Page 7 - January 2017

Collaboration Results in “E-Z” Toll Demolitions

by George M. Hamilton

On October 28, 2016, the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) implemented its
“historic transition” to All Electronic Tolling on the Massachusetts Turnpike (I-90). The Massachusetts
Turnpike portion of Interstate 90 covers 138 miles from the New York border to the tunnel system in
Boston and the Logan Airport connectors, and located along the highway are 29 exits. “Phase One”; the
demolition of the toll plazas, planned for 23 of these exits to have their toll booths removed and new traffic
patterns in place by November 22, 2016.

Planned Sequence – Phase 1 Courtesy MassDOT

The total costs to design and build the physical electronic tolling system are approximately $130 million
and toll demolition and roadway reconstruction will cost about $133 million, excluding the Sumner Tunnel.
The benefits of this large scale project are many and the inconvenience to drivers is expected to be minimal.
“While we recognize that our customers may face some short term inconvenience as the toll booths come
down and as we all adjust to this new system, the benefits of improved safety, reduced congestion, and
improved air quality will be of long lasting, and significant benefit for the people of the Commonwealth and
beyond”, said Massachusetts Transportation Secretary and CEO Stephanie Pollock.

This modernization of travel and technology along I-90 presents many changes and challenges to, both
drivers who utilize the Turnpike, and the employees involved in the Toll Plaza Demolition and Roadway
Reconstruction. Although “Phase One” officially began in earnest at 10:00 p.m. on October 28, 2016, many
months of planning precipitated this monumental endeavor.

With the safety of the motoring public being a major concern, the command staff of the Massachusetts
State Police (MSP) joined forces with MassDOT and the many private contractors involved in the project,
in order to ensure that the transition for motorists to an All Electronic Tolling system would be seamless
and safe. Drivers who were accustomed to 18 years of driving at a reduced speed through EZ Pass lanes
or actually stopping to pay at the toll booths would suddenly be faced with new traffic patterns and a no

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