Statewide Exit Renumbering Project Public Information Meeting

STATEWIDE EXIT RENUMBERING PROJECT PUBLIC INFORMATION MEETING | DECEMBER 9, 2019 Project Overview The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) is converting all exit numbers on freeways to a milepost-based numbering system, per Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) requirement. • Currently, interstates and freeways in Massachusetts utilize a sequential exit numbering method. Background - MUTCD States are statutorily Massachusetts, New required to adopt the Hampshire, and Federal Highway Delaware are the only Administration’s three states remaining (FHWA’s) Manual on in non-compliance. Uniform Traffic Control • All others have either fully Devices (MUTCD). converted or have started • The 2009 MUTCD conversion efforts. mandated that all states establish a mile-based exit numbering system. Background - Massachusetts MassDOT has The MUTCD In January 2019, H. committed to FHWA to requirement applies to 3078 “An Act comply with mileage- all controlled access Establishing Mileage based exits by January roads with exits, Based Numbering for 2022. meaning interstates Exits Along Interstate • Non-compliance “could and freeways. Highways” was referred result in withdrawal of to the Joint Committee Federal-aid funds” MassDOT owns the only roads that the on Transportation requirement is Committee. applicable to. Project Benefits More accurate Emergency Reduced Maintenance Response Costs • Can improve reporting of • Sign numbering does not highway incidents, need to be changed if new resulting in better navigation of emergency interchanges are added to services a route Driver Friendly Navigation National uniformity • Allows drivers to • Same exit numbering determining distances to scheme as a majority of destinations quickly the states • Miles traveled can be calculated more easily Implementation Conversion will be “Old Exit” signs will be implemented on a installed at each route-by-route basis, converted exit for a generally starting in minimum of two years. Western MA and moving eastward • For individual routes, exit numbering conversion will take place east to west or north to south. • Route 6 will be converted last Sign Design Before After Sign Design Before After Exceptions to the new requirement • For exits leading to the • Routes with their first • Due to the length and same interchange, exit less than 1 mile spacing of exits, the lettered exits will be from the state line or exit numbers on the utilized (ex: Exit 50A the start of the following corridors will and 50B) freeway would register not be changed: • Routes that currently as Exit 1. There will be • Route 213 do not have exit no “Exit 0”. • Interstate 291 numbers will not have • Interstate 391 new exit numbers • Lowell Connector assigned as part of this project (ex. Route 28, 57, and 79) Construction Schedule Conversion will generally begin with routes in Western MA and move eastward. The construction schedule will remain up-to-date on the project’s website. Public Outreach Construction Fall 2019 – Project Award Complete Spring 2020 Summer 2020 Spring 2021 Requests for Proposal Begin Construction Spring 2020 Late Summer 2020 FAQs How will the program be Will there be any traffic What will happen with paid for? impacts? recreational and cultural • The project, which is • Minimal impacts to traffic interest area signs? estimated to cost $2.8 are anticipated during • MassDOT will update all million, will be paid for construction. The public recreational and cultural through Federal Highway will be notified in advance interest signage to reflect Safety Improvement of construction start and new exit numbering Program (HSIP) funds. MassDOT will use system. HSIP funding carries a electronic changeable 90/10 split, which means message signs to alert that 90% of the project motorists along the route will be funded through of the pending changes. federal funds and the remaining 10% will be • New exit signage will be funded through state installed during off-peak highway funds. hours. Service, Recreational, and Cultural Interest Signs Before Before Before After After After FAQs How will the project How will I know what my What is MassDOT doing to impact businesses? exit number is changing notify the public of this • Businesses that reference to? conversion? existing exit numbers in • The interactive map on • MassDOT is conducting an their advertising or the project website extensive public outreach marketing materials campaign to notify the (flyers, brochures, signs, • Corridor handouts public of the upcoming etc.) will need to revise conversion. Outreach these materials. includes in-person and • “Old Exit #” signs will be online communication installed under this strategies that will give the program and will remain public ample opportunity to in place for a minimum of learn about the project and 2 years, giving businesses ask questions prior to and their customers time construction. to adjust to the new exit numbers during this transition period. Public Outreach • Project Website • Public and Stakeholder Meetings • Handouts • Social media • Mapping service providers • Changeable Message Signs • Public Service Announcements (PSA’s) on Digital Billboards Online Resources • Project Website: NewMassExits.com • Project Video • Interactive Map • FAQs • Calendar • Online Meeting • Comment Tool • Downloadable Corridor Handouts .

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