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National Boards => Road Enthusiasts Meetings => Topic started by: noelbotevera on October 20, 2016, 09:40:45 PM

Title: Boston roadmeet?
Post by: noelbotevera on October 20, 2016, 09:40:45 PM
I decided to scrutinize this board if there was any interest in meets for the Boston area. I'm just wondering if meets are planned this year since I have a trip in the works to head up to Boston, because of family (long story short, my brother who is in his senior year of high school is applying for universities, and MIT is his first choice). I haven't found anything that mentions this, but it was a quick and dirty look. As far as I know, nothing has been planned.

If push comes to shove, I have some ideas of the meet:
-The black button copy "RIGHT TURN AHEAD" sign
-Remnants of US 1 going through Boston instead of I-93
-I-95 stub in Lynn
-"REVERSE THE CURSE" (not sure if it exists anymore)
-The "C1 C9" signs, haven't heard any recent news of it still up
-MDC idiotic signs

I'll let the locals here decide, but those are my 2 cents.
Title: Re: Boston roadmeet?
Post by: 74/171FAN on October 20, 2016, 10:52:22 PM
Quote from: noelbotevera on October 20, 2016, 09:40:45 PM
-"REVERSE THE CURSE" (not sure if it exists anymore)

Wait, this phrase does not just refer to the Red Sox between 1918 and 2004?
Title: Re: Boston roadmeet?
Post by: Alps on October 20, 2016, 11:40:55 PM
Right Turn Ahead - Still there, to my knowledge
Remnants of US 1 - Drying up. Bob Malme would be the best source as to what's left.
I-95 in Lynn - A lot less there than there used to be. Still worth the trip, especially for the long grown-over segment northeast of the circle.
REVERSE THE CURSE - dead, dude. Long dead.
C1/C9... I think that one is actually still there, but the blue signs by the Commons are gone.
MDC signs: Always there, always idiotic.

Memorial Drive has a signal showing red ball and green arrow simultaneously - and green ball at the same time on the next signal... first light west of Mass Ave bridge.
Longfellow Bridge remains under perpetual construction and is worth a visit.
Storrow Drive is worth a drive, the last old-school freeway in the city.
There are trails along the Charles River under the Zake and the US 1/I-93 interchange, perfect for the meet photo.

Restaurants: Several could be recommended in Cambridge. I like the Central Square area, parking isn't too hard to find but you'll have to walk 2-4 blocks. Question is whether a restaurant there is willing to seat a reasonably sized party.

MIT: You want the insider's tour?
Title: Re: Boston roadmeet?
Post by: SSOWorld on October 21, 2016, 06:17:08 AM
Quote from: Alps on October 20, 2016, 11:40:55 PM
MIT: You want the insider's tour?
I thought they banned you for being too smart for your own good :awesomeface:
Title: Re: Boston roadmeet?
Post by: dgolub on October 21, 2016, 08:41:32 AM
I'm definitely game for a Boston meet.  I haven't been up in that direction in too long, and I've always found it kind of weird how we've never had any meets in Massachusetts in the time that I've been coming.

Also, I believe that the Mass Pike is going AET, so that's a reason to head up that way, too.
Title: Re: Boston roadmeet?
Post by: Pete from Boston on October 21, 2016, 09:11:05 AM
If you decide to check out the Longfellow, here is a very belabored animation of the work going on there.

http://youtu.be/VQsyPClwVj8

If it feels like the animation takes a really long time, it's just to give you a real sense of how the actual project feels as well.
Title: Re: Boston roadmeet?
Post by: vdeane on October 21, 2016, 12:58:45 PM
I like the idea of a Boston meet; it's just a couple hours away, so it's an easy daytrip, and there are some interstates in MA that I could clinch on the way.
Title: Re: Boston roadmeet?
Post by: tckma on October 21, 2016, 01:14:04 PM
Quote from: noelbotevera on October 20, 2016, 09:40:45 PM
-"REVERSE THE CURSE" (not sure if it exists anymore)

I haven't lived in Massachusetts since early 2008, but I'm pretty sure the "REVERSE THE CURSE" sign on Storrow Drive was replaced with the original "REVERSE CURVE" (what does that even MEAN?) shortly after the Sox won the Series in '04.

I lived in MA from mid '00 to early '08 including the year I went to grad school in Boston proper.  It would be nice to go back; I miss it.  Also, I was a roadgeek back then but I was not part of this forum and didn't have many ways to connect with other roadgeeks.
Title: Re: Boston roadmeet?
Post by: bob7374 on October 21, 2016, 02:05:23 PM
Quote from: tckma on October 21, 2016, 01:14:04 PM
Quote from: noelbotevera on October 20, 2016, 09:40:45 PM
-"REVERSE THE CURSE" (not sure if it exists anymore)

I haven't lived in Massachusetts since early 2008, but I'm pretty sure the "REVERSE THE CURSE" sign on Storrow Drive was replaced with the original "REVERSE CURVE" (what does that even MEAN?) shortly after the Sox won the Series in '04.
Yes, then Gov. Romney held a public event shortly after the 2004 World Series where the original sign was officially taken down and replaced.

There are a lot of roadgeek related sites in the area for a meet, though, probably much of it discussed here (Zakim Bridge and surrounding parks, old signage,  remnants of old US 1, etc.) would probably best be seen on foot, instead of by car. On street parking in the city is hard to come by, and off street is rather expensive plus the challenges of driving the local road system for the unfamiliar. There are small construction projects going on in the surrounding areas, plus the Longfellow Bridge and AET related toll plaza demolitions that will be going on through next year that could be checked on. A time in the spring, between Patriot's Day and Memorial Day, might be the best time for it.
Title: Re: Boston roadmeet?
Post by: hbelkins on October 21, 2016, 04:03:58 PM
I'm pretty sure there's been a Boston-area meet sometime in the past, although I'm not certain and it was back during a time when I basically only attended meets that were day trips. I'd be up to attending a Boston meet. All I need to clinch Massachusetts' interstates are the portions of I-90 and I-95 inside I-495, plus most of I-195.
Title: Re: Boston roadmeet?
Post by: noelbotevera on October 21, 2016, 04:12:58 PM
Quote from: tckma on October 21, 2016, 01:14:04 PM
Quote from: noelbotevera on October 20, 2016, 09:40:45 PM
-"REVERSE THE CURSE" (not sure if it exists anymore)

I haven't lived in Massachusetts since early 2008, but I'm pretty sure the "REVERSE THE CURSE" sign on Storrow Drive was replaced with the original "REVERSE CURVE" (what does that even MEAN?) shortly after the Sox won the Series in '04.

I lived in MA from mid '00 to early '08 including the year I went to grad school in Boston proper.  It would be nice to go back; I miss it.  Also, I was a roadgeek back then but I was not part of this forum and didn't have many ways to connect with other roadgeeks.
Reverse curve is basically like an S curve. You curve around in one direction, then in the other.

My ideas is to do the driving sections such as the Zakim Bridge and Lynn stub, then later on park the cars and use the T into the city, then walk around for the rest of the meet. The only problem with this is timing, because of traffic issues. Maybe turn this into a 2 day meet?
Title: Re: Boston roadmeet?
Post by: tckma on October 21, 2016, 04:39:27 PM
Quote from: hbelkins on October 21, 2016, 04:03:58 PM
All I need to clinch Massachusetts' interstates are the portions of I-90 and I-95 inside I-495, plus most of I-195.

Despite living in MA for 8 years, I still need I-195 from MA-140 to MA-25/I-495, a very small portion of I-91 (a single exit span between MA-116 and MA-2), all of I-391, and a small bit of I-291 from the Turnpike down to US-20.

Let's just say I never got to the Cape or to Western Mass very much.
Title: Re: Boston roadmeet?
Post by: dgolub on October 21, 2016, 07:22:29 PM
Quote from: tckma on October 21, 2016, 04:39:27 PM
Quote from: hbelkins on October 21, 2016, 04:03:58 PM
All I need to clinch Massachusetts' interstates are the portions of I-90 and I-95 inside I-495, plus most of I-195.

Despite living in MA for 8 years, I still need I-195 from MA-140 to MA-25/I-495, a very small portion of I-91 (a single exit span between MA-116 and MA-2), all of I-391, and a small bit of I-291 from the Turnpike down to US-20.

Let's just say I never got to the Cape or to Western Mass very much.

I feel like we should get together and do a clinchathon after the meet.
Title: Re: Boston roadmeet?
Post by: Dougtone on October 21, 2016, 08:32:43 PM
I actually put together a road meet in Boston in 2005. If I had known then what I know now, I'd probably put in more written preparation for the meet, as it isn't the easiest place to drive around. I'm not volunteering to run a future Boston meet, but I've mulled the idea of hosting other meets near Boston over the years.
Title: Re: Boston roadmeet?
Post by: cl94 on October 21, 2016, 08:52:00 PM
If someone wants to do a BAAAAAHSTON meet, I'd be game. A clinchathon would be great as well. I have nada south/southeast of Boston other than I-95.
Title: Re: Boston roadmeet?
Post by: Alps on October 21, 2016, 11:55:03 PM
I have a lot of knowledge of routing and parking locations to maximize efficiency.
Title: Re: Boston roadmeet?
Post by: Pete from Boston on October 22, 2016, 08:08:04 AM
Quote from: tckma on October 21, 2016, 04:39:27 PM
Quote from: hbelkins on October 21, 2016, 04:03:58 PM
All I need to clinch Massachusetts' interstates are the portions of I-90 and I-95 inside I-495, plus most of I-195.

Despite living in MA for 8 years, I still need I-195 from MA-140 to MA-25/I-495, a very small portion of I-91 (a single exit span between MA-116 and MA-2), all of I-391, and a small bit of I-291 from the Turnpike down to US-20.

Let's just say I never got to the Cape or to Western Mass very much.

I never considered it, but I guess I've been on every mile of Interstate in Connecticut, Rhode Island, and Massachusetts.  Multiple times, in fact.  I guess the last part for me in Mass was 195 east of Fairhaven, only a couple of years ago. 

I don't feel any different now. 
Title: Re: Boston roadmeet?
Post by: dgolub on October 22, 2016, 09:52:33 AM
Quote from: Dougtone on October 21, 2016, 08:32:43 PM
I actually put together a road meet in Boston in 2005. If I had known then what I know now, I'd probably put in more written preparation for the meet, as it isn't the easiest place to drive around. I'm not volunteering to run a future Boston meet, but I've mulled the idea of hosting other meets near Boston over the years.

Yeah, I was still in high school back then, so it was before my time coming to meets.
Title: Re: Boston roadmeet?
Post by: Pete from Boston on October 22, 2016, 01:01:25 PM
Quote from: tckma on October 21, 2016, 01:14:04 PM
Quote from: noelbotevera on October 20, 2016, 09:40:45 PM
-"REVERSE THE CURSE" (not sure if it exists anymore)

I haven't lived in Massachusetts since early 2008, but I'm pretty sure the "REVERSE THE CURSE" sign on Storrow Drive was replaced with the original "REVERSE CURVE" (what does that even MEAN?) shortly after the Sox won the Series in '04.

I lived in MA from mid '00 to early '08 including the year I went to grad school in Boston proper.  It would be nice to go back; I miss it.  Also, I was a roadgeek back then but I was not part of this forum and didn't have many ways to connect with other roadgeeks.

It was "Reverse Curve" for many years.  Some folks in the early 2000s modified it, and continued to do so (some publicly declaring that they would continue to do so every time it was "cleaned") until 2004. 

Kind of silly, since there was no curse, just 86 years of failure.
Title: Re: Boston roadmeet?
Post by: Alps on October 22, 2016, 10:35:52 PM
Quote from: Pete from Boston on October 22, 2016, 01:01:25 PM
Quote from: tckma on October 21, 2016, 01:14:04 PM
Quote from: noelbotevera on October 20, 2016, 09:40:45 PM
-"REVERSE THE CURSE" (not sure if it exists anymore)

I haven't lived in Massachusetts since early 2008, but I'm pretty sure the "REVERSE THE CURSE" sign on Storrow Drive was replaced with the original "REVERSE CURVE" (what does that even MEAN?) shortly after the Sox won the Series in '04.

I lived in MA from mid '00 to early '08 including the year I went to grad school in Boston proper.  It would be nice to go back; I miss it.  Also, I was a roadgeek back then but I was not part of this forum and didn't have many ways to connect with other roadgeeks.

It was "Reverse Curve" for many years.  Some folks in the early 2000s modified it, and continued to do so (some publicly declaring that they would continue to do so every time it was "cleaned") until 2004. 

Kind of silly, since there was no curse, just 86 years of failure.
Bucky Dent begs to differ.
Title: Re: Boston roadmeet?
Post by: cl94 on October 22, 2016, 10:44:06 PM
Quote from: Alps on October 22, 2016, 10:35:52 PM
Bucky Fucking Dent begs to differ.

FTFY. We're talking about Boston, have to use his local nickname.
Title: Re: Boston roadmeet?
Post by: Alps on October 23, 2016, 12:14:46 AM
Quote from: cl94 on October 22, 2016, 10:44:06 PM
Quote from: Alps on October 22, 2016, 10:35:52 PM
Bucky Dent begs to differ.

FTFY. We're talking about Boston, have to use his local nickname.
I'm in northern NJ. We like him.
Title: Re: Boston roadmeet?
Post by: Pete from Boston on October 23, 2016, 10:38:35 PM
Quote from: Alps on October 22, 2016, 10:35:52 PM
Quote from: Pete from Boston on October 22, 2016, 01:01:25 PM
Quote from: tckma on October 21, 2016, 01:14:04 PM
Quote from: noelbotevera on October 20, 2016, 09:40:45 PM
-"REVERSE THE CURSE" (not sure if it exists anymore)

I haven't lived in Massachusetts since early 2008, but I'm pretty sure the "REVERSE THE CURSE" sign on Storrow Drive was replaced with the original "REVERSE CURVE" (what does that even MEAN?) shortly after the Sox won the Series in '04.

I lived in MA from mid '00 to early '08 including the year I went to grad school in Boston proper.  It would be nice to go back; I miss it.  Also, I was a roadgeek back then but I was not part of this forum and didn't have many ways to connect with other roadgeeks.

It was "Reverse Curve" for many years.  Some folks in the early 2000s modified it, and continued to do so (some publicly declaring that they would continue to do so every time it was "cleaned") until 2004. 

Kind of silly, since there was no curse, just 86 years of failure.
Bucky Dent begs to differ.

I would think that Mr. Dent of all people would not want to chalk that one up to some mystical mumbo-jumbo rather than a bona fide win.
Title: Re: Boston roadmeet?
Post by: PHLBOS on October 24, 2016, 09:18:13 AM
Given that Boston's my old stomping grounds; I'm up for this met.

Quote from: tckma on October 21, 2016, 01:14:04 PMI haven't lived in Massachusetts since early 2008, but I'm pretty sure the "REVERSE THE CURSE" sign on Storrow Drive was replaced with the original "REVERSE CURVE" (what does that even MEAN?) shortly after the Sox won the Series in '04.
Simply put, a reverse curve is the latter part of an S curve.

Nonetheless, there is now no such sign present anymore.  April 2016 GSV of where the old structure-mounted REVERSE CURVE sign once stood; note the mounting brackets on the left (https://www.google.com/maps/@42.361682,-71.0727025,3a,75y,213.98h,87.81t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sVKRnkixF4YwuBAg5EM10_g!2e0!7i13312!8i6656)
Title: Re: Boston roadmeet?
Post by: codyg1985 on October 25, 2016, 07:59:21 AM
If this meet is happening, then what is the timeframe?
Title: Re: Boston roadmeet?
Post by: jon12791 on November 05, 2016, 01:44:36 PM
I'm interested in going to this if it's a weekend  :-D
Title: Re: Boston roadmeet?
Post by: hotdogPi on November 05, 2016, 02:10:37 PM
I really want to go, but there's one problem: I can't drive. (I do have access to public transportation.) If the meet is on a weekday on May 8 or earlier, I can't go because of classes at UMass Lowell. April 29, May 6, and May 7 (all weekends) are also unavailable because of a choral concert that I have.

This would be my first roadmeet.
Title: Re: Boston roadmeet?
Post by: noelbotevera on November 05, 2016, 04:04:03 PM
I just need this to be in September. I'm trying to convince my dad to do this while we have free time at MIT. If the meet is more than at least four hours, then I might have to leave abruptly (generally college tours are 2 or more hours. The longest one I think took at least 4 or 5). I'll be gone for at least a week, so I don't mind if this is a 2 day meet. Also, traffic should be lighter later in the year, because school should be in session by September.

Should note, this is the farthest I've gone to attend a meet. 441 miles from home, and this is only my 2nd meet.

Also, just thought of this: Circumferential Highway in Nashua. It's relatively close (about an hour).
Title: Re: Boston roadmeet?
Post by: froggie on November 05, 2016, 07:40:46 PM
QuoteAlso, traffic should be lighter later in the year, because school should be in session by September.

Other way around...in most of the Northeast, traffic is higher come September precisely because of that reason...teachers and students are back at school.
Title: Re: Boston roadmeet?
Post by: vdeane on November 05, 2016, 11:43:48 PM
Just had a thought: Boston and Portsmouth are relatively close together, so they could possibly fit together as a meet weekend, similar to Hampton Roads and Delmarva a couple years ago, if there's enough overlap in interested people.
Title: Re: Boston roadmeet?
Post by: hbelkins on November 06, 2016, 02:40:18 PM
Quote from: froggie on November 05, 2016, 07:40:46 PM
QuoteAlso, traffic should be lighter later in the year, because school should be in session by September.

Other way around...in most of the Northeast, traffic is higher come September precisely because of that reason...teachers and students are back at school.

But on a Saturday, when the meet would be held?
Title: Re: Boston roadmeet?
Post by: cl94 on November 06, 2016, 03:37:18 PM
Quote from: hbelkins on November 06, 2016, 02:40:18 PM
Quote from: froggie on November 05, 2016, 07:40:46 PM
QuoteAlso, traffic should be lighter later in the year, because school should be in session by September.

Other way around...in most of the Northeast, traffic is higher come September precisely because of that reason...teachers and students are back at school.

But on a Saturday, when the meet would be held?

In Boston? Possibly. Population swells when colleges are in session.
Title: Re: Boston roadmeet?
Post by: noelbotevera on November 06, 2016, 04:11:23 PM
Yeah, time is a problem with urban meets. I'm indifferent though and don't really care about time of day. 
Title: Re: Boston roadmeet?
Post by: TheHighwayMan3561 on November 06, 2016, 05:12:21 PM
You just have to make sure not to pick a weekend with any huge festivals or other major events going on. You can check the city calendars to see what the city has planned.
Title: Re: Boston roadmeet?
Post by: froggie on November 06, 2016, 05:19:58 PM
QuoteBut on a Saturday, when the meet would be held?

Saturday last weekend had some notable issues on 93 and 128 (sic 95)...

I was also responding to the claim that traffic is lighter overall in September.  Along the East Coast, it often isn't specifically because schools are back in session.  That also spills over into the weekends between family errands (instead of vacation), Saturday classes at many colleges, and whatnot.
Title: Re: Boston roadmeet?
Post by: cpzilliacus on November 06, 2016, 06:43:45 PM
Quote from: froggie on November 06, 2016, 05:19:58 PM
QuoteBut on a Saturday, when the meet would be held?

Saturday last weekend had some notable issues on 93 and 128 (sic 95)...

I was also responding to the claim that traffic is lighter overall in September.  Along the East Coast, it often isn't specifically because schools are back in session.  That also spills over into the weekends between family errands (instead of vacation), Saturday classes at many colleges, and whatnot.

Concur with Adam, at least based on my own personal and professional experiences with places further south. September and October tend to be busy in terms of highway traffic, though not so much with "resort" and "getaway" traffic.
Title: Re: Boston roadmeet?
Post by: Alps on November 06, 2016, 07:52:33 PM
Having lived and driven in Boston, it won't be too bad driving around the city on a Saturday in general.
Title: Re: Boston roadmeet?
Post by: cl94 on November 06, 2016, 07:57:11 PM
In Boston and Cambridge isn't the issue. It's around Boston. 128 can be hell on weekends if the meet goes out that far.
Title: Re: Boston roadmeet?
Post by: PHLBOS on November 06, 2016, 08:06:52 PM
Quote from: 1 on November 05, 2016, 02:10:37 PMIf the meet is on a weekday on May 8 or earlier, I can't go because of classes at UMass Lowell. April 29, May 6, and May 7 (all weekends) are also unavailable because of a choral concert that I have.
Most roadmeets (at least the ones I attended) are typically done on either just Saturdays or the entire weekend.  I see this one being no different.

Quote from: vdeane on November 05, 2016, 11:43:48 PM
Just had a thought: Boston and Portsmouth are relatively close together, so they could possibly fit together as a meet weekend, similar to Hampton Roads and Delmarva a couple years ago, if there's enough overlap in interested people.
Given what's around; a Boston-Portsmouth (I'm assuming you're referring to the one in NH and not the one in RI) joint meet for the same weekend would work better if one day was set aside for one city (& surrounding area) and the following day would be set aside for the other.

Additionally, a meet in Portsmouth was just held a few summers ago (I remember hearing that you weren't able to attend); I'm not sure how much of an interest such would be.  That would be up to whomever is planning this upcoming meet; which I'm assuming that the primary focus will be Boston and the surrounding area.

Quote from: cl94 on November 06, 2016, 07:57:11 PMIn Boston and Cambridge isn't the issue. It's around Boston. 128 can be hell on weekends if the meet goes out that far.
The main issue w/Boston & Cambridge will be parking; especially during stops (limited availability and/or price).  And you're right about highways like 128 being traffic nightmares even on weekends.  One way to get around that (and such could be a possible theme) would be to follow the pre-Yankee Division Highway path of 128.  I've done such on the stretch between Woburn and Lynnfield just to avoid the gridlock and it's worked rather well.
Title: Re: Boston roadmeet?
Post by: dgolub on November 06, 2016, 08:21:39 PM
Quote from: 1 on November 05, 2016, 02:10:37 PM
I really want to go, but there's one problem: I can't drive. (I do have access to public transportation.)

Totally doable.  I live in Manhattan and hence don't own a car, and I've been to a lot of road meets by mass transit.  Boston should be easy since it's a major city and hence a transit hub.
Title: Re: Boston roadmeet?
Post by: cl94 on November 06, 2016, 08:54:18 PM
Quote from: PHLBOS on November 06, 2016, 08:06:52 PM
Additionally, a meet in Portsmouth was just held a few summers ago (I remember hearing that you weren't able to attend); I'm not sure how much of an interest such would be.  That would be up to whomever is planning this upcoming meet; which I'm assuming that the primary focus will be Boston and the surrounding area.

Someone made the suggestion for a clinchfest after the "main event". Given that SE Massachusetts especially is typically out of the way for most of us, I think that would be a better idea.
Title: Re: Boston roadmeet?
Post by: dgolub on November 07, 2016, 08:44:21 AM
Quote from: cl94 on November 06, 2016, 08:54:18 PM
Quote from: PHLBOS on November 06, 2016, 08:06:52 PM
Additionally, a meet in Portsmouth was just held a few summers ago (I remember hearing that you weren't able to attend); I'm not sure how much of an interest such would be.  That would be up to whomever is planning this upcoming meet; which I'm assuming that the primary focus will be Boston and the surrounding area.

Someone made the suggestion for a clinchfest after the "main event". Given that SE Massachusetts especially is typically out of the way for most of us, I think that would be a better idea.

I'll second the motion.  The roadgeeks are about to take Provincetown!
Title: Re: Boston roadmeet?
Post by: froggie on November 07, 2016, 11:04:18 AM
Too late.  Took that town with a mobile doppler last year...
Title: Re: Boston roadmeet?
Post by: bob7374 on November 07, 2016, 11:09:09 AM
Quote from: dgolub on November 07, 2016, 08:44:21 AM
Quote from: cl94 on November 06, 2016, 08:54:18 PM
Quote from: PHLBOS on November 06, 2016, 08:06:52 PM
Additionally, a meet in Portsmouth was just held a few summers ago (I remember hearing that you weren't able to attend); I'm not sure how much of an interest such would be.  That would be up to whomever is planning this upcoming meet; which I'm assuming that the primary focus will be Boston and the surrounding area.

Someone made the suggestion for a clinchfest after the "main event". Given that SE Massachusetts especially is typically out of the way for most of us, I think that would be a better idea.

I'll second the motion.  The roadgeeks are about to take Provincetown!
If that would be on the itinerary for a Boston meet, it would need to be a 2-day affair, due to the distance between the two. Also, it would probably best be scheduled in late April/Early May or in the fall to avoid the primary tourist (traffic) season.
Title: Re: Boston roadmeet?
Post by: Pete from Boston on November 07, 2016, 12:01:13 PM
The quiet time is after July 4, and before late August.  In September folks with kids are no longer going away, and the roads are filled with newcomers who don't know their way.

Avoid the tail end of August and the beginning of September at all costs.  People inexperienced with trucks and/or narrow, confusing streets are out in force driving/parking vans.
Title: Re: Boston roadmeet?
Post by: deathtopumpkins on November 08, 2016, 11:33:38 PM
If there's actual interest in this I could probably host it (or help Steve host it). There's also a few things worth seeing in and around the city that haven't been mentioned, including some old signs, and the tollbooth demolitions on the Turnpike. Also, an abandoned stretch of 128 in the Blue Hills Reservation.
Title: Re: Boston roadmeet?
Post by: Alps on November 09, 2016, 01:10:50 AM
Quote from: deathtopumpkins on November 08, 2016, 11:33:38 PM
If there's actual interest in this I could probably host it (or help Steve host it). There's also a few things worth seeing in and around the city that haven't been mentioned, including some old signs, and the tollbooth demolitions on the Turnpike. Also, an abandoned stretch of 128 in the Blue Hills Reservation.
My hosting days are over with Alaska.
Title: Re: Boston roadmeet?
Post by: roadman on November 09, 2016, 09:15:17 AM
Quote from: deathtopumpkins on November 08, 2016, 11:33:38 PM
If there's actual interest in this I could probably host it (or help Steve host it). There's also a few things worth seeing in and around the city that haven't been mentioned, including some old signs, and the tollbooth demolitions on the Turnpike. Also, an abandoned stretch of 128 in the Blue Hills Reservation.
Tollbooth demolitions should be long done by next summer.
Title: Re: Boston roadmeet?
Post by: Pete from Boston on November 09, 2016, 12:11:24 PM
Quote from: roadman on November 09, 2016, 09:15:17 AM
Quote from: deathtopumpkins on November 08, 2016, 11:33:38 PM
If there's actual interest in this I could probably host it (or help Steve host it). There's also a few things worth seeing in and around the city that haven't been mentioned, including some old signs, and the tollbooth demolitions on the Turnpike. Also, an abandoned stretch of 128 in the Blue Hills Reservation.
Tollbooth demolitions should be long done by next summer.

Are there any left?  I just see pavement rejiggering now.
Title: Re: Boston roadmeet?
Post by: cl94 on November 09, 2016, 12:12:26 PM
Quote from: Pete from Boston on November 09, 2016, 12:11:24 PM
Quote from: roadman on November 09, 2016, 09:15:17 AM
Quote from: deathtopumpkins on November 08, 2016, 11:33:38 PM
If there's actual interest in this I could probably host it (or help Steve host it). There's also a few things worth seeing in and around the city that haven't been mentioned, including some old signs, and the tollbooth demolitions on the Turnpike. Also, an abandoned stretch of 128 in the Blue Hills Reservation.
Tollbooth demolitions should be long done by next summer.

Are there any left?  I just see pavement rejiggering now.

Phase 1 is virtually done at this point. Booths are all gone.
Title: Re: Boston roadmeet?
Post by: roadman on November 09, 2016, 02:41:23 PM
Quote from: cl94 on November 09, 2016, 12:12:26 PM
Quote from: Pete from Boston on November 09, 2016, 12:11:24 PM
Quote from: roadman on November 09, 2016, 09:15:17 AM
Quote from: deathtopumpkins on November 08, 2016, 11:33:38 PM
If there's actual interest in this I could probably host it (or help Steve host it). There's also a few things worth seeing in and around the city that haven't been mentioned, including some old signs, and the tollbooth demolitions on the Turnpike. Also, an abandoned stretch of 128 in the Blue Hills Reservation.
Tollbooth demolitions should be long done by next summer.

Are there any left?  I just see pavement rejiggering now.

Phase 1 is virtually done at this point. Booths are all gone.

Latest update from MassDOT:  http://blog.mass.gov/transportation/massdot-highway/transition-to-all-electronic-tolling-on-schedule/
Title: Re: Boston roadmeet?
Post by: deathtopumpkins on November 09, 2016, 09:26:02 PM
Quote from: roadman on November 09, 2016, 09:15:17 AM
Quote from: deathtopumpkins on November 08, 2016, 11:33:38 PM
If there's actual interest in this I could probably host it (or help Steve host it). There's also a few things worth seeing in and around the city that haven't been mentioned, including some old signs, and the tollbooth demolitions on the Turnpike. Also, an abandoned stretch of 128 in the Blue Hills Reservation.
Tollbooth demolitions should be long done by next summer.


However, that still might be something worth seeing for some people. Even with the booths themselves long gone, AET is still somewhat of a novelty, and it will be interesting to see the interim layouts with the booths gone but the interchanges still in their current configurations.
Title: Re: Boston roadmeet?
Post by: PHLBOS on November 10, 2016, 09:05:21 AM
Quote from: deathtopumpkins on November 09, 2016, 09:26:02 PMEven with the booths themselves long gone, AET is still somewhat of a novelty, and it will be interesting to see the interim layouts with the booths gone but the interchanges still in their current configurations.
To the best of my knowledge, the AET conversion along the Pike doesn't include reconfiguring any of the interchanges and none are planned except for the Weston (I-95/MA 30/128 interchange/plaza) &* the Allston-Brighton-Cambridge interchange; which was the latter being independent of the AET toll conversion project though the latest design anticipated its implementation.   

IIRC, the proposed alteration of the Allston-Brighton-Cambridge interchange was independent of the AET conversion.

What could happen, down the road, is if an additional interchange is needed & built; it will no longer be of the dual-trumpet or trumpet-connector variety (i.e less real estate would be needed/taken).

*Added based on & courtesy of information provided by Roadman
Title: Re: Boston roadmeet?
Post by: cl94 on November 10, 2016, 09:22:22 AM
Quote from: PHLBOS on November 10, 2016, 09:05:21 AM
Quote from: deathtopumpkins on November 09, 2016, 09:26:02 PMEven with the booths themselves long gone, AET is still somewhat of a novelty, and it will be interesting to see the interim layouts with the booths gone but the interchanges still in their current configurations.
To the best of my knowledge, the AET conversion along the Pike doesn't include reconfiguring any of the interchanges and none are planned except for the Allston-Brighton-Cambridge interchange; which was independent of the AET toll conversion project though the latest design anticipated its implementation.   

IIRC, the proposed alteration of the Allston-Brighton-Cambridge interchange was independent of the AET conversion.

What could happen, down the road, is if an additional interchange is needed & built; it will no longer be of the dual-trumpet or trumpet-connector variety (i.e less real estate would be needed/taken).

Yes. Heck, in many places, there just isn't room to reconfigure.
Title: Re: Boston roadmeet?
Post by: roadman on November 10, 2016, 09:31:10 AM
Quote from: PHLBOS on November 10, 2016, 09:05:21 AM
Quote from: deathtopumpkins on November 09, 2016, 09:26:02 PMEven with the booths themselves long gone, AET is still somewhat of a novelty, and it will be interesting to see the interim layouts with the booths gone but the interchanges still in their current configurations.
To the best of my knowledge, the AET conversion along the Pike doesn't include reconfiguring any of the interchanges and none are planned except for the Allston-Brighton-Cambridge interchange; which was independent of the AET toll conversion project though the latest design anticipated its implementation.   

IIRC, the proposed alteration of the Allston-Brighton-Cambridge interchange was independent of the AET conversion.

What could happen, down the road, is if an additional interchange is needed & built; it will no longer be of the dual-trumpet or trumpet-connector variety (i.e less real estate would be needed/taken).
In addition to the intermediate Allston-Brighton work - reconfiguring and extending the eastbound exit - being done in Demo Phase II, the Weston interchange is going to be re-configured as well once Demo Phase II is completed.  The westbound exit is going to be changed into two separate exits, one for I-95/128 and one for Route 30.
Title: Re: Boston roadmeet?
Post by: PHLBOS on November 10, 2016, 09:38:54 AM
Quote from: roadman on November 10, 2016, 09:31:10 AMIn addition to the intermediate Allston-Brighton work - reconfiguring and extending the eastbound exit - being done in Demo Phase II, the Weston interchange is going to be re-configured as well once Demo Phase II is completed.  The westbound exit is going to be changed into two separate exits, one for I-95/128 and one for Route 30.
Forgot about that one (& I've since edited my earlier post to reflect such).

So in a nutshell & at present, only the interchanges that had mainline toll plazas in them are slated to be reconfigured.
Title: Re: Boston roadmeet?
Post by: deathtopumpkins on November 13, 2016, 09:05:49 PM
Quote from: PHLBOS on November 10, 2016, 09:38:54 AM
Quote from: roadman on November 10, 2016, 09:31:10 AMIn addition to the intermediate Allston-Brighton work - reconfiguring and extending the eastbound exit - being done in Demo Phase II, the Weston interchange is going to be re-configured as well once Demo Phase II is completed.  The westbound exit is going to be changed into two separate exits, one for I-95/128 and one for Route 30.
Forgot about that one (& I've since edited my earlier post to reflect such).

So in a nutshell & at present, only the interchanges that had mainline toll plazas in them are slated to be reconfigured.

Not quite true. The state put out an RFP a while ago looking to reconfigure the Pike/495 interchange. Not sure the status of it, since I don't think my firm ended up submitting a bid for it.
Title: Re: Boston roadmeet?
Post by: cl94 on November 13, 2016, 09:13:29 PM
Quote from: deathtopumpkins on November 13, 2016, 09:05:49 PM
Quote from: PHLBOS on November 10, 2016, 09:38:54 AM
Quote from: roadman on November 10, 2016, 09:31:10 AMIn addition to the intermediate Allston-Brighton work - reconfiguring and extending the eastbound exit - being done in Demo Phase II, the Weston interchange is going to be re-configured as well once Demo Phase II is completed.  The westbound exit is going to be changed into two separate exits, one for I-95/128 and one for Route 30.
Forgot about that one (& I've since edited my earlier post to reflect such).

So in a nutshell & at present, only the interchanges that had mainline toll plazas in them are slated to be reconfigured.

Not quite true. The state put out an RFP a while ago looking to reconfigure the Pike/495 interchange. Not sure the status of it, since I don't think my firm ended up submitting a bid for it.

That one should be reconfigured. Difficult thanks to the wetlands, but the current setup is a mess.
Title: Re: Boston roadmeet?
Post by: noelbotevera on November 20, 2016, 02:24:42 AM
So since the quiet times are prior to September (when it'd be easiest to do the meet), I'm out. Even then, I'm uncertain if my brother is accepted into MIT, so my chances are really shaky right now and hard to determine. If the meet does push through and happen, and I do go to Boston, I can just retrace the itinerary (I tried to do so with Richmond, but didn't have time).