All-Electronic Tolling Begins Tonight in Massachusetts

Traffic in Massachusetts will run a little smoother starting Friday night, as the state launches all-electronic tolling on its roadways.

Under all-electronic tolling, drivers will be charged as they pass underneath 16 electronic toll gantries and have the option to pay through a free E-ZPassMA transponder for a discount, an out-of-state transponder or an invoice under the Pay by Plate program.

However, motorists should expect to encounter some backups in the coming weeks while the Massachusetts Department of Transportation works to demolish existing toll plazas.

"We are committed to educating the public about the transition to EZDriveMA," said Highway Administrator Thomas J. Tinlin in a statement. "The toll demolition and road reconstruction projects beginning on October 28 will impact travel for motorists along I-90 (the Massachusetts Turnpike), and drivers are encouraged to slow down in these active construction areas, consider traveling at off-peak hours, and evaluate whether mass transit might be a preferred option."

On Friday, the E-ZPass MA customer service call center will go offline at 6:45 a.m. and remain out of commission until 7 a.m. Nov. 1 for a series of updates to its system. At 8 p.m., work zones will begin to be set up at existing toll plazas, followed by the ceasing of manual toll collection at 9:45 p.m.

The electronic tolling gantries will go online at 10 p.m. and begin collecting data as drivers pass underneath. The tolling websites will be shut down, to be replaced by the new EZDriveMA webpage. Online services, such as signing up for an E-ZPass MA account, viewing an existing account and paying Pay by Plate invoices or toll violations will not be available until Nov. 1.

"In preparing for the launch of AET, we are trying to get the word out to the public about what to expect, and putting in place logistics to inform drivers about the work which will be occurring," said Massachusetts Transportation Secretary and CEO Stephanie Pollack in an announcement. "While we recognize that our customers may face some short term inconvenience as the toll booths come down and as we all adjust to this new system, the benefits of improved safety, reduced congestion, and improved air quality will be of long lasting, and significant benefit for the people of the Commonwealth and beyond."

While the new system is offline, MassDOT is offering assistance at the following customer service locations. Transponders received at these locations will not be activated for up to five days.

East Boston – 145 Havre St.
Saturday, Oct. 29: 8 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Sunday, Oct. 30: 8 a. m. – 2 p.m.
Monday, Oct. 31: 7a.m. – 7 p.m.

Natick – Service Plaza on I-90, (the Massachusetts Turnpike), Eastbound at Mile Marker 117
Saturday, Oct. 29: 8 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Sunday, Oct. 30: 8 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Monday, Oct. 31: 7 a.m. – 7 p.m.

Auburn – 27 Midstate Dr.
Saturday, Oct. 29: 8 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Sunday, Oct. 30: 8 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Monday, Oct. 31: 7 a.m. – 7 p.m.

Lee – Service Plaza on I-90, (the Massachusetts Turnpike), Eastbound, between Exits 1 and 2
Saturday, Oct. 29: 8 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Sunday, Oct. 30: 8 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Monday, Oct. 31: 7 a.m. – 7 p.m.

Ludlow – Service Plaza on I-90, (the Massachusetts Turnpike), Eastbound
Saturday, Oct. 29: 8 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Sunday, Oct. 30: 8 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Monday, Oct. 31: 7 a.m. – 7 p.m.

Saugus – 1201 Broadway, Route 1 South
Saturday, Oct. 29: 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Sunday, Oct. 30: 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Monday, Oct. 31: 9 a.m. – 7 p.m.

Charlton – Service Plaza on I-90, (the Massachusetts Turnpike), Eastbound
Saturday, Oct. 29: 7 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Sunday, Oct. 30: 7 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Monday, Oct. 31: 7 a.m. – 7 p.m.

Framingham – Service Plaza on I-90, (the Massachusetts Turnpike), Westbound
Saturday, Oct. 29: 7 a.m. – 7pm
Sunday, Oct. 30: 7 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Monday, Oct. 31: 7 a.m. – 7 p.m.

According to MassDOT, demolition will largely take place during the winter months and is expected to be completed by the end of next year.

Photo credit: Wikimedia Commons