MassDOT Moving to Next Phase of Turnpike Plaza Reconstruction December 22, 2016 23:35

The first phase of the state's move to remove all toll plazas and implement all-electronic tolling on the Massachusetts Turnpike finished ahead of schedule in November. But the work isn't over yet.

MassDOT will hold four public meetings in January and February across the state to update the public on the ongoing reconstruction of all 23 Mass. Pike interchanges where the toll plazas once stood. 

MassDOT says construction at the interchanges will continue throughout the winter months as weather permits. Although the plazas are gone, crews will continue to work on drainage issues at the former plaza locations as well as repaving, adding lighting, guardrails and other safety features. 

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.

"Each of the 23 work zones has its own management, design, and construction plan," MassDOT said in a press release.

All work is scheduled to be completed by the end of 2017. 

The public is invited to the meetings to hear updates and more of what drivers should expect. But the meetings are also an opportunity for the public to give feedback to the state. 

The following is public meeting schedule:

Wednesday, Jan. 11, Westborough Town Hall, 34 West Main Street
Plaza Focus: Sturbridge / I-84, Worcester/Auburn/I-290, Worcester/Rt. 146, Worcester/Millbury, Westborough/I-495, Framingham, Natick/Rt. 30
(If weather postpones the Jan. 11 meeting, this meeting will be held Jan. 25)
Wednesday , Jan. 18, Brighton, WGBH Yawkey Theater, One Guest Street
Plaza Focus: Weston, Allston/Brighton, Ted Williams Tunnel
(If weather postpones the Jan. 18 meeting, this meeting will be held Jan. 26)
Monday, Jan. 23, Northampton, District 2 Highway Office, 811 N. King Street
Plaza Focus: Westfield, Westfield, West Springfield / I-91, Chicopee, Springfield / I-291 Ludlow, Palmer
(If weather postpones the Jan. 23 meeting, this meeting will be held Jan. 24)
Tuesday, Feb.  7, Lenox, District 1 Highway Office, 270 Main Street
Plaza Focus: West Stockbridge and Lee