MassDOT schedules All Electronic Tolling public meetings

The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) has scheduled three public meetings to present All Electronic Tolling (AET) information and solicit comments from members of the public.

MassDOT proposes to convert and replace the I-90 Western Turnpike and I-90 Boston Metropolitan Highway System interchange-based manual cash and electronic toll collection systems with a new system of tolling relying only on All Electronic Tolling (AET).

The project will include both roadway tolling infrastructure and toll collection system technology.

The proposed new tech gallants will be in West Stockbridge, Blandford and Ludlow in western Massachusetts.

The interchanges at Lee, Westfield, West Springfield, Chicopee, Springfield and Palmer will be dismantled and/or discontinued under the plan.

The first meeting in Boston will include MassDOT representatives and a discussion led by Massachusetts Environmental Policy Act (MEPA) staff regarding environmental impacts of the AET project.

The public meetings are scheduled as follows:

-Boston: Aug. 15, 6:00-8:00p.m., State Transportation Building, Conference Room 2nd Floor, 10 Park Plaza

-Worcester- Aug 20, 6:00-8:00p.m., Worcester City Hall, 455 Main Street

-Springfield- Thursday, Aug. 22, 6:00-8:00p.m., Springfield City Hall, Room 220, 36 Court Street.

The meetings will include a presentation by MassDOT, followed by a discussion and opportunity for questions.

(MEPA) requires that state agencies study the environmental consequences of their actions, including permitting and financial assistance, and to take all feasible measures to avoid, minimize, and mitigate damage to the environment.

The All-Electronic Tolling project does not exceed thresholds requiring MEPA review, however,

MassDOT has voluntarily prepared and submitted the Environmental Notification Form (ENF) for informational purposes to allow for widespread public review.

The purpose of the ENF filing is to provide the opportunity for full statewide public disclosure and review of MassDOT’s proposal to change the structure of the State’s tolling system, and to provide the opportunity for comment from citizens and state, regional and local agencies. A copy of the ENF can be found at the following link:

http://www.env.state.ma.us/mepa/mepadocs/2013/072413em/nps/enf/15080.pdf

Project Phases

According to the plans outlined, “the initial phases will consist of placement, construction and implementation of the AETS gantries and toll collection system, in tandem with the establishment of an operations office to support the AETS system.

“Immediately after the “Go-Live Day” the cash toll plazas will be closed, and demolition activities can commence. Demolition activities will occur within the existing plaza footprints with no wetland impacts or increase in land disturbance.

“At existing plazas that are within wetland buffer zones, a Request for Determination of applicability will be filed with the local conservation commission. Erosion and sedimentation control measures and appropriate BMPs are expected to be in place during plaza demolition.

“The extent of demolition at each individual plaza is to be determined, but will be guided by the goal of ensuring that each plaza is left in safe and operable condition.

“At some locations, excess pavement will be removed (reducing impervious surfaces) and approaches in the plaza area may be realigned for driver safety.”

Posted by George C. Jordan III on August 15, 2013. Filed under News,State News. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry