Public Meeting

The Massachusetts Department of Transportation Board of Directors will hold its next regular public business meeting on Wednesday, June 6, 1:00pm, MBTA Board Room, Suite 3910, State Transportation Building, Boston.    

The MBTA Board will meet first at 1pm, followed by the MassDOT Board.  All meetings are open to the public. The meeting schedule is available on the MassDOT website.

Board Meeting Schedule