Massachusetts now looking to do new tolls

[Alps]

If the above is indeed implemented/constructed; it would allow for more interchanges to be constructed west of Weston (the toll-ticket corridor) because the abolishment of the toll-ticket system would mean less space will be required to build a new interchange (i.e. no more twin-trumpets).

I would put the new interchanges at MA 8 and MA 23.

I agree with 8, but I don't know about 23. Yes, it's the only route for miles, but where is it going? Exit 3 serves Westfield, and the MA 8 interchange would serve that corridor. The other place I'd like to see one is at US 7.

[roadman]

In case any of you reading/seeing the recent news reports about the pending AET rollout on the Mass. Pike are wondering why the West Newton plaza was the first one singled out for elimination and demolition of the plaza shortly thereafter, here's the backstory behind the decision.

About six months after assuming the chairmanship of the Massachusetts Turnpike Authority, Jim Kerasiotes and his entourage were entering the Pike eastbound at West Newton about 3 am.  Upon pulling up to the plaza, they found the toll taker fast asleep.  Wintin a week, it was announced ** that tolls would no longer be collected at West Newton, and that the plaza would be removed.

**although the decision to remove the tolls was made by the Turnpike Authority, per long standing practice in Massachusetts government, such decisions are publically announced by the Governor's office.  MassDOT continues the practice to this day for major projects or policy changes.

Disclaimer - I learned of this story through several of my contacts within the Turnpike Authority and MassHighway, as well as from the toll taker on duty that night himself - who was a former high school classmate.

[Alps]

In case any of you reading/seeing the recent news reports about the pending AET rollout on the Mass. Pike are wondering why the West Newton plaza was the first one singled out for elimination and demolition of the plaza shortly thereafter, here's the backstory behind the decision.

About six months after assuming the chairmanship of the Massachusetts Turnpike Authority, Jim Kerasiotes and his entourage were entering the Pike eastbound at West Newton about 3 am.  Upon pulling up to the plaza, they found the toll taker fast asleep.  Wintin a week, it was announced ** that tolls would no longer be collected at West Newton, and that the plaza would be removed.

**although the decision to remove the tolls was made by the Turnpike Authority, per long standing practice in Massachusetts government, such decisions are publically announced by the Governor's office.  MassDOT continues the practice to this day for major projects or policy changes.

Disclaimer - I learned of this story through several of my contacts within the Turnpike Authority and MassHighway, as well as from the toll taker on duty that night himself - who was a former high school classmate.

Disclaimer unnecessary, I've heard the same story.

[SidS1045]

Disclaimer unnecessary, I've heard the same story.

As have I.