Massachusetts

[Rothman]

On the other hand, some (definitely not all) of that may be to better accommodate pollinators.

More flowers and growth coming to medians near you, soon...

[RobbieL2415]

On the other hand, some (definitely not all) of that may be to better accommodate pollinators.

More flowers and growth coming to medians near you, soon...

"Wildflowers. Do not mow."

[pderocco]

Saw something today I've never seen before...

When was the last time you saw a yellow diamond/speed limit sign (which normally advises you of a reduced speed ahead) indicate an increase in speed ahead?  On MA 140 North just past the MA 2 expressway, there is a yellow diamond with a speed limit 50 sign in it.  Prior to this diamond, the speed limit is 40 MPH (on account of a traffic light/intersection). 

Anywhere else this is seen?

It's really pointless because you can just use the new higher speed limit sign to increase speeds, there's no need for warning.

I've never seen a yellow diamond with a numeric speed on it. They're all rectangles. And they're not speed limits because they don't say SPEED LIMIT. They appear to be recommended speeds for really ill-handling vehicles like campers.

But if that's what you're talking about, yes, it wouldn't make any sense, unless it's a really old sign, and they recently dropped the real speed limit ahead of that from a higher number to a lower number.

I don't think I've ever seen a yellow speed sign with a value that isn't lower than the speed limit. Normally, if you don't know what the speed limit is, and you see one of those, you can assume it's five, or maybe ten mph higher.

[pderocco]

New topic. Has MassDot cut back the budget on vegetation control/management, grooming and cleaning MassDOT maintained roadways or segments of roadways?  Not that Mass has ever done this well compared to other states IMO, but it seems to be getting worse with weeds and grass growing over guardrails, excessive overgrowth around interchanges, weeds and even small trees growing out of storm drains particularly around highway interchanges, excessive weeds growing out of bridge overpasses, sidewalks, median barriers, accumulation of dirt, gravel and other road debris, etc. And, what's with the angled granite curbing used as edging that as far as I can tell is a Massachusetts thing?  The edging seems to add virtually nothing except serve as a weed magnet.  The lack of vegetation management is more than just aesthetics, but also raises safety concerns.

I can speak from a bicycling perspective on this, weeds on the edge of roads are terrible this year. Not just Mass but NH as well. I think keeping up with their growth has just been much harder. I've taken my fair share of lashes from ones hanging into narrow roads, and much more than prior years. If we have a dry year soon, I'll be inclined to agree with you, but for now I think it's more related to the excessive rainfall and their planning around a more typical weather pattern for the summer.

(Also welcome to the forum!)

It's all that extra CO₂.

[NE-3]

It may certainly be the changes in climate - more CO2 and warm and wet weather. That may require MassDOT to update its vegetation management plan or at least more vigorously follow its current plan taking into account changes in climate. Overgrowth on guardrails, medians, storm drains, sidewalks, overpasses raises safety concerns (which MassDOT states in its plan).

[Alps]

Saw something today I've never seen before...

When was the last time you saw a yellow diamond/speed limit sign (which normally advises you of a reduced speed ahead) indicate an increase in speed ahead?  On MA 140 North just past the MA 2 expressway, there is a yellow diamond with a speed limit 50 sign in it.  Prior to this diamond, the speed limit is 40 MPH (on account of a traffic light/intersection). 

Anywhere else this is seen?

It's really pointless because you can just use the new higher speed limit sign to increase speeds, there's no need for warning.

I've never seen a yellow diamond with a numeric speed on it. They're all rectangles. And they're not speed limits because they don't say SPEED LIMIT. They appear to be recommended speeds for really ill-handling vehicles like campers.

But if that's what you're talking about, yes, it wouldn't make any sense, unless it's a really old sign, and they recently dropped the real speed limit ahead of that from a higher number to a lower number.

I don't think I've ever seen a yellow speed sign with a value that isn't lower than the speed limit. Normally, if you don't know what the speed limit is, and you see one of those, you can assume it's five, or maybe ten mph higher.

[pderocco]

I may have seen a sign like that somewhere, but I can't think of any in SoCal, where I live. So now I understand your point. My "old sign" theory might still apply, but I can't find the sign you mentioned in GSV, since it's four years out of date.

[Rothman]

I may have seen a sign like that somewhere, but I can't think of any in SoCal, where I live. So now I understand your point. My "old sign" theory might still apply, but I can't find the sign you mentioned in GSV, since it's four years out of date.

This just means your experience is extremely limited...and questions why you thought your experience would pertain to Massachusetts...

[pderocco]

Because I lived there for 30 years, and still visit every year. I was there two weeks ago, and drove about 400 miles clinching some new routes.

[bob7374]

MassDOT is holding a public meeting on Thursday 10/26 regarding its proposed reconstruction and widening of the Bowker Overpass that takes traffic to and from the Fenway to Storrow Drive over the Mass Pike and railroad tracks:
https://www.mass.gov/event/boston-bowker-overpass-bridge-superstructure-replacement-and-new-bridge-construction-2023-10-26t180000-0400-2023-10-26t193000-0400

Hopefully, this will include the removal of the remaining signs that still refer to Storrow Drive East as US 1 more than 30 years after the route was rerouted along I-93.

[spooky]

Hopefully, this will include the removal of the remaining signs that still refer to Storrow Drive East as US 1 more than 30 years after the route was rerouted along I-93.

Imagine a world in which it doesn't take a $90M project to do that!

[Ted$8roadFan]

Hopefully, part of the Bowker Overpass project will include improving the (lack of) merge on to Storrow Dreive west.

[PurdueBill]

MassDOT is holding a public meeting on Thursday 10/26 regarding its proposed reconstruction and widening of the Bowker Overpass that takes traffic to and from the Fenway to Storrow Drive over the Mass Pike and railroad tracks:
https://www.mass.gov/event/boston-bowker-overpass-bridge-superstructure-replacement-and-new-bridge-construction-2023-10-26t180000-0400-2023-10-26t193000-0400

Hopefully, this will include the removal of the remaining signs that still refer to Storrow Drive East as US 1 more than 30 years after the route was rerouted along I-93.

It's amazing that the new (practically new, most installed in 2020 including around that area) signs on and arround Storrow mention US 1 in exactly the same way (even with initialed directions, like "N" instead of North) carbon-copying the old Helvetica-fonted ones from 1981.  Apparently no one at DCR thought to check out if any of the messages needed changed.  The new signs sport a DCR logo at lower right corner where old ones didn't; the large bottom panel featuring "MetroParkways" is gone at least.)

Quote repaired.  --J N Winkler

[kramie13]

On I-95 south approaching I-495, is there a reason why there are no overhead signs at Exit 12B (I-495 north exit)?

You have a 1 mile advance sign announcing Exits 12B-A, then Exit 12B comes right at you after rounding a curve with no other warning signs.  Exit 12A for I-495 South still has its own "at-exit" overhead sign.  Why is this?

Also, I've noticed that a new gore sign for Exit 12B was installed in 2021, just after the switch to mileage based exit numbering, but now it's a "temporary-looking" "at-exit" sign for I-495 north.

Before (August 2021):
https://www.google.com/maps/@42.0293165,-71.2542511,3a,49.6y,228.5h,88.5t/data=!3m7!1e1!3m5!1sd-aN6wNLbnKmdYDpFOZebA!2e0!5s20210801T000000!7i16384!8i8192?entry=ttu

Currently (October 2023):
https://www.google.com/maps/@42.0293267,-71.254242,3a,75y,228.5h,88.5t/data=!3m7!1e1!3m5!1scF8m_ylI59jM-vpBM5M1cQ!2e0!5s20231001T000000!7i16384!8i8192?entry=ttu

[bob7374]

On I-95 south approaching I-495, is there a reason why there are no overhead signs at Exit 12B (I-495 north exit)?

You have a 1 mile advance sign announcing Exits 12B-A, then Exit 12B comes right at you after rounding a curve with no other warning signs.  Exit 12A for I-495 South still has its own "at-exit" overhead sign.  Why is this?

Also, I've noticed that a new gore sign for Exit 12B was installed in 2021, just after the switch to mileage based exit numbering, but now it's a "temporary-looking" "at-exit" sign for I-495 north.

Before (August 2021):
https://www.google.com/maps/@42.0293165,-71.2542511,3a,49.6y,228.5h,88.5t/data=!3m7!1e1!3m5!1sd-aN6wNLbnKmdYDpFOZebA!2e0!5s20210801T000000!7i16384!8i8192?entry=ttu

Currently (October 2023):
https://www.google.com/maps/@42.0293267,-71.254242,3a,75y,228.5h,88.5t/data=!3m7!1e1!3m5!1scF8m_ylI59jM-vpBM5M1cQ!2e0!5s20231001T000000!7i16384!8i8192?entry=ttu

The reason the signage for I-495 on I-95 South is very inadequate is the unfortunate result of two different reasons. The 1/2 Mile advance sign for I-495 on I-95 South was one of the signs that was supposed to be put up during the last sign replacement project, the old sign was taken down but nothing has replaced it as of yet (MassDOT says the project is complete). The overhead signs put up at the I-495 North exit, seen in August 2021, were knocked down by a truck soon after. The I-495 North sign was replaced by the 'temporary' exit/gore sign that is there now to stay until a new set of permanent signs is placed there. How long that will be is unknown. It's been 2 years, you would think it would have happened by now.

[roadman65]

On I-95 south approaching I-495, is there a reason why there are no overhead signs at Exit 12B (I-495 north exit)?

You have a 1 mile advance sign announcing Exits 12B-A, then Exit 12B comes right at you after rounding a curve with no other warning signs.  Exit 12A for I-495 South still has its own "at-exit" overhead sign.  Why is this?

Also, I've noticed that a new gore sign for Exit 12B was installed in 2021, just after the switch to mileage based exit numbering, but now it's a "temporary-looking" "at-exit" sign for I-495 north.

Before (August 2021):
https://www.google.com/maps/@42.0293165,-71.2542511,3a,49.6y,228.5h,88.5t/data=!3m7!1e1!3m5!1sd-aN6wNLbnKmdYDpFOZebA!2e0!5s20210801T000000!7i16384!8i8192?entry=ttu

Currently (October 2023):
https://www.google.com/maps/@42.0293267,-71.254242,3a,75y,228.5h,88.5t/data=!3m7!1e1!3m5!1scF8m_ylI59jM-vpBM5M1cQ!2e0!5s20231001T000000!7i16384!8i8192?entry=ttu

The reason the signage for I-495 on I-95 South is very inadequate is the unfortunate result of two different reasons. The 1/2 Mile advance sign for I-495 on I-95 South was one of the signs that was supposed to be put up during the last sign replacement project, the old sign was taken down but nothing has replaced it as of yet (MassDOT says the project is complete). The overhead signs put up at the I-495 North exit, seen in August 2021, were knocked down by a truck soon after. The I-495 North sign was replaced by the 'temporary' exit/gore sign that is there now to stay until a new set of permanent signs is placed there. How long that will be is unknown. It's been 2 years, you would think it would have happened by now.

Ah, the Garden State is no different. They set up temporary signs that can last decades until a new overall signing project comes along.

BTW, if a truck knocked the sign down to begin with, why didn't the truckers insurance cover replacement of the sign. If the driver had liability with property damage, the at fault driver's insurance should be charged for it.

[PHLBOS]

In a perfect world, the new Tobin Bridge would be built on a new alignment, leaving I-93 near Sullivan Square and meeting up with the existing alignment in Chelsea near Rt 16.  You'd eliminate two curves and would have improved ramps to/from I-93 that occur "ON THE RIGHT".  And it looks like a mostly industrial area.  (And that perfect world would have this become I-95 since you'd be able to build the rest of the Northeast Exp'y out to 128). 

Anyway...

I wonder if in the 'list of possible alternatives', when it comes out (still a ways to go for that), if such an alignment would be thrown out there for consideration, or what other options they'll come up with.  Seems like building a double decker bridge of that length in this day and age isn't the most ideal (especially if you're on the other coast).

What about a tunnel from MA 1A from the north end of the Callahan/Sumner Tunnels to just before Alington St?

Downsides with a tunnel option are both cost & hazmat transport won't be allowed to use such when completed.

Does someone in the Boston area have something against them? Would be nice to hear an explanation for this from MassDOT.

I privately reached out to a MassDOT engineer & asked the reasoning behind the mysterious removal of those yellow LEFT tabs. 

The response: such were removed until thicker, more robust mounting brackets become available.  Since the LEFT banners plus the EXIT tab are obviously larger than the standard EXIT tabs; MassDOT made a decision not to no longer use the thinner standard EXIT tab mounting brackets for the LEFT EXIT tabs.  The decision was in reaction to the partial collapse of a sign panel along I-93 southbound in Somerville that took place a while back.

Long story short: the removals were/are only temporary.  Based on some recent pics I've seen in FB; all the LEFT tabs for the Peabody I-95/MA 128 interchange have since been reinstalled.

[kernals12]

There's been some construction going on at the 95/90 interchange for the past few weeks. Anyone know what that's about?

[bob7374]

There's been some construction going on at the 95/90 interchange for the past few weeks. Anyone know what that's about?

Bridge replacement project, not to be completed until 2027. The link to the MassDOT project site:
https://www.mass.gov/newton-weston-bridge-replacement-and-rehabilitation-at-i-90i-95

[pderocco]

Doesn't look like any alteration of the routing, though. Now that there are no tollbooths, they could simplify that interchange, the way they're doing for I-90/I-495. They could probably even downsize it, and sell the real estate. I wonder if they're planning that, or if they just look at the mess and throw up their hands...

[Ted$8roadFan]

The 95/90 interchange was altered when the toll booths were discontinued and removed in 2016. MassDOT moved the exit ramp from 90W to 95 from its horrible merge just before the ramp to 95S, requiring good brakes and lots of weaving, to a much better alignment further west. Any additional changes would likely be more complicated, due to the regional impact, environmental considerations, and the usual NIMBYism.

[Pete from Boston]

It may certainly be the changes in climate - more CO2 and warm and wet weather. That may require MassDOT to update its vegetation management plan or at least more vigorously follow its current plan taking into account changes in climate. Overgrowth on guardrails, medians, storm drains, sidewalks, overpasses raises safety concerns (which MassDOT states in its plan).

As every gardener in Mass. this year knows, it was the staggering amount of rain. We received something like 4" in Greater Boston last summer, a total we got in at least one week this summer (and possibly in multiple weeks).

[SectorZ]

It may certainly be the changes in climate - more CO2 and warm and wet weather. That may require MassDOT to update its vegetation management plan or at least more vigorously follow its current plan taking into account changes in climate. Overgrowth on guardrails, medians, storm drains, sidewalks, overpasses raises safety concerns (which MassDOT states in its plan).

As every gardener in Mass. this year knows, it was the staggering amount of rain. We received something like 4" in Greater Boston last summer, a total we got in at least one week this summer (and possibly in multiple weeks).

I got 4 inches in two hours one of the summer days.

[Ted$8roadFan]

It may certainly be the changes in climate - more CO2 and warm and wet weather. That may require MassDOT to update its vegetation management plan or at least more vigorously follow its current plan taking into account changes in climate. Overgrowth on guardrails, medians, storm drains, sidewalks, overpasses raises safety concerns (which MassDOT states in its plan).

As every gardener in Mass. this year knows, it was the staggering amount of rain. We received something like 4" in Greater Boston last summer, a total we got in at least one week this summer (and possibly in multiple weeks).

Indeed. This was our worst year for gardening in living memory, between excessive rain and excessive heat.

[hotdogPi]

excessive heat.

Excessive heat? This year probably had one of the fewest 90+ days.