What to Expect When the Mass. Pike Toll Booths Are Demolished

WESTBOROUGH, MA—Beginning Oct. 28, the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) starts the demolition of all existing toll plazas as part of the implementation of All Electronic Tolling (AET) along the Massachusetts Turnpike.

To give commuters information on what to expect, MassDOT is holding four public meetings, including one in Westborough on Tuesday, Oct. 18, at the Town Hall, West Main Street, from 6-8 p.m. The plaza focus for the informational session is Sturbridge / I-84, Worcester/Auburn/I-290, Worcester/Rt. 146, Worcester/Millbury, Westborough/I-495, Framingham, Natick/Route 30.

Within the project overview, MassDOT will discuss: demolition process, timeline, hours of construction operations, traffic and noise impacts, material disposition and other project related issues, said the announcement.

"These meetings will ensure that users of the Massachusetts Turnpike and neighboring communities are fully informed about the construction process to minimize any public inconvenience," said the release.

Additional meetings:

Tuesday, Oct. 11, 6:30-8:30 p.m. – Lenox, District 1 Highway Office, 270 Main St., Plaza Focus: West Stockbridge and Lee

Thursday, Oct. 13, 6:30-8:30 p.m. – West Springfield, Clarion Conference Center, 1080 Riverdale St. Plaza Focus: Westfield, Westfield, West Springfield / I-91, Chicopee, Springfield / I-291, Ludlow, Palmer

• Wednesday, Oct. 19, 6:30-8:30 p.m. – Brighton, WGBH - Yawkey Theater, One Guest Street. Plaza Focus: Weston, Allston/Brighton, Ted Williams Tunnel.

If you are unable to attend a meeting, a copy of the presentation will be available here. Public comments and questions may also be submitted by email AETinfo@dot.state.ma.us.

Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons