Transportation news and notes
Toll increase not likely – T fares not so sure
The governor is expected to sign the state budget today. Most notable is an increase in the sales tax from 5% to 6.5% – what does this have to do with traffic or transportation? The budget includes $100 million to avoid increases at the Rte. 128 and Allston tolls and the Ted Williams and Sumner tunnels thanks to this increase in the sales tax. The decision whether or no to raise the tolls will be made today by the Turnpike board of directors at a meeting in Framingham as part of their vote on the authority’s budget for the next fiscal year.
The bill also allocates money to MBTA to close a $160 million gap; but whether it will be enough to offset a fare increase is not known. You can find a good article on the bill and overview of the transportation overhaul at Worcester News Telegram site here.
Steven Baddour, a Methuen Democrat, and co-chairman of the Legislature’s transportation committee committed last week to a bill that will ban automobile drivers from using text messaging devices on the road. The provision was taken out of a budget bill recently because it did not relate to spending. However, it remains a priority. A rally held last Thursday by Safe Roads Alliance a driver safety organization, was attended by Mayor Menino and Mellisa Martin whose daughter died in a car accident caused by texting.
I-93 Road Closures for week of 6/28
I-93 South approaching and through Downtown
Nighttime Multi-lane Closure
Two-to-three lanes of I-93 South will be closed at night approaching and through Downtown Monday, June 29, 2009 through Wednesday, July 1, 2009 from 11:30 PM to 5:00 AM the following morning.
These lane closures are for maintenance work.
Storrow Drive On-Ramp to I-93 South
Early Morning Ramp Closure
The Storrow Drive on-ramp to I-93 South will be closed early morning (Wednesday night) Thursday, July 2, 2009 from 12:30 AM to 5 AM.
Motorists destined for I-93 South should follow posted detour signs via Martha Road and Merrimac Street to the I-93 South on-ramp at New Chardon Street.
This closure is to allow for maintenance work.
Haymarket On-ramp to I-93 South and Callahan Tunnel
Nighttime Ramp Closures
The Haymarket on-ramp to I-93 South and the Callahan Tunnel will be closed at night Monday, June 29, 2009 from 11:30 PM to 5 AM the following morning.
Motorists destined for I-93 South, Route 1A, East Boston, and Logan Airport should follow posted detour signs towards Leverett Circle. At Leverett Circle motorists should access I- 93 South. Those destined for Route 1A, East Boston, and Logan Airport should take Exit 24 off I-93 South.
This closure is to allow for maintenance.
I-93 South Exits 24 A and B to Government Center and Callahan Tunnel
Nighttime Ramp Closure
The exit ramp from I-93 South to Government Center and the Callahan Tunnel (Exit 24 A and Exit 24 B) will be closed early morning (Wednesday night) Thursday, July 2,2009 from 12:30 AM to 5:00 AM the following morning .
Motorists will be detoured to the left lane of Exit 23, Purchase Street. From there drivers trying to access Government Center should follow the posted detour via Atlantic Avenue while drivers heading to East Boston and Logan Airport will be detoured to the Ted Williams Tunnel via Seaport Boulevard.
This closure is to allow for maintenance work.
I-93 South Exit 23, Purchase Street
Nighttime Ramp Closure
I-93 South Exit 23 to Purchase Street will be closed at night Monday, June 29, 2009 through Wednesday, July 1, 2009 from 11:30 PM until 5:00 AM the following morning.
Drivers should stay on I-93 South and reverse direction at Exit 18 (Mass Ave Exit). Stay in the left lane of Exit 18 and turn left onto the South Boston Bypass Road. Drivers should then turn left again onto Frontage Road northbound and follow signs for South Station.
This closure is for maintenance work.