BOSTON (WHDH) - The Mass Pike has begun all electronic tolling, and the demolition of the old toll booths is underway.
“Stay in your lane, and do not stop at the old toll booth, there is nobody there to take your money,” said Thomas Tinlin, Massachusetts Highway Director.
Monday morning will be the first weekday commute since that construction has started.
Imagine traffic from a snowstorm twice a day—that’s what it’s going to look like.
“There is a lot of work that needs to be done. There will be a lot of inconvenience. Anything that the driving public can do. Give us the road, let us do our job, we’re going to get you where you need to be safely,” said Tinlin.
Traffic patterns will look different.
“We will have extra tow trucks, lots of patrols out there, lots of police presence, if someone breaks down we’ll have a great response to that,” said Major Terry Hanson, of the Massachusetts State Police.
In phase one of construction, crews expect to work at the center of the toll complex to eventually allow traffic to pass through the middle.
In phase two, crews expect to work on the outside areas until all toll booths are gone.
Officials said it’s expected to be Christmas of 2017 before all the work is done.
“The long-term benefit of this project is improved air quality, improved congestion and improved safety,” said Jeff Larason, Director of the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety.
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