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Massachusetts

Started by hotdogPi, October 12, 2013, 04:50:12 PM

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roadman

If you're going to add exit numbers to US 1, the numbering should extend from Chelsea all the way to the Ferncroft Rotary at the Danvers/Topsfield line.  And, IMO, adding exit numbers to Route 1A makes no sense from either a motorist or business perspective.
"And ninety-five is the route you were on.  It was not the speed limit sign."  - Jim Croce (from Speedball Tucker)

"My life has been a tapestry
Of years of roads and highway signs" (with apologies to Carole King and Tom Rush)


PHLBOS

#1251
Quote from: jp the roadgeek on September 15, 2019, 12:34:02 PMUS 1
Exit 47 (SB ONLY): Rutherford St Charlestown//TO I-93 NORTH
Exit 49 (NB ONLY): Beacon St
Exit 50: 4th St (NB) Carter Ave Chelsea/East Boston (SB)
Exit 51A (NB ONLY): Webster Ave Chelsea/Everett
Exit 51B (NB): MA 16 EAST TO MA 1A Revere Beach/Lynn
Exit 51 (SB): MA 16 WEST Everett/Somerville
Exit 52 (NB ONLY): Sargent St West Revere
Exit 53: MA 60 Malden/Revere
Exit 54 A/B: Lynn St Saugus/Malden
Quote from: roadman on September 16, 2019, 11:08:36 AMIf you're going to add exit numbers to US 1, the numbering should extend from Chelsea all the way to the Ferncroft Rotary at the Danvers/Topsfield line.
Actually & on the contrary, I would have the numbering go only as far as MA 60 (above-Exit 53) for the simple reasons being that:
1.  The stretch between the Tobin Bridge & MA 60 is the Northeast Expressway (former-I-95).
2.  US 1 north of MA 60 is not and never has been a limited access-highway.

Quote from: roadman on September 16, 2019, 11:08:36 AMIMO, adding exit numbers to Route 1A makes no sense from either a motorist or business perspective.
Agreed.  OTOH, had such been extended northward (such was considered as part of the short-lived I-95 Relocated proposal); then numbering of the interchanges would make more sense.
GPS does NOT equal GOD

sturmde

For 1A coming up from the end of I-90, it would make more sense to continue I-90's exit numbers.  Mass could ask AASHTO to designate a BUSINESS SPUR 90 that would run from I-90's eastern end up to the intersection of 1A and 60... only for a logical eastern endpoint.  It could be unsigned though, but only exist to continue the exit numbering... akin to the eastern ends of I-20 and I-70.  (Actually, if you use the New Jersey east end of I-78 with traffic lights... okay, let's not.)

As for the Tobin and US 1 northward from I-93... using 1's mileage would be confusing.  Get AASHTO approval for an I-193 that would end at the MA 60 rotary.  I agree with other posters... the right turns on and off 1 isn't an exit.  It's more of a RIRO with a short deceleration NB, and zero deceleration off and zero acceleration lane on southbound.

Quote from: jp the roadgeek on September 15, 2019, 12:34:02 PM
If exits were to be numbered on 1 and 1A, I would only number 1 exits up to Lynn St and 1A up to MA 145.  Would look something like this for mileage based exits:

US 1
Exit 47 (SB ONLY): Rutherford St Charlestown//TO I-93 NORTH
Exit 49 (NB ONLY): Beacon St
Exit 50: 4th St (NB) Carter Ave Chelsea/East Boston (SB)
Exit 51A (NB ONLY): Webster Ave Chelsea/Everett
Exit 51B (NB): MA 16 EAST TO MA 1A Revere Beach/Lynn
Exit 51 (SB): MA 16 WEST Everett/Somerville
Exit 52 (NB ONLY): Sargent St West Revere
Exit 53: MA 60 Malden/Revere
Exit 54 A/B: Lynn St Saugus/Malden

MA 1A
Exit 49: Havre St (NB) Porter St (SB)/ East Boston
Exit 50A: Logan Airport (NB); I-90 (Mass Pike) WEST TO I-93 SOUTH Ted Williams Tunnel/South Boston (NOTE: Logan would be signed as an I-90 exit)

Exit 50B: MA 145 NORTH Bennington St (NB); Saratoga St/Chelsea St (SB)

The Ghostbuster

Maybe the Northeast Expressway's exits could start with the Interstate 93/US 1 interchange being Mile 0 and having the exits count up from there. Also, forget about making the Northeast Expressway Interstate 193. The Northeast Expressway is not up to Interstate Standards, and any attempt to bring it up to Interstate Standards would likely cause an uproar among the locals.

PHLBOS

#1254
Quote from: sturmde on September 18, 2019, 01:44:48 PMFor 1A coming up from the end of I-90, it would make more sense to continue I-90's exit numbers.  Mass could ask AASHTO to designate a BUSINESS SPUR 90 that would run from I-90's eastern end up to the intersection of 1A and 60... only for a logical eastern endpoint.
I have to ask, what purpose would such serve... especially if the road corridors in question aren't being upgraded/improved in your proposal?  The East Boston Expressway portion of MA 1A runs only about 3/4 mile beyond where it meets I-90.  Like US 1 north of MA 60, MA 1A north of there (MA 145) while divided is a Jersey-type highway with no controlled access.

Quote from: sturmde on September 18, 2019, 01:44:48 PMAs for the Tobin and US 1 northward from I-93... using 1's mileage would be confusing.  Get AASHTO approval for an I-193 that would end at the MA 60 rotary.
Since SR 193 already exists in CT/MA, I-393 would be the number to use.  If one were to do such, it would probably make more sense to reroute US 1 back to its pre-1975 alignment up to I-90 (MA 1A would end at Bell Circle/US 1/MA 16/145) and have it run concurrent w/I-90 through the Ted Williams Tunnel and run concurrent w/I-93 south of there.  The Sunmer/Callahan Tunnels would be a southern extension of MA 145.

Quote from: The Ghostbuster on September 18, 2019, 02:03:30 PMMaybe the Northeast Expressway's exits could start with the Interstate 93/US 1 interchange being Mile 0 and having the exits count up from there. Also, forget about making the Northeast Expressway Interstate 193. The Northeast Expressway is not up to Interstate Standards, and any attempt to bring it up to Interstate Standards would likely cause an uproar among the locals.
As mentioned above, SR 193 already exists, I-393 would be the likely number used if such was ever seriously pondered.  Also, keep in mind that prior to 1975, the Northeast Expressway & the Tobin Bridge were part of I-95.  While both were built prior to the Interstate System becoming established; both were part of the system at one time.  So the uproar among the locals notion is unsubstantiated
GPS does NOT equal GOD

bob7374

Speaking of sign replacement contracts and exit numbers, MassDOT has advertised for a sign replacement contract for MA 28 between Bourne and Falmouth, Project 608571, estimated cost of $621,542. Winning bidder to be announced on Jan. 7, 2020. Under the postponed milepost exit conversion project, these exits would have received numbers. I am assuming that's no longer the case, but will the signs be designed for possible numbers in the future?

The bid page is at: https://www.commbuys.com/bso/external/bidDetail.sdo?docId=BD-20-1030-0H100-0H002-43964&external=true&parentUrl=bid

They have also advertised for the next I-95 sign replacement contract from Lynnfield to Peabody, more information on the I-95 Signing Work thread.

DJStephens

Quote from: PHLBOS on September 18, 2019, 02:10:56 PM
Quote from: sturmde on September 18, 2019, 01:44:48 PMFor 1A coming up from the end of I-90, it would make more sense to continue I-90's exit numbers.  Mass could ask AASHTO to designate a BUSINESS SPUR 90 that would run from I-90's eastern end up to the intersection of 1A and 60... only for a logical eastern endpoint.
I have to ask, what purpose would such serve... especially if the road corridors in question aren't being upgraded/improved in your proposal?  The East Boston Expressway portion of MA 1A runs only about 3/4 mile beyond where it meets I-90.  Like US 1 north of MA 60, MA 1A north of there (MA 145) while divided is a Jersey-type highway with no controlled access.

Quote from: sturmde on September 18, 2019, 01:44:48 PMAs for the Tobin and US 1 northward from I-93... using 1's mileage would be confusing.  Get AASHTO approval for an I-193 that would end at the MA 60 rotary.
Since SR 193 already exists in CT/MA, I-393 would be the number to use.  If one were to do such, it would probably make more sense to reroute US 1 back to its pre-1975 alignment up to I-90 (MA 1A would end at Bell Circle/US 1/MA 16/145) and have it run concurrent w/I-90 through the Ted Williams Tunnel and run concurrent w/I-93 south of there.  The Sunmer/Callahan Tunnels would be a southern extension of MA 145.

Quote from: The Ghostbuster on September 18, 2019, 02:03:30 PMMaybe the Northeast Expressway's exits could start with the Interstate 93/US 1 interchange being Mile 0 and having the exits count up from there. Also, forget about making the Northeast Expressway Interstate 193. The Northeast Expressway is not up to Interstate Standards, and any attempt to bring it up to Interstate Standards would likely cause an uproar among the locals.
As mentioned above, SR 193 already exists, I-393 would be the likely number used if such was ever seriously pondered.  Also, keep in mind that prior to 1975, the Northeast Expressway & the Tobin Bridge were part of I-95.  While both were built prior to the Interstate System becoming established; both were part of the system at one time.  So the uproar among the locals notion is unsubstantiated

Remember viewing proposals (from the early seventies perhaps) to widen the Northeast Expressway N of the Tobin Bridge to four lanes in each direction.   Likely in a Mass. state university library in the eighties.   This was definitely N of the bridge.  The cross section on the bridge itself was limited to three lanes in each direction, with virtually no shoulders, similar to the late forties era Central Artery.   The Tobin Bridge is a double decker design, with opposing directions stacked atop each other.  Do not remember exactly where in Chelsea the double decker transitions into a surface alignment.   Also remember the graded earthen alignments in the Saugus Marsh, which were going to bring the I-95 alignment directly into Lynn, Mass.   These were NE of Bell Circle.   

PHLBOS

Quote from: DJStephens on September 22, 2019, 07:17:53 PMRemember viewing proposals (from the early seventies perhaps) to widen the Northeast Expressway N of the Tobin Bridge to four lanes in each direction.   Likely in a Mass. state university library in the eighties.   This was definitely N of the bridge.
If such dates back to the early 70s; one has to wonder if the mid-70s overhaul that Northeast Expressway north of Chelsea received was a compromise to that redesign/overhaul.  One needs to remember that efforts to build I-95 north of Copeland/Cutler Circle (US 1 & MA 60) were all but scrapped by 1972-73.  The Chelsea leg of the Expressway, north of the base of the Tobin Bridge, would receive a then-much-needed overhaul during the mid-1980s.

Quote from: DJStephens on September 22, 2019, 07:17:53 PMDo not remember exactly where in Chelsea the double decker transitions into a surface alignment.
Google is one's friend here

Quote from: DJStephens on September 22, 2019, 07:17:53 PMAlso remember the graded earthen alignments in the Saugus Marsh, which were going to bring the I-95 alignment directly into Lynn, Mass.   These were NE of Bell Circle.
I was born & raised in the North Shore (Marblehead) & knew those alignments & plans for I-95 very well.   
GPS does NOT equal GOD

Stephane Dumas

I founded by luck on Youtube these video showing future proposed improvements for I-495/I-90/Mass Pike interchange. https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLzBxrvXzs-5Hhw9nJqpkNx5edBuWXLWUu

deathtopumpkins

^ More info on that project can be found here: https://www.mass.gov/i-495i-90-interchange-improvements

The preferred alternative is concept C-2 (plan view can be found on page 19 of the presentation from the last public meeting), which adds new direct ramps from the Pike westbound to 495 northbound, and from 495 northbound to the Pike eastbound. All other movements are accommodated through the old toll plaza area, but with the ramps untangled so there is no weaving, and with 45 mph flyovers replacing the existing trumpet ramps.

MassDOT anticipates beginning construction in 2022, with project completion in 2027, and total costs coming to $296 million.
Disclaimer: All posts represent my personal opinions and not those of my employer.

Clinched Highways | Counties Visited

RobbieL2415

I would rather have 2 lanes thru to I-495 South from I-90 East.

Alps

Quote from: RobbieL2415 on September 30, 2019, 07:47:12 PM
I would rather have 2 lanes thru to I-495 South from I-90 East.
Okay, why? I have not noticed that movement to be heavy enough to warrant 2 lanes.

jp the roadgeek

Quote from: Alps on October 01, 2019, 12:49:25 AM
Quote from: RobbieL2415 on September 30, 2019, 07:47:12 PM
I would rather have 2 lanes thru to I-495 South from I-90 East.
Okay, why? I have not noticed that movement to be heavy enough to warrant 2 lanes.

Go there on a Summer Friday afternoon with Cape bound traffic from western MA and northern CT, or on game day when the Pats are playing at Gillette. Then you'll see the need for a second lane.
Interstates I've clinched: 97, 290 (MA), 291 (CT), 291 (MA), 293, 295 (DE-NJ-PA), 295 (RI-MA), 384, 391, 395 (CT-MA), 395 (MD), 495 (DE), 610 (LA), 684, 691, 695 (MD), 695 (NY), 795 (MD)

deathtopumpkins

If one lane is sufficient for all but one day a week for a few months out of the year, then one lane is sufficient. There are other, more pressing needs to spend that money on.

And honestly, after construction the 90 east to 495 south movement will have its own lane with a design speed of 45 mph, and a two lane merge onto 495, with a ~2500 ft long acceleration lane. That's a tremendous improvement compared to the current single lane ramp with a <1000 ft acceleration lane on an uphill grade after a sharp curve.
Disclaimer: All posts represent my personal opinions and not those of my employer.

Clinched Highways | Counties Visited

Rothman

I am not sure what the solution is for the Pike east of I-84.  Another bad aspect of that road is that drivers slow down on upgrades.  So...flatten it out. :D
Please note: All comments here represent my own personal opinion and do not reflect the official position(s) of NYSDOT.

PHLBOS

Quote from: Rothman on October 01, 2019, 04:54:33 PMI am not sure what the solution is for the Pike east of I-84.
IMHO, the stretch between I-84 and I-290/395 should be 8 lanes; given that a sizeable amount of through-traffic is only using the Pike as a means of getting go/from those two free Interstates (I-84 & 290).
GPS does NOT equal GOD

Rothman

Quote from: PHLBOS on October 01, 2019, 05:56:38 PM
Quote from: Rothman on October 01, 2019, 04:54:33 PMI am not sure what the solution is for the Pike east of I-84.
IMHO, the stretch between I-84 and I-290/395 should be 8 lanes; given that a sizeable amount of through-traffic is only using the Pike as a means of getting go/from those two free Interstates (I-84 & 290).
Not I-495?
Please note: All comments here represent my own personal opinion and do not reflect the official position(s) of NYSDOT.

SectorZ

Quote from: Rothman on October 01, 2019, 07:08:51 PM
Quote from: PHLBOS on October 01, 2019, 05:56:38 PM
Quote from: Rothman on October 01, 2019, 04:54:33 PMI am not sure what the solution is for the Pike east of I-84.
IMHO, the stretch between I-84 and I-290/395 should be 8 lanes; given that a sizeable amount of through-traffic is only using the Pike as a means of getting go/from those two free Interstates (I-84 & 290).
Not I-495?

That and to mention I-90 between I-84 and I-290/395 always seems to have an accident on it like clockwork any weekend day I am on it.

I-495, should be eight lanes from I-90 to MA 4, and I will argue to death on this, 10 lanes from MA 4 to MA 213, then back to 8 to MA 125 and its current 6 after. Traffic is just a constant nightmare on it from I-90 to I-95 (Salisbury), because it is the primary route (in part) for New Haven to Salisbury as opposed to 95, and its clogged constantly at all times from Littleton to Haverhill.

PHLBOS

Bold emphasis added:
Quote from: Rothman on October 01, 2019, 07:08:51 PM
Quote from: PHLBOS on October 01, 2019, 05:56:38 PM
Quote from: Rothman on October 01, 2019, 04:54:33 PMI am not sure what the solution is for the Pike east of I-84.
IMHO, the stretch between I-84 and I-290/395 should be 8 lanes; given that a sizeable amount of through-traffic is only using the Pike as a means of getting go/from those two free Interstates (I-84 & 290).
Not I-495?
Per your earlier comment, I was speaking strictly regarding the Pike (I-90).  I-495's another story and SectorZ pretty much outlined what should be done capacitywise.
GPS does NOT equal GOD

RobbieL2415

Quote from: Rothman on October 01, 2019, 04:54:33 PM
I am not sure what the solution is for the Pike east of I-84.  Another bad aspect of that road is that drivers slow down on upgrades.  So...flatten it out. :D
I would favor a cars only/all vehicles split, widen to 12 lanes total.

Alps

Quote from: RobbieL2415 on October 04, 2019, 08:11:59 PM
Quote from: Rothman on October 01, 2019, 04:54:33 PM
I am not sure what the solution is for the Pike east of I-84.  Another bad aspect of that road is that drivers slow down on upgrades.  So...flatten it out. :D
I would favor a cars only/all vehicles split, widen to 12 lanes total.
That's rather extreme. 8 lanes should suffice for most circumstances.

jp the roadgeek

Quote from: Alps on October 04, 2019, 10:29:41 PM
Quote from: RobbieL2415 on October 04, 2019, 08:11:59 PM
Quote from: Rothman on October 01, 2019, 04:54:33 PM
I am not sure what the solution is for the Pike east of I-84.  Another bad aspect of that road is that drivers slow down on upgrades.  So...flatten it out. :D
I would favor a cars only/all vehicles split, widen to 12 lanes total.
That's rather extreme. 8 lanes should suffice for most circumstances.

I would say 8 lanes east of I-84, 10 lanes inside 495, and 12 lanes inside 128 up to Allston/Brighton.  Inside of there, it gets a little tough with the city street grid. 
Interstates I've clinched: 97, 290 (MA), 291 (CT), 291 (MA), 293, 295 (DE-NJ-PA), 295 (RI-MA), 384, 391, 395 (CT-MA), 395 (MD), 495 (DE), 610 (LA), 684, 691, 695 (MD), 695 (NY), 795 (MD)

Ben114

Quote from: jp the roadgeek on October 04, 2019, 11:41:42 PM
Quote from: Alps on October 04, 2019, 10:29:41 PM
Quote from: RobbieL2415 on October 04, 2019, 08:11:59 PM
Quote from: Rothman on October 01, 2019, 04:54:33 PM
I am not sure what the solution is for the Pike east of I-84.  Another bad aspect of that road is that drivers slow down on upgrades.  So...flatten it out. :D
I would favor a cars only/all vehicles split, widen to 12 lanes total.
That's rather extreme. 8 lanes should suffice for most circumstances.

I would say 8 lanes east of I-84, 10 lanes inside 495, and 12 lanes inside 128 up to Allston/Brighton.  Inside of there, it gets a little tough with the city street grid.
With this, probably include a better connection from the Pike to Storrow Drive to keep traffic flowing with the lane drop after the interchange.

Alps

Quote from: jp the roadgeek on October 04, 2019, 11:41:42 PM
Quote from: Alps on October 04, 2019, 10:29:41 PM
Quote from: RobbieL2415 on October 04, 2019, 08:11:59 PM
Quote from: Rothman on October 01, 2019, 04:54:33 PM
I am not sure what the solution is for the Pike east of I-84.  Another bad aspect of that road is that drivers slow down on upgrades.  So...flatten it out. :D
I would favor a cars only/all vehicles split, widen to 12 lanes total.
That's rather extreme. 8 lanes should suffice for most circumstances.

I would say 8 lanes east of I-84, 10 lanes inside 495, and 12 lanes inside 128 up to Allston/Brighton.  Inside of there, it gets a little tough with the city street grid. 
I still disagree. 8 lanes seems fine all the way up to 128 unless you're really in a peak day like Thanksgiving. Inside there would take more study.

DJStephens

#1274
Quote from: jp the roadgeek on October 04, 2019, 11:41:42 PM
Quote from: Alps on October 04, 2019, 10:29:41 PM
Quote from: RobbieL2415 on October 04, 2019, 08:11:59 PM
Quote from: Rothman on October 01, 2019, 04:54:33 PM
I am not sure what the solution is for the Pike east of I-84.  Another bad aspect of that road is that drivers slow down on upgrades.  So...flatten it out. :D
I would favor a cars only/all vehicles split, widen to 12 lanes total.
That's rather extreme. 8 lanes should suffice for most circumstances.

I would say 8 lanes east of I-84, 10 lanes inside 495, and 12 lanes inside 128 up to Allston/Brighton.  Inside of there, it gets a little tough with the city street grid.

The Turnpike is a pre-Interstate design.   Yes it should be reconstructed at some point between 84 and 128, completely, by opening up the median, blasting rock faces outwards, and flattening vertical curves.   All new two span bridges, also, replacing early/mid fifties four span overpasses. 
Don't believe any widening could be done E of 128, due to a narrow footprint, and air right construction over the highway itself.  Newtonville and Newton Corner.   Have to wonder though why the Turnpike authority in the early sixties did not specify an eight lane cross section all the way out to 128.     The section E of route 128 was known for a long time as the Turnpike Extension, as the section W of 128 had been finished and open for at least 10-12 years before the Extension construction was underway.   



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