Massachusetts

[PurdueBill]

Forgive the potatoish quality (it was nighttime and I was in a car), but start and end signs for US20 in the Back Bay. 3365 miles to the other end of US-20.

Only in Massachusetts would a US route end at a state route.  It happens TWICE - at Kenmore Square with US 20 ending at MA 2, and in Plymouth with US 44 ending at MA 3A!

Something tells me that's not "kosher", and that a US highway should end at an Interstate or another US highway.  US 20 should somehow be extended to meet US 1.

US 20 going from US 1 to US 101 would be awesome.  With 1 being on the underground Central Artery (and probably staying there), the closest we could get is to route 20 to something that interchanges with the Artery and the options are limited.

I-90 ending at route 1A, not another Interstate, continues that theme--although that is much more sensible because it used to end at 93 and the Ted Williams Tunnel should be part of 90. 

[Alps]

How do we feel about US 29? US 30, 40, 322? Don't hold back.

[empirestate]

Only in Massachusetts would a US route end at a state route.

Such as the (original) end of US 220 in Waverly, Massachusetts.

[jp the roadgeek]

Only in Massachusetts would a US route end as a state route.

FTFY.   

[bob7374]

Forgive the potatoish quality (it was nighttime and I was in a car), but start and end signs for US20 in the Back Bay. 3365 miles to the other end of US-20.

Only in Massachusetts would a US route end at a state route.  It happens TWICE - at Kenmore Square with US 20 ending at MA 2, and in Plymouth with US 44 ending at MA 3A!

Something tells me that's not "kosher", and that a US highway should end at an Interstate or another US highway.  US 20 should somehow be extended to meet US 1.

US 20 going from US 1 to US 101 would be awesome.  With 1 being on the underground Central Artery (and probably staying there), the closest we could get is to route 20 to something that interchanges with the Artery and the options are limited.

Don't forget also that US 3 ends at MA 2A/MA 3. I also think that US routes should end at other US routes or interstates and have incorporated those ideas in my route changes section of my Massachusetts website. US 3 would be routed further along I-95 North then south on I-93 and take over MA 3 in Boston and end at US 6 (if MA 3 is not replaced by an interstate):


US 44 would end at proposed US 3 (or even better an interstate) in Plymouth, US 20 is a little harder, for now I just have it continue to the Boston Common, taking over MA 2, not quite at a US route. An alternative, which I currently have for MA 2, would be for it to use Mass Ave and end at the Mass Ave interchange with I-93/US 1/MA 3 (or US 3 in my proposal).

[yakra]

Only in Massachusetts would a US route end at a state route.  It happens TWICE - at Kenmore Square with US 20 ending at MA 2, and in Plymouth with US 44 ending at MA 3A!

Challenge accepted.

US2   http://www.openstreetmap.org/?lat=47.980443&lon=-122.190907&zoom=15 (Edit: LOL OK this one's a bit debatable ;P)
US3   http://www.openstreetmap.org/?lat=42.357238&lon=-71.092631&zoom=15
US6   http://www.openstreetmap.org/?lat=42.045357&lon=-70.214707&zoom=15
US20  http://www.openstreetmap.org/?lat=42.348879&lon=-71.096649&zoom=15
US29  https://www.openstreetmap.org/?lat=39.302757&lon=-76.824431&zoom=15
US33  http://www.openstreetmap.org/?lat=37.551569&lon=-77.451832&zoom=15
US34  http://www.openstreetmap.org/?lat=41.823781&lon=-87.802691&zoom=15
US44  http://www.openstreetmap.org/?lat=41.960192&lon=-70.670328&zoom=15
US50  http://www.openstreetmap.org/?lat=38.331623&lon=-75.086770&zoom=15
US52  http://www.openstreetmap.org/?lat=37.630658&lon=-81.997259&zoom=15
US52  http://www.openstreetmap.org/?lat=37.656832&lon=-82.143852&zoom=15
US62  http://www.openstreetmap.org/?lat=43.091872&lon=-79.059387&zoom=15
US69  http://www.openstreetmap.org/?lat=29.898891&lon=-93.928782&zoom=15
US69  http://www.openstreetmap.org/?lat=43.646883&lon=-93.391213&zoom=15
US87  http://www.openstreetmap.org/?lat=28.616421&lon=-96.624005&zoom=15
US96  http://www.openstreetmap.org/?lat=29.898891&lon=-93.928782&zoom=15
US101 http://www.openstreetmap.org/?lat=34.029474&lon=-118.215294&zoom=15 (also debatable.)
US113 http://www.openstreetmap.org/?lat=38.938649&lon=-75.427923&zoom=15
US167 http://www.openstreetmap.org/?lat=29.975643&lon=-92.141669&zoom=15
US176 http://www.openstreetmap.org/?lat=35.307412&lon=-82.458615&zoom=15
US197 http://www.openstreetmap.org/?lat=45.649066&lon=-121.156111&zoom=15
US202 http://www.openstreetmap.org/?lat=39.680441&lon=-75.590417&zoom=15
US209 http://www.openstreetmap.org/?lat=40.539049&lon=-76.961178&zoom=15
US212 http://www.openstreetmap.org/?lat=44.889916&lon=-93.390259&zoom=15 (wibbly wobbly rampy wampy stuff)
US223 http://www.openstreetmap.org/?lat=41.715155&lon=-83.688183&zoom=15
US224 http://www.openstreetmap.org/?lat=41.002419&lon=-80.347266&zoom=15
US258 http://www.openstreetmap.org/?lat=37.010855&lon=-76.314651&zoom=15
US271 http://www.openstreetmap.org/?lat=32.346657&lon=-95.294281&zoom=15
US287 http://www.openstreetmap.org/?lat=29.898891&lon=-93.928782&zoom=15
US301 http://www.openstreetmap.org/?lat=39.531490&lon=-75.649753&zoom=15

[74/171FAN]

Does US 202 really count?  It does end at US 13/US 40 concurrent with DE 141.

[yakra]

Oops. Doesn't count. Crossed off the list.

Here's what I done did. There's just something fun about bash scripting...
for cr in $(tail -n +2 _systems/usaus_con.csv | cut -f5 -d';'); do
  rte=$(echo $cr | cut -f1 -d',')
  line=$(grep ".*;.*;.*;.*;.*;.*;$rte;.*" _systems/usaus.csv)
  rg=$(echo $line | cut -f2 -d';')
  route=$(echo $line | sed -r 's~.*;.*;(.*);.*;.*;.*;.*;.*~\1~')
  result=$(head -n 1 $rg/usaus/$rte.wpt | grep "^$rg[0-9]" | sed -r -e 's~ *$~~' -e 's~.* (.*)~\1\&zoom=15~')
  if [ $(echo $result | wc -c) -gt 1 ]; then echo -e "$route\t$result"; fi
  rte=$(echo $cr | sed 's~.*,~~')
  line=$(grep ".*;.*;.*;.*;.*;.*;$rte;.*" _systems/usaus.csv)
  rg=$(grep ".*;.*;.*;.*;.*;.*;$rte;.*" _systems/usaus.csv | cut -f2 -d';')
  route=$(echo $line | sed -r 's~.*;.*;(.*);.*;.*;.*;.*;.*~\1~')
  result=$(tail -n 1 $rg/usaus/$rte.wpt | grep "^$rg[0-9]" | sed -r -e 's~ *$~~' -e 's~.* (.*)~\1\&zoom=15~')
  if [ $(echo $result | wc -c) -gt 1 ]; then echo -e "$route\t$result"; fi
done

[kernals12]

MassDOT is putting the 495/90 Interchange rebuild up for bid in March 2022
https://hwy.massdot.state.ma.us/webapps/const/statusReport.asp

[DJStephens]

MassDOT is putting the 495/90 Interchange rebuild up for bid in March 2022
https://hwy.massdot.state.ma.us/webapps/const/statusReport.asp

   Exit  11A.  $339 million.  Symmetrical stack?  Segmental?  Steel girder? Could one be built up there for that money?   
   Perhaps some some of Turbine, with de-emphasis on 90 W to 495 N, and 495 S to 90 W movements, due to existence of I-290.  Guessing EZ-Pass largely eliminates the need for a wonky trumpet, correct?   

[fwydriver405]

Exit  106 (old exit 11A).

FTFY (exits were converted to a mileage based system between 12/13/20 and 1/15/21 on the Mass Turnpike). This interchange is exit 58 (old exit 22) on Interstate 495.

$339 million.  Symmetrical stack?  Segmental?  Steel girder? Could one be built up there for that money?   
   Perhaps some some of Turbine, with de-emphasis on 90 W to 495 N, and 495 S to 90 W movements, due to existence of I-290.  Guessing EZ-Pass largely eliminates the need for a wonky trumpet, correct?

I believe this Mass.gov website goes over the proposed design for this interchange:
https://www.mass.gov/i-495i-90-interchange-improvements

[roadman65]

https://www.mass.gov/info-details/sumner-tunnel-restoration-project-details
I see the Sumner Tunnel will be closed in 2023 for a short period to refurbish the almost 90 year facility.

That I am sure will be a nightmare while that is being done as it looks like the Callahan will remain outbound, so the Ted Williams Tunnel will have to carry the load.

[kernals12]

https://www.mass.gov/info-details/sumner-tunnel-restoration-project-details
I see the Sumner Tunnel will be closed in 2023 for a short period to refurbish the almost 90 year facility.

That I am sure will be a nightmare while that is being done as it looks like the Callahan will remain outbound, so the Ted Williams Tunnel will have to carry the load.

No you don't understand, people will respond to the loss of capacity by going to the airport less. I am very smart. 

[bob7374]

MassDOT blog post about upcoming 2-year pilot project of running buses along the shoulders of I-93 between Woburn and Somerville during rush hours:
http://blog.mass.gov/transportation/massdot-highway/two-year-bus-on-shoulder-travel-pilot-beginning-week-of-december-20th/

[neilbert]

   Perhaps some some of Turbine, with de-emphasis on 90 W to 495 N, and 495 S to 90 W movements, due to existence of I-290.

But then you _really_ need to do something about
(a) 290 > 495NB being a huge sharp curve on an elevated bridge. There have been a few projects and suggestions to clear this but they never seem to get anywhere
(b) 495SB > 290 gets backed up to 3 miles at times, due to slowdowns from trucks on the ramp combined with the standard Masshole determination to jump into the stopped traffic at the last moment.
(c) Worcester. 290 rush hour is a few miles - I don't know AM as I never come through there, but PM can back up from exit 25 to 16 with ease.

None of these are unsolvable problems but just focusing on 90/495 is faster, cheaper and simpler, putting it in MassDOT's wheelhouse.

[storm2k]

MassDOT blog post about upcoming 2-year pilot project of running buses along the shoulders of I-93 between Woburn and Somerville during rush hours:
http://blog.mass.gov/transportation/massdot-highway/two-year-bus-on-shoulder-travel-pilot-beginning-week-of-december-20th/

Saw the signs for this. They look flimsy and hastily erected and I am sure most of them will be knocked down before very long. Also not sure how that's going to work in that last stretch before 95 since they already converted the shoulder north of Montvale Ave to an exit only lane for 95 northbound.

[SectorZ]

MassDOT blog post about upcoming 2-year pilot project of running buses along the shoulders of I-93 between Woburn and Somerville during rush hours:
http://blog.mass.gov/transportation/massdot-highway/two-year-bus-on-shoulder-travel-pilot-beginning-week-of-december-20th/

Saw the signs for this. They look flimsy and hastily erected and I am sure most of them will be knocked down before very long. Also not sure how that's going to work in that last stretch before 95 since they already converted the shoulder north of Montvale Ave to an exit only lane for 95 northbound.

I'm interested in what happens when traffic is waffling between 20 and 50 MPH, like it can tend to do, what are the buses going to do then? I can see them putting the effort to get into the right lane to do 35 when traffic is 20, then have to get immediately over because it's sped back up to 50. I presume it will be much better in hard gridlock, like from an accident.

[Alps]

   Perhaps some some of Turbine, with de-emphasis on 90 W to 495 N, and 495 S to 90 W movements, due to existence of I-290.

But then you _really_ need to do something about
(a) 290 > 495NB being a huge sharp curve on an elevated bridge. There have been a few projects and suggestions to clear this but they never seem to get anywhere
(b) 495SB > 290 gets backed up to 3 miles at times, due to slowdowns from trucks on the ramp combined with the standard Masshole determination to jump into the stopped traffic at the last moment.

Adding a lane to each of those ramps would help quite a bit.

[deathtopumpkins]

   Perhaps some some of Turbine, with de-emphasis on 90 W to 495 N, and 495 S to 90 W movements, due to existence of I-290.

But then you _really_ need to do something about
(a) 290 > 495NB being a huge sharp curve on an elevated bridge. There have been a few projects and suggestions to clear this but they never seem to get anywhere
(b) 495SB > 290 gets backed up to 3 miles at times, due to slowdowns from trucks on the ramp combined with the standard Masshole determination to jump into the stopped traffic at the last moment.

Adding a lane to each of those ramps would help quite a bit.

Rebuilding the 495 SB to 290 ramp as two lanes is planned:
https://www.mass.gov/info-details/about-the-i-495-sb-to-i-290-wb-ramp-improvement-project

MassDOT extended the deceleration lane on 495 as an interim measure in 2019, but there's no currently timeline on the more major improvements.

[Beeper1]

It's good that they are going to modify and modernize the 90/495 interchange, but that's not the only Pike interchange that could stand a major upgrade now that the toll booths are no longer there. 

Some others that need it:
10/202 interchange - adding a more direct EB onramp from 10/202 NB, and a direct ramp from 90 WB to 10/202 NB would remove some of the congestion here.  The traffic on the big jughandle road coming out of Westfield center creates massive traffic and most of it is headed East. 

91/5 interchange - adding a direct 90EB -> 91 SB ramp would save people from going around all three outer trumpet loops in that mess and remove at least some traffic from the bad weave areas on the 90 let of the complex. 

290/395 interchange - Not sure what a good solution here is, but there must be something that can be done to make this obsolete, underpowered interchange work better.  Especially removing that horrible 90 WB onramp loop.

[kernals12]

It's good that they are going to modify and modernize the 90/495 interchange, but that's not the only Pike interchange that could stand a major upgrade now that the toll booths are no longer there. 

Some others that need it:
10/202 interchange - adding a more direct EB onramp from 10/202 NB, and a direct ramp from 90 WB to 10/202 NB would remove some of the congestion here.  The traffic on the big jughandle road coming out of Westfield center creates massive traffic and most of it is headed East. 

91/5 interchange - adding a direct 90EB -> 91 SB ramp would save people from going around all three outer trumpet loops in that mess and remove at least some traffic from the bad weave areas on the 90 let of the complex. 

290/395 interchange - Not sure what a good solution here is, but there must be something that can be done to make this obsolete, underpowered interchange work better.  Especially removing that horrible 90 WB onramp loop.

How could you not mention the 95/128 interchange? The bridges are succumbing to concrete cancer and it's major source of backups. And now that they've gotten rid of toll booths, the massive tangle of ramps can be greatly simplified.

[Beeper1]

Good point, I don't know how I missed that one.   They did help a bit by moving the 90WB offramp to a new spot, but that's really just a band-aid.   Most of the bridges here look BADLY in need of replacement.   This one will be difficult to sort out because of the geography (the river snakes through the whole thing, the surroundings are highly developed, and the turnpike crosses really high above 95, requiring longer ramps to connect).  Also, any work here should address the weave/merges with the adjacent MA30 ramps.   

[DrSmith]

It good they thought ahead and made the new ramp improvement from the Pike Westbound to Rt 128. It at least gives more room to weave through there than having the choke point all there where you have to go north or south after the old toll booths.

To add to the list of interchanges to improve: I-291 and going through a traffic light and Rt 146 and again a traffic light too.

The 290/395 interchange could potentially be improved and straightened if some of the on/off ramps from Rt 12 were removed and at least have a larger radius of curvature overall instead of some tighter turns there now. Either make the on/off connections from Rt 12 one ramp each way instead of the old trumpet style or remove them all together maybe. Further changing the 395/20 interchange in the area to something smaller than a cloverleaf might give some real estate and help simplify the area too. The challenge it appears may also be on the connection onto the Pike. There is a lot of rock there and housing right up along everything. Maybe a directional T could be done, although that might be much bigger.

[Beeper1]

There is some sort of construction going on at the 291 interchange, where the roadways at the stop light are being re-aligned.   The light isn't being removed, but I think the road is being angled to be less of a hard 90-degree turn.

[storm2k]

Curiosity question about MA30/Commonwealth Ave. It runs as a divided roadway throughout the Boston city limits, as the Green Line light rail runs through the median. Past there, it looks like it was built as a divided roadway all the way out to the 95 and 90 interchange but past the city limits they don't use one side of it except for local access to driveways and stuff, and the other roadway hosts two lane traffic. I'm curious why they did this.