Toll Plaza Demolition and Reconstruction Project Update Meetings for Mass. Pike

WESTBOROUGH, MA — The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) has announced four public meetings, including one in Westborough, to update the public on the status of the implementation of All Electronic Tolling and the progress of demolishing existing toll plaza infrastructure and reconstructing the roadway.

According to an announcement, representatives of MassDOT discuss the construction progress in 23 work zones, timeline for completion, what to expect as the project moves into the spring and summer months and other issues.

These public meetings will be to receive feedback from users of I-90, (the Massachusetts Turnpike), and neighboring communities and to provide interchange specific information about what the traveling public can expect during 2017.

The meeting takes place on Wednesday, Jan. 11, at Westborough Town Hall, 34 West Main St., from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Plaza Focus: Sturbridge / I-84, Worcester/Auburn/I-290, Worcester/Rt. 146, Worcester/Millbury, Westborough/I-495, Framingham, Natick/Route 30.

MassDOT announced that toll demolition and roadway reconstruction continues to proceed on schedule at all 23 work zones and Phase One work was completed ahead of schedule in time for the Thanksgiving holiday travel week, which reportedly saw less severe congestion than in previous years. During the winter months, as weather permits, construction activities will continue focusing on the toll plaza infrastructure that stands to the left and right of what had been the center areas of toll plazas.

Ongoing work also includes focusing on drainage issues in the area of former toll plazas and in some cases means the need to install catch basins and culverts. Other activities underway include repaving road surfaces and adding lighting, guardrail, and other safety features. This work will occur throughout the winter, as weather permits. Crews are working under more traditional construction hours, rather than the 24/7 schedule that was part of the first phase. Each of the 23 work zones has its own management, design, and construction plan. Activities are scheduled to be completed by the end of calendar year 2017 in all work zones.

Photo and information via MassDOT