Misc. Massachusetts Highway Photos

Go to I-295 Sign Replacement Project Photos New 5/12/24

Go to US 1 Sign Replacement section (New photos 5/20/24)

A. US 3 Sign Replacement, Burlington to Tyngsboro, 2021-2024 (UPDATED 7/30/24)

Signs along the US 3/Northwest Expressway are being replaced under a contract started back in 2021. Only in early 2024 have the overhead signs along the route started to go up. As of late July all but 1 overhead sign had been replaced, work still needed on ground-mounted signs, including most gore signs and reassurance markers. The photos will be grouped by exit heading north, with northbound exits shown first:

*Photos taken on July 28, 2024:

EXIT 72 (SB) - Interstate 95/Route 128

The overhead signs were the first to be replaced on US 3 in February 2024:

All the new signs, starting with the 2 Miles advance above are arrow-per-lane style. The indicated the exit for I-95 South has one lane that is Exit Only while those wanting to stay on US 3, should go straight. There were no Route 128 shields or trailblazers in place with the new signs.

The 1 Mile advance version of the APL sign. It might have been simpler to just give the I-95 South ramp an exit number so US 3 does not exit off itself. But MassDOT prefers to have both ramps with numbers.

Now the 1/2 Mile advance APL. Other than a reduced speed, there is no indication that the expressway actually ends after the I-95 South ramp.

The APL approaching the I-95 (Route 128) South ramp. You can now see warning signs in the distance regarding the need to exit at the I-95 North/US 3 South ramp. This is the last new sign.

EXIT 73 - Route 62

All the overhead signs for this exit were replaced between May and July:

*The new 1 Mile advance sign headed north.

*The new 1/2 Mile advance sign.

*The new sign at the exit itself, the gore sign had not been replaced. Turning around...

*The new 1 Mile advance sign headed south, as with the previous sign it shares a gantry with a VMS.

*The new 1/2 Mile advance sign, all by itself.

*The exit sign, with the first advance for the I-95 exits in the distance.

The overhead ramp sign for US 3 North on MA 62 West in Burlington put up in late February.

EXIT 76 - Concord Road

All the overhead signs for this exit were replaced between May and July:

*The new 1 Mile advance sign headed north.

*The new 1/2 Mile advance sign by a noise wall.

*And the new exit sign, again still with old gore sign.  In the other direction...

*The new 1 Mile advance sign headed south.

*Birds have already found a new place to perch on the new 1/2 Mile advance sign. Notice the Mile 77.6 marker to the right. The exit is at Mile 77, many of the exit numbers seem to be 1 mile off where they should be.

*The new exit sign headed south. Also no new gore sign, only partly visible in distance.

*They also have not replaced the reassurance markers yet south of I-495.

EXIT 78 - Treble Cove Road

All the overhead signs for this exit were replaced between May and July:

*The new 1 Mile advance sign headed north, near an old North US 3 reassurance marker.

*The new 1/2 Mile advance sign.

*The new exit sign, but old gore sign.

*Closeup of the old gore sign, with new exit number overlay. The staging area beyond the ramp still has some new signs to be installed. Turning around...

*The new 1 Mile advance sign headed south, behind a blue commuter services info sign.

*The new 1/2 Mile advance sign.

*The new exit sign with the old gore sign once again.

EXIT 79 - Route 129

All the overhead signs, but the 1 Mile advance sign for this exit were replaced between May and July. That sign is to be mounted on an existing I-495 sign gantry, the other signs in this direction are in photos for I-495 below.

Turning around...

*The 1 Mile advance headed south, just after the first on-ramp from I-495/Lowell Connector.

*The 1/2 Mile advance after the second on-ramp from I-495.

*The exit sign and old gore sign for Route 129.

EXITS 80 / 81 A - Lowell Connector / I-495 North (NB)

New advance signs southbound were installed in early March, most signs northbound were put up in April.

*The new 2 Miles advance sign went up later in May or June. Notice the one remaining old overhead sign for the Route 129 exit in the distance.

*The 1 mile advance sign is paired with the 1/2 mile advance for the Route 129 exit.

*The 1/4 mile advance sign before older diagrammatic that is not being replaced for the I-495 South/Route 110 exit.

The diagrammatic advance signs are not being replaced in this direction, but new signs at the exit were installed in April, photo by Paul Schlichtman.

EXITS 81 B/C - Interstate 495 South / Route 110

Along the C/D ramp northbound:

The new signs were put up along the C/D ramp in April.

The new 2-sign cantilever at the I-495 South exit on the C/D ramp.

The new exit sign for the MA 110 exit at the end of the C/D ramp.

EXITS 81 C-B-A (SB) Route 110 / Interstate 495

The only new signs placed so far for the I-495 and Route 110 exits are the 2 Miles advance diagrammatic, above and the similar 1 Mile advance sign.

The 1 Mile advance diagrammatic. Followed by...

The new 1/2 Mile advance sign, put up in April. Many states, encourage by the new federal MUTCD, are phasing out these type of signs, but apparently MassDOT still likes them. Signage in the C/D lane heading south was replaced after May 5.

*The first C/D ramp sign for the Route 110 exit.

*The overhead signs at the I-495 South exit.

*The last C/D ramp sign for the I-495 North exit.

Additional new signage:

The new auxiliary sign for the Lowell Connector southbound prior to the I-495/Route 110 C/D lanes.

EXIT 84 - Route 4

All the overhead signs had been placed by early May.

The new overhead signs for the MA 4 exit were put up in April, the new signs also include information about Drum Hill Road. The 1 Mile advance.

The 1/2 Mile advance.

The exit ramp includes an exit only lane, in both directions.

The only new sign for this exit is the gore sign. Noted by its lack of yellow Old Exit sign underneath. Turning around...

The new 1 Mile advance headed south.

The new 1/2 Mile advance. The auxiliary sign for UMass Lowell is old, has an overlay for the new milepost exit number.

The new exit sign also with an exit only lane, useful for the Drum Hill Road Rotary at the end of the ramp.

EXIT 86  - Route 40

All but the exit signs had been placed by early May. Those were put up between May and July.

The new 1 Mile advance sign for the Route 40 exit headed north.

The new 1/2 Mile advance sits behind the recently placed new North US 3 reassurance marker seen before.

*The later installed exit sign, notice it is at milepost 87. Turning around...

The 1 Mile advance sign for the Route 40 exit headed south.

The new 1/2 Mile advance sign, the old exit sign can be seen in the distance.

*The new exit sign put up during the summer.

*The new gore sign for the Route 40 exit.

The view of one of the project staging areas along US 3 North in Westford. Still looked like a lot more gantries needed to be put up in May.

*The same view in July, a few signs and gantries still remain to be installed.

EXIT 88 - Westford Road

All the overhead signs were up for this exit as of early May.

The new 1 Mile advance sign for the Westford Road exit headed north, just over the town line.

The 1/2 Mile advance sign for Westford Road put up in March.

The new exit sign for Westford Road, the gore sign has not been changed, still having an Old Exit number plaque. Turning around...

New image of 1 Mile advance sign on US 3 South in early March. The other new signs in this direction were put up in April.

The new 1/2 Mile advance sign for the Route 40 exit headed north.

The new exit sign for the Westford Road headed south. The gore sign here appears to be new.

Other signage:

The new Entering Westford sign after the Westford Road exit.

EXIT 90 - Route 113

Most of the advance signs were put up by May, the others by July.

*One of the last new signs to be put up north of I-495, the 1 Mile advance for Route 113. Again, based on the mile marker the exit number should be 91, not 90.

The 1 Mile advance sign for the Route 113 exit in Tyngboro(ugh). This was the first sign for the exit put up in this direction.

The new auxiliary sign for the Park and Ride lot at the Route 113 exit.

The new overhead sign at the Route 113 exit also includes the 1 Mile advance for the last Massachusetts exit.

The new gore sign for the Route 113 exit. Turning around....

*One of the two signs put up during the summer in this direction, the 1 Mile advance for Route 113.

The 1/2 Mile advance sign on US 3 South. This was still the only new sign for this exit in this direction as of early May.

*The exit sign for Route 113, also put up in June or July.

Other Signs:

*The first new sign put up in this direction, crossing the border from New Hampshire.

EXIT 91 - Middlesex Road (NB)

All signs were up for this exit as of early May.

The new 1/2 Mile advance sign for the Middlesex Road exit now includes a reference to the Daniel Webster Highway which the road becomes after crossing the border. There is also a 1 Mile advance sign for the first New Hampshire exit which previously had no advance signs in Massachusetts.

The new overhead signs at the Middlesex Road/D.W. Highway ramp also include a 1/2 Mile advance for the first New Hampshire exit and a pull through for US 3 North with a Everett Turnpike logo.

*The gantry of the US 3 on-ramp from Middlesex Road now has its US 3 South ramp sign. The older gantry that was placed earlier along the ramp had been taken down.

The new gantry on the ramp from Middlesex Road was missing the US 3 South sign in March. The old sign gantry at the beginning of the ramp had not yet been taken down.

And Most Importantly...The new Speed Limit 65 Signs put up the week of July 22:

*The first new sign on US 3 North in Burlington.

*The second to last new sign on US 3 South in Burlington after the Concord Road exit.

B. I-295 Sign Replacement, Attleboro, 2023-2024

Signs were replaced along the 4 mile segment of I-295 in Massachusetts during a project that took place in 2023 and 2024. This project began on April 13, 2023 and since it only replaced the signage, not the supports, and being only 2 exits, was nearly completed by May 2024. Signs, by exit heading north from the Rhode Island border, all photos taken on April 29, 2024:

EXITS 2 A/B

The 1 Mile advance overhead for the US 1 exit heading north. Because the support post was not replaced, the Old Exits 1 A-B sign was not removed, though it's been 2 years since the exit renumbering.

The 1/2 Mile advance overhead for the US 1 South exit.

The overheads at the US 1 South exit. It doesn't appear the gore sign has been replaced since the Old Exits 1 A-B plaque is still attached.

The exit sign for US 1 North.The gore sign here appears new, since there is no Old Exit plaque. The sign shares the gantry with the first I-95 exits advance sign, more on that later. Turning around for some signs heading south:

The 1 Mile advance overhead for the US 1 exits. The Old Exits 1 A-B sign was not removed here either.

The 1/2 Mile advance in this direction is for the US 1 North exit. 

The overhead signs at the US 1 North exit. Again the gore sign for this exit does not appear new since there is the Old Exit plaque.

A closeup of the US 1 South exit sign and the apparent new gore sign behind it.

The reassurance markers, if they are to be replaced, had not been as of late April, this shield has been here, based on Google Maps Street View, since at least 2012.

There was a new I-295 Ends (in) 1 1/4 Miles sign after the US 1 North on-ramp. If the sign is correct I-295 then is 3.65 miles long in Massachusetts.

EXITS 4 A/B

The replacement of the 1 Mile advance diagrammatic overhead for the I-95 exits. Largely the same as the old sign, these sign types are losing popularity around the country (and are not recommended by federal sign guidelines), but apparently not in Massachusetts.

The new 1/2 Mile advance diagrammatic. All the ground mounted yellow freeway end warning signs appeared to be new.

The 1/4 Mile advance overheads with yellow Exit Only tabs at the bottom.

The overheads at the split of ramps for I-95 North and South. It appears the sign replacement project has not yet restored the I-295 shields to the End I-295 signs, these have been missing since at least 2016.

A pair of new gore signs at the I-95 South ramp. Work has begun on a southbound ramp rehab project that will close one lane of I-95 South for several months starting in late May.

The new version of the ramp curve 25 MPH warning sign. This sign is rarely seen on interstates, though, because of canceled freeway projects in Massachusetts, this is one of two seen along the I-95 corridor south of Boston.

C. US 1 Sign Replacement, Chelsea to Danvers, 2020-2024

Signs along US 1 between Chelsea and Danvers are being replaced under a rather slow sign replacement project that began in January 2020 and was still not complete as of May 2024. The project included replacing overhead and ground mounted signs and their supports along US 1 and its intersecting roadways. This included both most of Northeast Expressway north of the Tobin Bridge and the six-lane roadway between the Expressway and I-95 in Danvers, including the interchange with I-95 and Route 128 in Peabody. The project was listed by MassDOT as being over 90% complete in early May. Photos here are displayed in reverse chronological order, latest first.

NEW - Sign photos on US 1 North taken May 5, 2024:

Advance signage for the Route 16 East and Webster Avenue exits after the Chelsea curves put up earlier in the year.

1/4 Mile advance signage for the Lynn Street exit at the end of the Northeast Expressway also put up earlier.

New overhead signage at the first Lynn Street exit as US 1 North is about to enter Malden.

New overhead signage for the second Lynn Street exit currently with 2 advisory Speed Limit 20 MPH signs.

A 2 advance sign cantilever for each of the Essex Street 'exits' just across the Saugus line put up earlier this year.

New and old signage at the Main Street exit still are both up as they were earlier in the year, along with an old gore sign for the first Main Street exit.

A left-side 1 Mile advance sign for I-95 North also put up earlier.

Another left-side 1 Mile advance sign, this for the I-95 South and Route 128 (I-95 North) exit also from earlier in the year.

A closer look at the recently placed ground mounted guide signs at the turnaround after the first I-95 ramp.

Overhead sign at the split of the US 1 North and I-95 North ramps put up in early 2024.

It appears most of the new signage has been put up on US 1 North between the I-95 exits in Peabody and Danvers:

The first in a series of left-side overhead signs for ramps along US 1 North, here for Peabody Street.

The Mass. guide or paddle sign at Lowell Street ramp itself.

The left-side 3/4 Mile advance sign for the Route 114 exits.

A new auxiliary sign along the left lane for Route 114 East.

Overhead signs for the Centre Street and Route 114 exits after crossing the Danvers line. 

The new overhead signs at the East Route 114 exit. 

Another left-hand side overhead for a right-side exit for Route 114 West in Danvers. 

New left-side 2 sign cantilever 1/2 and 1/4 Mile advance signs for the Centre Street and Popes Lane 'exits'. 

The 1 Mile advance sign for the Route 62 exits along with the exit sign for the Centre Street. 

The recently placed 1/2 Mile advance sign for the Route 62 East exit. 

Overhead signs at the ramp for Route 62 East. 

Overhead signs at the Route 62 West exit feature a Left Exit tabbed 3/4 Mile advance sign for the next I-95 North exit. 

The new 1000 Feet advance sign for the left I-95 North ramp.

The gantry at the I-95 North ramp features at North US 1 pull through sign. 

Approaching the ramp taking you back to US 1 South and the I-95 South exit.

The new diagrammatic overhead 1000 Feet advance sign for the I-95 South ramp on US 1 South. 

The signs at the I-95 South ramp, and US 1 South pull through sign, the other signs on US 1 South will be documents on the next trip.

New Signs along US 1 South from Lynnfield to Chelsea, taken on March 3, 2024:

Not a new sign, but a better image of the Route 129 West/Walnut Street guide signs in Lynnfield at Mile Marker 58.

The guide sign is not new, but the overhead for the second Walnut Street ramp is. Notice the first guide sign does not have a reference to Route 129 West, unlike in the photo above.

The gantry here is not new, put up with a new VMS a few years ago, but the 1 Mile advance for Main Street may be. The VMS is warning drivers of the first Sumner Tunnel closure of the year.

The first Main Street sign is not new, but the ones in the distance are, replacing bridge mounted versions.

A closeup of the new pair of signs at the second Main Street ramp that includes a 1/2 mile advance for Essex Street (shouldn't this say 'Exits'?), also a portable VMS with a Sumner Tunnel Closed message.

The new second Main Street 'exit' gore sign currently paired with the older paddle gore sign version, plus 2 Ramp speed advisories. The signs in the distance have not been replaced.

The first Essex Street exit sign and gore sign in the distance, again the next pair of signs are still the old bridge mounted versions.

The only Route 99 exit sign to be replaced so far, this 2 sign cantilever at the exit ramp, notice how long the gantry is extended but still can't quite reach entirely over the exit ramp.

The new 1 Mile advance for the Lynn Street exits after the Route 99 exit.

A pair of new advance signs for both Route 60 and Lynn Street, if these were to have numbers the milepost suggests they would be 53 and 54 A/B.

The overhead auxiliary sign for the Route 60 exit. Those heading to Logan this day hopefully know the Sumner Tunnel is closed for on the way back.

The advance distance for the new second Lynn Street exit is 700 Feet.

The new sign indicating (or is it warning?) drivers are about to enter Revere.

The Route 60 exit sign has been there a few months, but the old overhead sign behind it has now been taken down.

One of the new South US 1 reassurance markers on the Northeast Expressway.

The rest of the signs were replaced in the fall and can be found among the photos below.

Sign Photos along US 1 North taken by Jay Hogan in February 2024:

The exit sign for Webster Avenue at mile marker 51 put up last summer.

Closeup of the Route 16 East 1000 Feet advance sign also put up last summer.

The new overhead Route 16 East exit and gore signs.

New advance signage for the Route 60 and Sargent Street exits, also replacing bridge mounted signage.

New overhead signage at the ramp Sargent Street in Revere.

New signage at the Route 60 exit which includes and advance for the Lynn Street exits at the end of the Northeast Expressway.

While it appears that all signage has been replaced along the Northeast Expressway portion of US 1, the same cannot be said for the section between Route 60 and I-95/Route 128, there are still several signs needing replacement, or here, at the second Lynn Street exit, only the cantilever assembly had been put up.

The new 1 Mile advance for the Essex Street exits at the start of the non-freeway section of US 1 in Malden.

Close up of exit signage for Essex Street, old bridge mounted signs beyond still in place.

New overhead signage at the Main Street exit in front of older bridge mounted signage on US 1 North in Saugus.

Close up of new advance signage for closely spaced off-ramps approaching Walnut Street.

New overhead sign for the Route 129 West ramp supported by longer standing West Route 129 trailblazer.

New overhead advance sign for the Route 129 East ramp with an Exit Only lane banner.

A closeup of the overhead advance signage approaching the Route 129 East ramp in Lynnfield.

A closeup of the previously placed advance signage for the I-95 and Route 128 exits.

A ground mounted guide sign for the I-95 South/(I-95/) Route 128 North ramp for traffic entering from the Route 129 West ramp.

Another left lane overhead 2 sign cantilever with the 1/2 Mile advance for the I-95 North ramp heading towards Danvers.

For additional photos of new signage on US 1 North in Danvers, see Jay Hogan's US 1 in Mass. Flickr page.

NEW SIGNS SOUTHBOUND, TAKEN ON NOVEMBER 5, 2023:

The overhead sign at the intersection with Route 129 East/Salem Street on the ramp to US 1 South from I-95/Route 128 North in Lynnfield.

The next new overhead sign southbound is the 1 Mile advance for the Route 129 West/Walnut Street exit. The first of several overhead signs placed in the median supporting signs in both directions.

The 1/2 mile sign for Route 129 West/Walnut Street is a ground mounted guide sign at Mile Marker 58.

The exit/guide sign for the Walnut Street exit.

The 1/4 mile advance sign for the Lynn Fells Parkway exit. Another median placed overhead sign.

The ground mounted exit sign for the Lynn Fells Parkway just before Kelly's Roast Beef in Saugus. The bridge mounted signs in the distance have not been replaced.

The new 1/4 mile advance sign for the Main Street exit sits behind the old overhead gantry southbound.

A rare right side mounted sign for both the Main Street exit and the 1/2 mile advance sign for the Essex Street exit.

A small 1/4 mile advance ground mounted sign for the Route 99 exit with a new South US 1 reassurance marker beyond.

The new overhead signs, more left side placed at the Route 99 South exit, the original alignment for US 1 South.

Two types of signs for the Lynn Street exit. A ground mounted advance and overhead exit sign in the distance.

The new exit sign for the Route 60 exit stands in front of the old sign, while the old is in front of the exit sign in the northbound direction.

The new 1 mile advance sign for the Route 16 exit after the start of the Northeast Expressway. It was decided not to place new milepost exit numbers adopted in Massachusetts in 2020 along the expressway due to its short distance, this could be Exit 51.

The new 1/2 mile advance sign for the Route 16 exit.

The new exit sign for the Route 16 exit comes along with a Speed Limit 45 sign.

The last new sign is the 3/4 Mile advance sign for the Carter Street exit in Chelsea, this could be Exit 50. The rest of the signs to the Tobin Bridge were replaced when tolls became electronic in the late 2010s.

New Signs Seen Heading Northbound, 9/10/23

The new overhead exit sign for the Webster Avenue exit. Other signs for this exit has not been replaced at this time.

The one new overhead advance sign for the Route 16 exit has the distance in feet, 1000 feet.

A new gantry awaits the overhead exit sign for the Route 16 exit. The gore sign is new, as is the Entering Revere sign seen in the distance.

One of the new North US 1 reassurance marker along the Northeast Expressway.

A support post for the future 1 Mile advance sign for the Sargent Street exit stands before the existing sign that also had the old Route 16 exit sign in the other direction.

One of the new supports for the future Route 16 1/2 mile advance sign can be seen in the other direction. Signs for the Route 60 and Sargent Street exits had not been replaced.

The new support post for future Route 60 and Sargent Street exits heading northbound.

The new cantilever 1/4 Mile advance sign for the Lynn Street exit sits behind the old overhead sign at the end of the Northeast Expressway. 

The new Entering Saugus sign approaching Route 99 heading north.

The new overhead exit sign for the Essex Street exit. The other bridge mounted signs had not been replaced.

The new median 3/4 Mile advance sign for the Lynn Fells Parkway exit with the old sign gantry behind.

The new two-sign cantilever at the Lynn Fells Parkway exit, with 1/2 Mile advance sign for the Route 129 (West)/Walnut Street exit.

The new median cantilever with 3/4 Mile advance sign for the Route 129 East exit.

The new 1/4 Mile advance sign for the I-95 South/Route 128 North exit with a Mile 60 marker behind.

The last new sign northbound for the I-95 South/Route 128 North and I-95 North exits as of the fall of 2023.

D. Kilby Street intersection Safety Improvements, Fall 2021 to Spring 2022

The intersection of Kilby Street with Chief Justice Cushing Highway (Route 3A) in Hingham has been the scene of many bad accidents over the years involving cross traffic. Once guarded by traffic signals, first placed in the late 1950s with the rerouting of then Route 128 from East Street to Kilby then along Route 3A South back to East Street, restored to its original alignment in 1970, was, in the 1980s, replaced with flashing red (Kilby) and yellow (3A) lights. Years of study resulted in the town and state finally agreeing to modify the intersection to improve safety by preventing traffic on Kilby from crossing Route 3A. The plan was to create two right turn only intersections with a flexi-post barrier down the middle of 3A. Traffic wanting to access East Street/Route 228 could use the signalized Summer Street intersection nearby. Here's the final plan, however, the proposed flexi-posts seen here were never installed:

Work started in September 2021. Here are photos documenting progress in construction which is supposed to be completed by the end of November, latest photos first.

Latest Photos, taken 11/30/21:

Permanent signage was installed in the two traffic islands the week before Thanksgiving, including reflectors facing oncoming traffic.

The newly paved sidewalk along Route 3A South heading for the location of the new crosswalk, which will be painted once the final layer of pavement is put down, this though may have to wait until spring. The installation of the planned flexi-post barrier down the middle of the roadway has to wait until the final paving.

Looking across Route 3A at the new sidewalk along the northbound lane, this currently leads to nothing since painting the new crosswalk also has to wait until the final paving is completed.

Earlier Photos

Taken 11/13/21:

New pedestrian crossing signals set up at site of future crosswalk to the north of the intersection.

Traffic islands on both sides for Route 3A have been filled in with concrete. This design will allow emergency vehicles to cross over them, but hopefully dissuade other types from doing the same.

The future sidewalks on both sides of the intersection await paving.

Looking across to the Kilby Street at Route 3A North intersection showing barrels and cones still around the new traffic island and temporary No Turn signage, a police car was on Kilby Street in the other direction in case drivers thought of ignoring the new no turn rules.

Taken 11/4/21:

Newly installed Right Turn Only Sign approaching Route 3A headed east on Kilby Street.

Closer look at landscaped corner of Kilby Street and Route 3A and temporary No Turn signs on new traffic island, being ignored by many vehicles, including SUV seen heading up Kilby.

Closer look at new traffic island at the intersection of Route 3A South and Kilby Street.

Looking along Route 3A headed south on Kilby Street showing sidewalk construction for new crosswalk, also temporary No Left Turn sign.

Taken October 11, 2021:

Curbing has been placed around reconstructed corners of Kilby Street's intersection with Route 3A South.

Curbing being placed along Route 3A North as well and grading being done for new sidewalk.

Site of future sidewalk to new crosswalk to the north of Kilby Street.

Taken on September 11/18, 2021:

Only initial work had started on project allowing photos of what the intersection looked like before reconstruction, here looking south across Kilby Street east of Route 3A.

On the western side of the intersection, the start of reconstructing the corners for right turns only.

Looking east across the intersection at traffic barrels and cones in place in the new work zone.

Equipment stored at the northwestern side of the intersection, for construction of future sidewalk and new crosswalk.

A closer look at dug out northwest corner with old flashing yellow signal still remaining in the work zone.

E. Derby Street Reconstruction in Hingham (2018-2021)

This project, constructed under 2 different contracts between the fall of 2018 and spring of 2021, rebuilt Derby Street between the Route 53 (Whiting Street) intersection and the Route 3 interchange. As part of the project the road was widened to add bicycle lanes, new traffic signals were put up at the Route 3 ramps and at the intersection with Old Derby Street, which was revised to add left turn lanes and that the road met Derby Street at the same point. The intersection with Route 53 was also redesigned so there is now also a dedicated left turn lane onto Route 53 North and Gardner Street. Work started on the Cushing Street to Route 3 portion in 2018 while the remainder from Cushing Street to Route 53 was started in the spring of 2019. Work was completed west of Cushing Street in the summer of 2020. While work on the Whiting/Gardner Street intersection continued until May 2021 mainly due to slow progress in removing remaining utility poles from widened right-of way in 2020.  In October 2020 the contractor had to wait until the received an Extra Work Order to proceed. Work then restarted in late October and the supports for the new traffic signals were put up in early December. The remainder of work, however, waited until the weather warmed up in late March and April 2021 with the first project of updating the signage. The final acts of repaving the road, redoing the lane markings and revising the traffic signals occurred in May, with completion just before the Memorial Day weekend. The project was completed in late July with the addition of new guide signs at the Derby and Whiting Street intersection. Here are photos taken in the 2 construction areas, latest photos first:

Latest photo taken on July 31 and August 3, 2021:

The first of two new style MassDOT guide signs on Derby Street approaching Whiting Street. This one replaced a Route 53 South guide sign, and includes both directions and a reference to Route 228. The destination in for 53 South is Hanover, though the auxiliary sign on Route 3 lists Norwell.

The second of the two new guide signs on Derby Street heading east. This one replaces the previously erroneous South Route 53/228 sign. A 228 shield remains but this time accurately accompanied by a 'To' label.

The new guide sign on Whiting Street heading north. This one basically replaces the previously one but has a Route 3 shield. The additional one approaching the intersection has not been replaced, at least at this time.

A more traditional new 'paddle' guide sign was also placed at the intersection of Gardner and Whiting Street positioned to be seen from traffic entering the intersection headed east on Gardner Street, guess they assume they can figure out Route 53 South goes the other direction.

Taken earlier on June 18, 2021:

This final photo shows the painted bike lane heading from Whiting Street/Route 53 North onto Derby Street and installed North Route 53 reassurance marker beyond the intersection.

Taken on May 27, 2021:

The final pavement and lane striping on Derby Street headed east just beyond Cushing Street.

The final lane striping includes a dedicated left-turn lane for Recreation Park Road as seen on Derby Street headed east.

The beginning of the new dedicated left-turn lane for traffic headed for Whiting Street (Route 53) North and Gardner Street east.

The new traffic signal at the new left-turn lane for traffic headed for Whiting Street (Route 53) North and Gardner Street east.

Taken on April 4-11, 2021:

New signage placed in early April include a Right Lane Turn only sign (and corresponding Bike Lane sign), and more importantly, a To Route 3 trailblazer to replace the former erroneous Route 228 North one, matching the information on the guide signs.

Along with new signs, a new median was being placed on Whiting Street and at the end of Derby Street.

Construction barrels have reappeared along Derby Street approaching Whiting Street, along with new signage.

Among the new signage, a hint of things to come, a Left Turn Only lane sign.

New median being placed at the end of Derby Street, however existing paddle/guide sign has not been replaced.

New Gardner Street signs have also been placed at the end of Derby Street, plus a new South Route 53 reassurance marker beyond, hidden in photo by telephone pole with older sign on it.

The new To Route 3 trailblazer southbound at the Derby Street intersection has already been partially bent. (New South Route 53 reassurance marker referred to above can be seen in the distance across the intersection).

The new To Route 3 trailblazer heading west on Derby Street. (End of new median can be seen on the left). The new sign was knocked down in May and reposted, but the Route 3 shield remained bent until late July.

Taken December 13, 2020:

Looking north along Whiting Street (Route 53) toward the Derby Street intersection after the new traffic signal supports were put in on either side of the roadway.

Earlier Photos

Taken December 6, 2020:

The rest of the sidewalk along the southbound lanes of Whiting Street, Route 53, were installed in late November.

Taken November 8, 2020:

One of two new foundations placed for future traffic signals at corner of Whting (Route 53) and Gardner Streets.

Taken September 27, 2020:

View along Whiting Street, Route 53 South, after the Derby/Gardner Streets intersection showing recent removal of last utility poles in widened roadway.

A closer view of the area now cleared of the last utility pole which will allow final paving and the completion of the sidewalk.

Looking at the cleared southbound lanes of Route 53 heading north toward Derby Street.

Earlier Photos, taken August 18, 2020:

One utility pole remains, along with guide sign in widened Derby Street right-of-way approaching the Gardner Street/Whiting Street (Route 53) intersection.

Two of the remaining utility poles along Route 53 South were removed in early August, the South 53 reassurance marker was moved to one of the new poles with no more gap where a Route 228 shield was taken down.

This last old pole headed south still remains and its removal is preventing the completion of the sidewalk and final paving of the widened Derby/Gardner/Whiting Streets intersection.

Earlier Photos taken on August 2, 2020:

Looking east after Cushing Street. The remaining utility poles in the widened Derby Street right-of-way were removed in late July.

Equipment and traffic barrels still remain in widened eastbound Derby Street roadway approaching Whiting Street (Route 53).

Looking at the intersection of Derby Street with Whiting (Route 53) and Gardner Street shows little progress in removing remaining utility poles and building new sidewalk (or removing outdated guide sign).

Photos taken on July 11, 2020:

Looking east on Derby Street at widened roadway still awaiting removal of utility poles before final reconstruction can begin.

Two remaining utility poles straddle both sides of Derby Street approaching Whiting Street (Route 53)/Gardner Street intersection along with construction equipment.

Curbing and grading still not completed heading east approaching the Whiting Street (Route 53) and Gardner Street intersection. Note guide sign also in widened roadway and will need to be removed (or better replaced with one with only Route 53 shield).

View along Whiting Street, Route 53 heading north relatively unchanged since June except for the removal of the long-standing North Route 228 trailblazer.

Photos taken between May 20 and and June 1, 2020:

Not much progress seen in moving utility poles from photograph taken a week before.

More curbing has been placed along right side of Derby Street just prior to Whiting Street intersection, also new traffic and pedestrian signals have been placed upon supports seen in photos below.

Closer look at widened Whiting Street (Route 53) waiting for utility poles to be removed to allow for final paving.

Work still remains to complete sidewalk along Route 53 after the intersection, and the removal of utility poles.

Looking across Whiting Street from Gardner Street showing construction of sidewalks continuing and installation of new pedestrian signals.

Looking east in vicinity of Recreation Road showing much work still needed along south side of Derby Street (and utility poles still need to be moved on left).

Sidewalk work continues along the south side of the road approaching Whiting Street/Route 53.

Work also continues on sidewalk on other side of Gardner Street intersection with utility pole removal needed here also.

Looking west now along Derby Street headed toward Cushing Street, showing need to remove remaining utility poles now in highway right-of-way.

Earlier Photos

Photo taken on March 15, 2020:

Photo shows resumption of work at Derby/Whiting and Gardner Streets intersection after the winter hiatus. Utility workers (out of frame to the left) are moving utility pole wires from the old to new poles. Work was halted again in early April.

Earlier Photos taken December 8, 2019:

Traffic is backed up from activated traffic lights (beyond new traffic signals ahead advisory sign) at the end of the ramp to Derby Street from Route 3 South. There is a 'No Turn on Red' sign at the end of the ramp preventing traffic proceeding, like it used to, when there was no traffic coming.

The activated red light at the end of the ramp for traffic heading left onto Derby Street.

Traffic on Sunday morning backed up on ramp from Route 3 South due to 'No Turn on Red' sign on pole to new activated traffic signal.

The new lane alignment on the Benjamin Lincoln Bridge carrying Derby Street traffic over Route 3 is 2 lanes eastbound and one westbound, the bridge, only rebuilt several years ago, was not widened.

The final lane configuration between Route 3 and Old Derby Street provides 2 through lanes in both directions, 2 left turn lanes eastbound and 1 westbound and 1 right turn only lane in each direction.

A look at the completed realigned intersection with Old Derby Street headed east on Derby Street including striping for new bike lane across the intersection.

Traffic backed up from existing signals at entrance to Derby Street Shoppes.

Earlier photos from November 2019:

Newly activated traffic signals the Monday before Thanksgiving, notice the new lane ends sign after the westbound on-ramp.

The newly activated green traffic signal, traffic backed up due to continued ramp construction on other side of bridge.

A little more than 2 weeks earlier:

Temporary lane striping placed on final paved section of Derby Street headed west prior to Old Derby Street intersection, traffic signals still on flash mode.

New Junction Route 3 trailblazer in front of flashing traffic signals. The sign is after the guide signs for Route 3 North (see photos below), disregard the October date.

A few days earlier:

Final paving has started at the ramps to Route 3 South, heading west on Derby Street.

Final paving proceeding on the Benjamin Lincoln bridge, traffic in both directions using westbound lanes during the work.

Traffic signals still on flash mode at Route 3 North off-ramp during final paving operations.

View of eastbound signage at Route 3 North ramp from westbound lanes carrying two-way traffic during final paving operations.

Earlier Photos from October 2019

Traffic signals at end of ramp from Route 3 South now activated on flash mode while signals for ramp to eastbound Derby Street are yet to be installed.

Closeup of new guide signs at split of ramp from Route 3 South, sign behind reflector is for Industrial Park.

While initial final paving has taken place on Derby Street, no pavement yet on Benjamin Lincoln Bridge nor lane markings for 2 eastbound travel lanes.

New traffic signals at the Route 3 North ramps also in flash mode, with left turn lane striped for on-ramp.

1 day earlier...

 The new traffic signals at Derby Street in flash mode (photographed when off) heading toward the Route 3 North ramps.

The new signals at the Route 3 North off-ramp caught in the act of flashing yellow.

About a week earlier...

View of Derby Street heading east after Cushing Street showing installation of new sidewalk along south side of road.

Cisterns and other construction equipment stored on south side of widened Derby Street between existing road and new sidewalk approaching the Route 53/Whiting Street intersection.

More work is needed at Derby and Whiting/Gardner intersection before new sidewalk can be built. Notice that the removed guide sign at the intersection has been restored.

Heading north on Route 53 approaching the Derby and Gardner Street intersection, the widened portion has been given an initial paving by Dunkin' Donuts.

Earlier Photos from September 2019:

Temporary lane markings placed before final paving begins on Derby Street at Route 3 South ramps in late September.

Preliminary paving stops at beginning of Benjamin Lincoln bridge over Route 3, bridge lane markings do not match surrounding road's.

Some paving has started along the shoulders after the placement of new guardrails just east of Benjamin Lincoln Bridge.

Preliminary paving of lines leading to Old Derby Street has 1 designated left-turn lane eastbound (it will be 2 in the final configuration).

New traffic signal heads turned to the right prior to activation with wire placement in road prior to Old Derby Street completed.

Drain grate frame still rises above existing pavement between entrances to the Derby Street Shoppes (Road Work Ahead sign is for next project after Cushing Street).

Beyond the Derby Street intersection with Gardner and Whiting Streets, the erroneous South Route 228 reassurance marker has been restored, this time nailed to a to be removed later telephone pole.

A week earlier on September 21/22:

Looking east on Derby Street after Cushing Street showing completion of new sidewalk construction.

Stacks of curbing remain for new sidewalk closer to the Whiting Street (MA 53)/Gardner Street intersection.

New sidewalk work had not yet reaching the Whiting/Gardner Street intersection. Back of erroneous South Route 228 reassurance marker can be seen, this was taken down in December.

At the intersection with Whiting Street (Route 53) and Gardner Street, sidewalk after Gardner Street has been removed along with South Route 53/228 reassurance marker that would be put back up a week later.

Closeup view of lane widening construction after the Derby Street intersection, future part of Route 53/Whiting Street has been graded, route signs removed.

Looking west on Derby Street just past Cushing Street showing paved lanes being marked up for final pavement work.

Similar scene further west toward the Derby Street Shoppes entrance.

Temporary single dedicated left turn lane for Old Derby Street marked up prior to final paving headed west toward North Route 3 ramps.

Work continuing at site of new traffic signals, not yet activated on flash mode at off-ramp from Route 3 North.

Problem area at Benjamin Lincoln bridge for westbound Derby Street traffic, new markings for center lane, but old shoulder fog line has not been moved creating potential traffic problem.

More markings on pavement prior to the final paving of Derby Street at the new dedicated left-turn lane for the South Route 3 ramp.

Next up. Photos from two weeks earlier, on September 8....

F. Installation of Real Time Traffic Management System 'Go Time' Signs (2014-2016)[* New photos for I-195, 11/8/20]   Skip to MA 3 or MA 24].

MassDOT announced on January 18, 2017 that the contract to place 146 permanent Real Time Traffic signs along the state's highways had been completed and all signs activated. These permanent signs went up under a statewide contract that was started in November 2015. The first of these signs were put up along US 6 on Cape Cod and Route 25 in the spring of 2014 as a trial project. The first signs north of the Cape to be activated were Route 128 between Danvers and Gloucester in the Spring of 2016  Signs on I-90, I-91, I-93, I-95, I-195, I-290, I-495 and along MA 3, MA 24, MA 25 and the MA 140 expressway soon followed. This gallery features photos of the installed signs along with sketches of the signs from contract documents if there was any difference between the two, and commentary as to what could still be changed to improve some of the signs:

I-84

There are only two RTT signs planned for this short route. Heading west from the Mass Pike, this is the planned sign, including the time and distance to the Connecticut border (this sign has not been installed as of June 4, 2017):

The first and only installed sign is on I-84 East in Sturbridge which also lists the time and distance to I-290 in Worcester:

I-90/Mass Pike (New Photos 10/14/16)

Heading west in Newton, this first sign appears after the Newton Exit, Exit 17:

The second Newton sign appears just prior to the I-95/128 exit:

The next sign westbound is in Framingham:

Eighteen miles later there is the next sign in Millbury:

The sign in Charlton has both the distance to I-84 and to the CT state line:

Heading further west, this the sign up approaching Springfield, in Wilbraham:

The original plan had the sign going up a couple miles further to the west:

The next sign in Westfield indicates the distance to the NY Thruway, not the state line as with other highway's signs:

The final sign westbound has the same information and was put up halfway between Exits 3 and 2 in:

Notice the distance to Lee was increased by a mile from the planned sign:

Returning Eastbound, the first sign is in West Stockbridge (New 9/2/19):

Heading further east, the sign in Westfield indicates distances to and along I-91 (New 9/2/19):

Beyond Springfield, the next RTT sign is in Palmer alerting traffic to the distances to the next 2 exits:

 

There's suppose to be another one in Brimfield prior to the I-84 exit (still not up as of 7/9/17):

This sign is now up just prior to the I-290/I-395 Exit in Auburn:

Just before the I-495 exit in Westborough there are two signs, the first lists the distance to the next 3 exits, I've kept the sign plan showing the difference in state mileage to Route 9:

The second mentions times along I-495:

This was not among the original sign plans.

The first mention of I-95 (128) is in Framingham after the Route 9 exit:

Prior to the I-95/128 Exit there is a sign after the Natick Service Plaza, activated as of the last week of October 2016:

After the I-95/128 exit, here is the first of 2 RTT signs in Newton:

Here, the sign was adjusted down by 1 mile for the Allston-Brighton exit:

The second sign (and last sign eastbound) is only a couple miles further down I-90 prior to the Newton Exit and includes the distance to Logan Airport:

Interstate 91

Heading northbound from Connecticut, the first RTT sign is in West Springfield (notice the mileage to Springfield was decreased by a mile from the planned sign, below):

The next northbound sign is after the I-391 exit in Holyoke (photo by Jay Hogan, again the mileage in the sign plan was apparently wrong):

There will also be one further north in Whately approaching Route 2, with the time to the Vermont border (photo by Jay Hogan, this one identical to the plan):

Heading back southbound, the first RTT sign on I-91 is in Deerfield which (the sign plan, below, apparently had the mileage to I-90 wrong, it has increased from 24 to 28):

This is followed with the first sign mentioning Springfield put up in Northampton (again, the mileage differs from the sign plan, in this case by 2 miles):

The last one is after the Mass Pike exit in West Springfield (the mileage on this sign has also been changed from the plan for Springfield, as seen below):

Interstate 93 [Signs activated in November 2016]

The first sign northbound is in Milton prior to the MA 24 exit:

Approaching the interchange with Route 37 in Braintree is this sign:

The next sign is six miles further north, just after Neponset Circle. This one one of the last signs put up, notice the right-hand support due to the placement next to a steep embankment:

After the Big Dig Tunnel, the southernmost of two RTT signs Medford lists the time to I-95 (put up week of 8/15/16):

The northernmost lists both I-95 and I-495 (also put up week of 8/15/16):

 

North of I-95, this will be an RTT sign in Wilmington telling drivers how much time until the New Hampshire border:

+Heading back Southbound, here's the plan for the sign in Methuen:

The next sign will be in Andover:

The sign is different from the sign plan in it includes Route 38 instead of Route 28 (plan mistake?)

The Anderson RTC as in 'Regional Transit Center' is a massive Park and Ride (as in take a bus into Boston).

The next sign is in Stoneham near Spot Pond, it has the first distance to Boston (Mass Ave.), and the Logan Airport:

There's no mention of I-90 Mass Pike, even though there's a connection westbound. The US 1 sign apparently was supposed to be a Route 1A shield, since there is no direct connection to US 1 Southbound and it would be rather out of the way to cross the Tobin Bridge to go to the Airport.

The next sign is in Somerville and when first placed, due to contractor error, had the distance to the Zakim is listed as the same for Mass Ave, 5 miles, this was soon corrected to match the planned sign:

The next sign is after the Tunnel and the Mass. Ave. exit, just after the South Bay on-ramp:

Here they reference Neponset Circle, not the MA 3A exit there. Also this is at milepost 15, the MA 3 exit is at milepost 7, shouldn't that be 8 Miles? Seems to match up better with the travel time. Speaking of Neponset Circle, here's the newly activated sign approaching that location after the Morrissey Blvd/Freeport St on-ramp:

You'll notice that the mileage for both Route 3 and 24 have been changed from when the sign was first put up in July:

Apparently MassDOT realized that since this is approaching milepost 12, why was it 4 miles for Route 3 (Mile 7) here? Route 24 is around milepost 3.5 so 9 miles makes sense, though they added a mile to that as well.

This is the final sign along the Southeast Expressway in Quincy, the 1-Mile overhead for the Braintree Split is in the distance:

The sign was identical to the plan sketch. Unfortunately for there are some mileage problems here too, that weren't fixed. This around milepost 8, so the distance to Route 24 is right, however, since that route is 3.5 miles from the end of I-93 at I-95, shouldn't the I-95 mileage be at least 8 miles? The Route 18 mileage is okay, since that exit is at milepost 38 and the last milepost heading northbound on 3 is 42.8, around milepost 7 for I-93. so 1+5=6. However, if MassDOT ever goes ahead with the proposal to renumber exits based on mileposts, this exit would be 42 for MA 3, so could cause some confusion. The last sign on I-93 South is in Milton just after the Route 24 on-ramp and was used by MassDOT for the explanatory graphic about the signs (seen at the top of the section):

To be consistent with other signs, there should be a 'Via I-95 North' by each entry or on top of the sign. I guess they assume that drivers will know that I-93 ends at I-95 and that these are I-95 North exits.

I-95

Entering northbound from Rhode Island, the first RTT sign is one mile over the state line in Attleboro:

The next sign is five miles further north before the I-295 Exit, with the first mention on I-93:

The next sign northbound, put up in March 2016 and activated in October, is in Foxboro:

Approaching the Neponset Street interchange in Canton, the sign was installed the week of March 21 and activated in October 2016:

It is identical to the sketch of the sign I had posted.

After the merge with Route 128, the next sign is in Dedham between Route 109 exit ramps, put up the week of 9/18:

Before the Mass Pike, is the next sign in Needham just prior to the new Kendrick Street and under construction Highland Avenue exits, activated in late October:

Just North of the Mass Pike exit in Weston, this sign has been activated:

The next sign is in Waltham at the Trapelo Road Exit now listing only US 3 and I-93 with Route 2 on the adjacent overhead sign:

In Lexington, after the MA 4/MA 225 exit, it is apparently too close to US 3 to include it on this sign, but still with I-93:

Just prior to the I-93 exit in Woburn, this is the plan for the signage:

The distance to the Zakim Bridge has been increased by 1 from that of the planned sign:

This is the sign approaching the split with Route 128 in Wakefield, put up in March and activated in November 2016, same as the sketch:

After the split with Route 128, here is the RTT sign in Topsfield, which lists the time to the NH border:

Heading back South, here's the first sign in Salisbury before the I-495 Exit, put up in March, identical to the sketch:

Here's a sign put up further south in Boxford, same as the sketch posted previously:

While here's the signage after the Centre Street exit approaching Route 128 in Danvers which will let you know what is the best route to Boston:

The next sign is in Reading and provides the important time to the often congested I-93 interchange:

The sign just before the I-93 interchange in Reading has the time to Boston (Zakim Bridge), US 3 and Route 2:

This sign was recently placed prior to the US 3 exit in Burlington and has the first reference to I-90:

While this sign was placed in March before the US 20 exit in Waltham, with same text as previous sketch, here seen activated in January 2017:

The next sign in Needham, tries to help those driving to the Amtrak station, put up after the Kendrick Street exit in the Add-A-Lane work zone in September and activated in November:

Apparently, MassDOT decided that even if its called Route 128 station, a 128 shield was too confusing, so it has University Ave. instead with the MBTA and Amtrak logos. The last sign before I-95 leaves Route 128 is just before the US 1 interchange in Dedham and was installed the week of March 21 and activated by November 2016:

The sign was identical to the sketch plan which for consistencies sake, I though shouldn't the MA 3 shield have 'Via I-93 North' next to it, as we continue south of Route 128, the next sign is after the on-ramp to Coney Street in Sharon, put up in late March 2016 and activated in November:

Going further south the last sign in Foxboro notes the approaching state border, again activated in November 2016:

Interstate 190

There is only one sign on I-190, southbound in Lancaster:

Interstate 195 [Signs Activated 9/27/16]

Heading east from Providence, the first sign is just over the RI border in Seekonk, Courtesy of MassDOT:

A temporary orange background RTT sign was put in place due to the ongoing construction on the Braga Bridge and with the Route 79 Viaduct replacement project, it is still up even though most of the work is done as of November 2016:

The next permanent sign is a few miles further east in Somerset, just before entering Fall River:

The last one eastbound is in Marion and has the important time to the Bourne Bridge:

*Heading westbound, the first I-195 RTT sign is in Wareham, noting the time to the Braga Bridge, a typically congested area:

*The next sign will be in Fairhaven, continuing the time to the Braga Bridge:

*As does this sign further west in Dartmouth:

*The last sign in Swansea simply gives the time to the border, again is this useful information? Perhaps future coordination with RIDOT could give the time to Providence:

Interstate 290

Despite its short length, there will be six RTT signs planned for this route between the Mass Pike/I-90 and I-495, the first one eastbound is in Auburn just after the I-90/Mass Pike exit:

The next one is beyond Worcester in Shrewsbury, not in the proposed location and changed from the original sign plan, see below:

The last one is near the end I-290 in Hudson basically providing I-495 drive times:

Turning around, the first of the RTT signs on West I-290 is to be put up in Northborough:

The next is 6 miles further west back in Shrewsbury:

The last one is in Worcester after the interchange with I-190 providing a comparison of alternate routes to the Mass Pike:

There is no mention of I-395 on the I-290 signs, nor are there any sketches of planned RTT signs on I-395.

Interstate 495 (*New photos taken in June 2021)

Heading northbound, here is the first sign on Northbound I-495 in Middleboro:

The next sign is a few miles prior to Route 24. Note the 6 mile distance, a 1/2 mile north, beyond the hill is a distance sign saying 24 is 7 miles away (6 miles is the correct distance, the next distance sign is 3 miles before Route 24, saying its 4 miles away):

The next sign is beyond Route 24 in Raynham, giving the time not only to I-95, but travel times on I-95 itself (identical to sketch of proposed sign):

Approaching the Mass Pike in Bellingham, the sign will also indicate the time to I-290/Route 85 Connector:

Beyond the Mass Pike, here's the next sign in Bolton:

*The next sign is in Westford, approaching US 3, the minutes reflect a traffic jam before the US 3 exit in June 2021:

*Further north, there is this sign in the Chelmsford Area after US 3:

*The last sign northbound is to be in Methuen, less than 20 miles from I-95:

I don't know the value of placing the state line distances on these signs, unless the distance to the next major destination can be obtained other mileage signs (according to a MassDOT source these are placeholders in case NHDOT adopts the same system and a NH city can be put up over the existing text).

+Heading back south, the first sign will be in Methuen mentioning the time to I-93:

The next sign will be in Andover approaching I-93 showing the time to I-95/128 via I-93 or US 3:

+Next, in Lowell this sign will be installed approaching US 3, again with the time to I-95/128:

+The plan for the sign further south approaching Route 2 in Westford:

Here's a sign approaching the Mass Pike in Marlboro:

The next sign southbound is in in Hopkinton, with the first mention of I-95:

Here's the sign placed further south in Franklin approaching US 1 and I-95 (same as the original design sketch):

The next sign is just prior to I-95 in Foxboro, this one only has travel times on I-95 South and North in addition to Route 24:

After I-95, signs start mentioning the end of I-495 at I-195, this is the sign in Norton before the Route 123 exit (this is different from the planned sign that was to be installed a couple miles further north (see below):

You wouldn't need the MA 25 shield if I-495 was extended along that route (or I-195 for that matter). You can tell when you're nearing the Cape when signs with the time to the Bourne Bridge is mentioned, such as this in Raynham (identical to sketch of planned sign):

This is the last sign southbound in Middleboro, it was not captured until Sept. 2018, not being up during my previous drives through the area:

US 1

There are a couple RTT signs placed along US 1 South between Peabody and Boston, the first one in Saugus just after the MA 99 South exit*:

Notice that mileage was changed from the original sign plan:

And the other is just after the Route 16 exit and before the Tobin Bridge in Chelsea, this was put up the week of 8/15/16:

US 3 [Signs Activated in August 2016]

The only sign northbound is in Bedford with times to I-495 and the New Hampshire Border: 

+Heading back south, here's the first planned RTT sign in Tyngsborough:

By the time you get to Billerica, the signs have time and distance to destinations on I-95 (the mileage to I-93, slightly obscured by the Deer Crossing sign, is 14):

The final sign southbound in Burlington also includes US 20, but wouldn't it make sense, and be consistent with other signage, if it included 'Via I-95 South' while I-93 had 'Via I-95 North'?:

US 6

Signs were put up in April 2014 along the Mid-Cape Highway as part of trial for the entire system installed later.

NEW-The first RTT sign westbound is at the beginning of the Mid-Cape Highway in Orleans:

This is one of the signs showing the time to the Sagamore Bridge just west of Yarmouth, taken in March 2017 (New):

Heading further west there is a sign between Exits 3 and 2 in Sandwich:

These are July 2016 photos taken of the working signs along US 6 East, first just beyond the Sagamore Bridge and MA 6A Sandwich exit:

The next before the MA 132 Hyannis Exit:

Route 2

There are two RTT signs planned for Route 2. Heading west from Cambridge, the first is in Lexington, prior to the I-95 Exit:

Heading eastbound, the sign is placed in Concord prior to the Sudbury Road intersection with the all-important time and distance to the Alewife MBTA Station:

This sign was originally to be 2 miles closer after the MA 126 intersection, as seen by the distances on the sign plan:

Route 3 [Signs activated week of 10/11/16]

Heading South toward Cape Cod, the first sign placed on Route 3 is in Braintree on the left side shortly after the merge of the ramps from I-93 North and South:

The temporary VMS sign this replaced had Route 18 and Route 139, but the Derby Street destination is more helpful because it is after Route 3 narrows from 3 to 2 lanes where the highway frequently backs up. The next sign, in Weymouth beyond the Route 18 exit, features the next appearance of Route 139 and the first for US 44:

Both of which are also on the next sign in Hanover, just beyond the MA 53 Exit:

It might be helpful to include more destinations with the route shields, for example if you were heading to Plymouth and didn't know the exit for US 44 was there, listing Plymouth would make the sign more useful. The time to the all important Sagamore Bridge over the Cape Cod Canal starts to appear on RTT sign in just before the MA 139 exit in Marshfield,, though the sign was activated when the photo was taken, it does not seem to be displaying accurate times:

The next sign is just prior to the first MA 3A Exit in Duxbury (sign identical to plan):

The first sign in Plymouth is just beyond the left exit for the Plimoth Plantation Highway, here time to the Bourne Bridge is also mentioned:

There is also a sign placed five miles further south with distances to both the Sagamore and Bourne Bridge, placed to help out drivers stuck in mid-summer traffic jams:

The last sign southbound, 3 miles from the bridge, also in Plymouth and features both the same information, it was operational as of July 2016:

Heading back northbound, the first RTT sign is just beyond the start of the Pilgrims Highway in Bourne:

Again, maybe some towns to go with the shields may make the sign more meaningful to out of state drivers, as would on the next sign in prior to the MA 3A to 53 Exit in Duxbury (identical to plan):

Further north, still in Duxbury approaching MA 139, is the first RTT sign to mention I-93 (I-93 readers were activated later, in November 2016):

*Entering Weymouth just beyond the Derby Street interchange, this sign was put up the week of July 18, 2016 and fully activated with information about I-93 and I-90 in November:

The addition to the I-90 shield of Boston indicates the route via I-93 North, since you could also get to the Mass Pike via I-93 South and I-95. Approaching I-93 the last RTT sign is in Braintree, ironically, it doesn't include the distance to I-93 (probably because the 2-mile advance sign for I-93 is visible from this location), but does have the distance along I-93 South to I-95, this was the last sign installed during the week of August 15 (like all the other Route 3 signs, the text matches that in the plan sketches) and fully activated in November:

Route 24 [Signs Activated 9/19/16]

Heading south toward Rhode Island from I-93 the first RTT sign is in Randolph just two miles after the start of the highway:

The next sign is in Brockton, prior to the Route 123 interchange:

After I-495, there is another sign in Raynham, for both I-195 and MA 140:

There is also an additional sign in Berkley which compares the time to the I-195 interchange via Route 24 and Route 79 which are to join in a concurrency a few miles to the south:

Better earlier view:

The Sign Sketch plan had no miles listed for Route 79, presumably due to the construction project, recently completed, that rebuilt its interchange with I-195:

For the MA 79 construction project, a special orange travel time sign was installed a couple miles north of the Route 79 Exit, still there as of August 2016 (Photo from May 16):

Heading back north, the first Route 24 RTT sign is in Freetown:

The next sign is in Raynham prior to the I-495 interchange, with the first reference to I-93:

The next sign is in West Bridgewater, with I-93 now 10 miles away: 

And another in Avon referencing times to and on I-93 North, now 5 miles away, though wouldn't a 'Via I-93 North' for I-90 be appropriate to be consistent?:

The last sign heading northbound in Randolph has both the times to to I-95 and Route 3:

Route 25

There is one RTT sign placed at the beginning of MA 25 West just over the Bourne Bridge:

Heading back east, the first sign is just beyond the I-195 and I-495 interchange in Wareham:

The second and final sign is on MA 25 East in Bourne. This was installed in April 2014 as a trial project and activated soon after:

Route 28

There area a pair of RTT signs along the expressway portion of Route 28 in Bourne, southbound with the time to Falmouth, and the island ferries:

The distance to Woods Hole was changed from the original sign plan:

There is also a sign northbound, not in the original plans which lists the time to the Bourne Bridge, Route 3 and I-495:

Route 128

The route from Peabody to Gloucester has three RTT signs that have already been installed, the one heading northbound includes the time across the Annisquam River to Grant Circle and is the same as the previously posted sketch:

The two signs southbound, one in Essex, after MA 133, seen below, the other in Beverly, below it, after MA 1A, have the time and distances to I-95 and I-93 and were partially activated, showing the time to I-95 in June 2016:

Route 140

There will be three RTT signs placed along the freeway portion of this route from New Bedford to MA 24. The only sign northbound will be in Lakeville (this, like the others are identical to the sketch plans):

*The first southbound sign will be right after the MA 140 freeway begins in Taunton:

+The other southbound sign will be in New Bedford, prior to its reaching the Interstate 195 interchange:

Feel free to e-mail me any photos you wish to share.

G. Route 2 Crosby's Corner Reconstruction (2/19/18)

In the spring of 2012 MassDOT began a project to rebuild Route 2 between Bedford Road and Crosby's Corner, a notorious intersection along the highway in Concord. In June 2015, a new off-ramp was opened westbound at Crosby's Corner replacing the previous stoplight at the intersection with Route 2A. Eventually, the entire intersection will be converted into an interchange in both directions when the project is completed, currently scheduled to be in the summer of 2016. Here are a few photos heading both westbound and on Route 2 toward the new interchange, taken shortly before construction was completed in April 2016:

Heading west, new overhead signage bearing a new exit number, 50 were put up in late 2015.  If the proposed switch to milepost based numbers, planned for 2016 but postponed, ever happens, this should become Exit 125. The one-mile advance sign:

Here's the next sign, at the 1/2 mile mark:

There 's a complete overhead assembly at the off-ramp itself, the pull through shows this is one of the few places in Massachusetts where an alternate route is officially signed with its parent (other routes like 1A and 3A run concurrently but are not signed):

And here are the new Exit 50 gore sign as seen from continuing on Route 2 West, this will become Exit 125 under the new milepost based exit numbering system that will be installed by 2021:

And here are the new reassurance marker's showing the official duplex of Routes 2 and 2A:

Turning around at the MA 126/Walden Pond intersection, the first sign for the new Crosby's Corner exit is 1/2 mile away:

Like westbound, the overhead support at the interchange has 2 signs, the Route 2 pull-through has a left-side upward arrow:

Here are several photos of the reconstructed roadway eastbound following the exit, to see westbound views, see below.

This is after the off-ramp to Route 2A:

Heading over the bridge seen above:

This is at the end of the new on-ramp from Crosby's Corner:

Here's the view on the other side of the hill:

The traffic light in the distance for Bedford Road would be Exit 51 (or 126) if it was ever turned into an interchange. Some bonus photos of overhead signage for the next interchange with I-95:

This is the 1-Mile advance sign, placed back in 2012. There are no auxiliary signs mentioning MA 128 here, though coincidentally this was proposed to be Exit 128 under the Milepost Exit Numbering System that was to start sometime in 2016, but is now indefinitely postponed. Here's the 1/2 mile advance sign for I-95 South, the Attleboro destination or control city is not consistent with other exit signage along I-95 in the area that lists Providence, RI:

Same sign back in 2016 when the Route 2 bridge over I-95/128 was under construction:

The orange construction sign refers to work on a project that is replacing the Route 2 bridges over I-95/128. A closer view of the work zone:

The Spring Street 1-Mile advance sign is the last overhead sign before the work area. All the other overheads were temporarily removed and replaced by orange ground-mounted signs:

Here's the appearance of the interchange after work was completed in the summer of 2016:

For some reason (better visibility?) the Route 128 shield was replaced with a larger one in 2017. Here was the 2016 version:

Previous Photos -- taken on July, 5, 2015:

East of Crosby's Corner work has concentrated on expanding the roadbed and adding new stone retaining walls, the first are along the eastbound side.

Work is almost complete on the new stone wall westbound 1/4 mile from Crosby's Corner. Here's a closer view:

The sign in the distance is a temporary exit sign for the new MA 2A off-ramp. Which, a closer look reveals...

H. South Shore Roads

1. Route 18 Widening Project, 2017-2022:

This project began in 2017 and widened Route 18 to four lanes for about 4 miles from Middle Street in Weymouth to Route 139 in Abington. Below are a series of photos taken of construction starting in November 2022, and proceeding backwards to May 2018. Work was to conclude on the Weymouth section by the end of 2019, but by late 2020, as photos below indicate, while much progress had been made over the summer and fall of 2020, with many sections near completion and four lanes opened up in either direction from Route 3 to 139. Final paving of the completed lanes started in the summer of 2021. Lanes between Route 58 and Route 139 were completed first during the summer of 2021. Work then moved northward with the final paving of the new lanes in Weymouth taking place in the fall of 2021. Work however continued, and more new signage was installed, particularly at major intersections. Work on replacing the commuter railroad bridge was the last piece of the project to complete. That was scheduled to be also finished in the fall of 2021, however work continued into 2022, the bridge was finally opened to 4-lanes as of November, and remaining guide signage installed. Work now appears to be complete after more than 5 years...

Latest Photos, Taken November 23 and 26, 2022

The finally completed commuter railroad bridge, and an added new Mile 38 marker before it on Route 18 North on Thanksgiving weekend.

Traffic on Route 18 North heading up the railroad bridge.

Traffic heading down the commuter railroad bridge, with 4-lane roadway heading towards Columbian Square in the distance.

A new North Route 18 reassurance marker after the completed commuter railroad bridge. Turning around....

A new guide sign for MA 58 South was finally put up in November as well.

A closeup view of the previously installed guide signs at the start of South Route 58, no Route 18 doesn't go to Quincy, but Route 53 does.

A first North Route 18 reassurance marker after Route 58 is beyond the Trotter Road intersection.

EARLIER PHOTOS

Taken September 27, 2022

This recently placed Junction Route 58 trailblazer has an arrow implying the route goes straight at the next intersection, instead of left. This is complicated by a lack of additional guide signs at the intersection, these will not be placed until November.

Photos Taken November 28, 2021

Looking north from the still incomplete South Weymouth commuter railroad bridge showing final pavement has been placed on the 4 traffic lanes north of the bridge.

Traffic at the bottom of the bridge on Route 18 North shifting onto the newly paved 2 traffic lanes north of the bridge.

Driving the permanent pavement placed on Route 18 North approaching the entrance to Union Point. Work was still continuing along the southbound lanes beyond the traffic light.

Heading further north in Weymouth toward Columbian Square, all new lane markings in place, The new building behind the Stockholders Restaurant sign advertises itself as luxury condos. Is this because it's by a steak house (and Friendly's) or that it overlooks a Citgo station?

Further north, beyond the existing 4-lane section by South Shore Hospital and the Park Drive intersection, the widening has also been completed.

The new sidewalks are concrete in this section, approaching one of the new flashing pedestrian crossing signals.

Traffic approaching the Middle Street intersection and the end of the widening project work zone.

Previous Photos:

Taken August 10, 2021

Approaching the commuter railroad bridge on Route 18 South. Traffic was moved back to the completed future southbound lanes of the bridge after the structure for the northbound bridge was put in place in early August.

At the foot of the railroad bridge on Route 18 South. Work continues to tie in the new northbound bridge with the existing travel lanes.

View at the top of the commuter railroad bridge on Route 18 South sharing the bridge with northbound traffic.

About to leave the commuter railroad bridge on Route 18 South. Hard to tell whether all the construction equipment at the bottom is for the bridge or the new apartment building being constructed.  Now turning around...

Traffic shifted to the left approaching the commuter railroad bridge on Route 18 North. The new bridge structure is behind the concrete barrier at the top of the bridge.

Traffic shifted back to the right after the commuter railroad bridge on Route 18 North. New fencing can be seen behind the guardrails along the Northbound lanes. Heading back south beyond the Route 58 intersection...

Route 18 south of the Route 58 intersection has received its final pavement layer and awaits final lane striping.

The paved lanes of Route 18 just over the Abington town line.

Repaved Route 18 just south of the Abington Ale House at the corner of Highland Road.

Paved Route 18 looking toward the southern end of the project at the Route 139 intersection in Abington.

Paved Route 18 looking toward the southern end of the project at the Route 139 intersection in Abington.

PREVIOUS PHOTOS

Taken January 2, 2021:

Heading south from Pleasant Street in Weymouth towards Abington:

Four lanes, and here 4 lanes and a left turn lane, now open along Route 18 headed south at the Shea Blvd/Union Point entrance.

Four lanes continuing south of the Shea Blvd/Union Point entrance.

The four lanes are about to end as we approach the still under construction commuter railroad bridge.

Traffic has now been shifted to the future north lanes approaching the commuter railroad bridge.

Proceeding on the commuter railroad bridge with construction going on in the future south lanes.

Looking south from the top of the commuter railroad bridge.

The four lanes begin again as Route 18 approaches Trotter Road.

Scene of widened Route 18 at the intersection with Route 58 heading toward Abington.

The fully widened roadway after Route 58 heading toward Abington.

Still heading toward Abington, the roadway here appears to have its final pavement.

Now across the line into Abington, the roadway here will need another layer of pavement in the spring.

Widened 4-lane roadway in Abington, another pavement layer and landscaping needed here.

Now heading back north from Route 139:

The widened roadway passing the fire station, looking north.

The widened roadway after the Abington Ale House, the right lane will benefit by a final pavement layer.

Getting closer to the Weymouth border, a final pavement layer still needed to improve the right lane.

The newly widened roadway about to cross into Weymouth.

Heading back towards the Route 58 intersection along the first completed section of widened roadway.

Approaching the Route 58 intersection and added left turn only lane.

Traffic barrels still in the concrete median between the Route 58 and Trotter Road intersections.

Two lanes reduce back to one to cross the again over the commuter railroad bridge.

Traffic squeezing over to cross the commuter railroad bridge.

The have completed a temporary sidewalk along the northbound lanes which meets up with the permanent one by the commuter rail parking lot.

Looking from the top of the bridge as the two lanes increase again to 4 at the bottom of the bridge.

Entering the widened section of Route 18 North after the commuter railroad bridge.

The recently widened Route 18 roadway between the commuter railroad bridge and Shea Blvd.

Stopping for the light at Shea Blvd, still need a final pavement layer here. Now skipping to the northern end of the project...

The recently widened Route 18 roadway at the end of the former 2-lane section near Middle Street, the sidewalk still needs to be completed and a final pavement layer applied.

The northern end of the Route 18 widening project at Middle Street, the interchange with Route 3 is down the hill after the traffic light.

Taken in mid-November 2020. Heading north from Route 139 in Abington to Pleasant Street in Weymouth:

The widened roadbed has received a final layer of pavement and all lanes are now open from Route 139 to just short of the fire station.

Only 1 lane is open from here to the Weymouth line restricted by cones or orange barrels, some landscaping work remains.

Line painting is complete with more landscaping work needed to be done heading up hill towards the Abington Ale House.

Some final curbing work needs to be completed before final line painting can be done near the top of the hill.

Work appears near completion along Route 18 between the Abington Ale House and the Weymouth town line, including newly paved sidewalks.

Same appearance heading north as get closer to the Weymouth border.

The widened roadway at the Abington/Weymouth border, portable VMS with "Use Caution" text concerns driving in a construction zone, but could be applicable to driving Route 18 at any time.

Now in Weymouth, the Route 18 roadway more recently paved and lanes painted, though the new lanes are also restricted by traffic cones and barrels.

Approaching the Route 58 intersection, road widens further to accommodate a left-turn only lane.

Now past the Trotter Road intersection headed towards the commuter railroad bridge where traffic narrows back to one-lane in each direction.

That is because work on the bridge continues and all traffic must use what will be the southbound side of the bridge.

Looking north from the top of the bridge towards the nearly completed widened roadway on the other side.

After the bridge the southbound lanes have been re-striped, but not those for Route 18 North.

Heading further north, it appears work on southbound lanes is complete, waiting the lane re-striping of Route 18 North.

Lanes southbound have been repainted to allow for a left turn only lane to Shea Blvd, on other side of traffic signal.

Four lanes of traffic now open along Route 18 North after the 99 Restaurant, southbound waiting for remaining sidewalk paving to be complete across from the Citgo station.

All lanes are now open approaching the Pleasant and Pond Streets intersection in South Weymouth.

The newly opened 4-lane Route 18 south of Pleasant/Pond Streets meets the existing 4-lane section to the north.

2. Taken in September 2020. Heading north in Abington:

Progress seen heading north in Abington with future southbound lane now paved along with northbound lane.

The newly paved Route 18 South lane continues toward the curve at the Abington Ale House.

Future lanes on both sides now paved beyond Abington Ale House heading north toward Weymouth.

Curbing has now been installed along both sides of the highway as the route approaches the Abington/Weymouth border.

Approaching the Weymouth line, work still needs to be done to install curbing along the northbound lanes.

The newly paved lanes end at the Weymouth line where the Route 18 North roadway was previously widened. Not much progress seen up to Commuter Railroad bridge since August, see photos below.

Heading south starting at Pleasant Street in Weymouth

Soon after the beginning of construction starts for the new southbound lanes prior to the Shea Blvd./Union Point intersection.

Approaching the Shea Blvd intersection showing grading of future south lane starting which continues toward railroad bridge.

Which then turns into a paved lane blocked off by cones closer to the bridge.

The paved southbound lane continues to the foot of the bridge.

Traffic shifts to right to go over temporary bridge while new bridge construction goes on to the left.

View from the top of the temporary railroad bridge showing road work and new building work surrounding the commuter rail parking lot.

View from the just south of of the temporary railroad bridge showing start of newly paved future south lane across from commuter rail parking lot.

Approaching the intersection with Trotter Road with the new pavement of the future southbound lane continuing.

View southbound after the Route 58 intersection of the paved new lane and curbing heading towards Abington.

The paved new lane and curbing continues along the future south lane, only near the Abington town line.

New pavement starts again along southbound Route 18 after crossing into Abington.

New pavement and curbing continue along southbound Route 18 in Abington.

Curbing completed along both sides of Route 18 starting at the DiNatale Landscaping Co. in Abington, though new pavement of existing lanes temporarily ends.

New pavement starts again approaching the Abington Ale House, though no curbing northbound again.

New pavement ends along Route 18 after the curve following the Abington Ale House.

The existing pavement returns along southbound Route 18 until the Route 139 intersection.

Photos taken in August 2020:

A new overhead set of traffic signals has been placed just north of Route 139 in Abington for the fire station, little other widening progress seen at the very southern end of the project.

The new northern lane has been paved starting north of the fire station.

The paving of the future new northern lane continues up the hill toward the Abington Ale House. No new progress heading south.

The paving of the future new northern lane continues after the Ale House. Note grading of future lane heading south.

The paving of the future new northern lane continues heading north along with south lane grading.

Meanwhile the deterioration of the pavement on the current lanes continues.

Appoaching the Weymouth line, the southbound future lane is paved as well along with the installation of new curbing.

The paved and curbed southbound future lane continues, along with the paved northern lane approaching the border.

The new pavement comes to an end northbound at the previously completed section at the Weymouth line.

However, the placement of curbing and new pavement continues along Route 18 South heading toward the Route 58 intersection.

The new pavement expands to cover the entire South Route 18 lanes approaching Route 58.

More paving along the future Route 18 South lane approaching the commuter railroad bridge, steel supports have been placed on the bridge for the future northbound lanes.

A closer look at the steel structure now in place for the right side of the commuter railroad bridge.

Looking north from the top of the railroad bridge showing traffic using widened section of Route 18.

Traffic heading north transitioning to new lanes after the commuter railroad bridge, notice grading along the southbound roadway.

Curbing has been completed and new sidewalk paved north of the railroad bridge heading toward the intersection at Shea Boulevard.

The completed curbing and sidewalk continues toward Shea Boulevard, traffic still restricted to one lane this direction by traffic barrels.

The paved and widened Route 18 North lanes at Shea Boulevard/Union Point Development.

The sidewalk transitions to concrete at the entrance to Union Point and continues as paved after the intersection.

The new paved northbound roadway, sidewalk and curbing continue after the Shea Boulevard intersection.

New pavement stops and work on the new sidewalk has not been completed further north in the vicinity of the 99 Restaurant.

Looking north towards the Pleasant Street/Pond Street intersection with widened northbound lanes paved but sidewalk work continuing.

Work has just started on installing curbing approaching the Pleasant Street intersection.

The paved widened northbound lanes continue to the Pleasant Street intersection.

Earlier Photos

Taken of paving along Route 18 North between Railroad Bridge and Pleasant Street on May 26, 2020:

Heading south after Pleasant Street showing some paving in current northbound lane, if not future lane.

Approaching intersection with Shea Blvd. at entrance to Union Point, more paving completed after intersection, see photos below.

Looking north from commuter rail bridge showing new paving along northbound lanes after the bridge.

Work continues on bridge and its approaches causing Route 18 North traffic to shift to right onto newly paved lanes after the bridge.

Traffic now using new right most northbound lane as work continues along the right shoulder to include the installation of curbing.

Newly paved northbound lanes continue until intersection with Shea Boulevard, see photo at top of section.

A closer look at the end of the northbound lane full paving at Shea Boulevard.

North of Shea Boulevard the new pavement is restricted to the right most side of the Route 18 North lanes.

The Bump advisory sign indicates a widened area of new pavement between the 99 Restaurant and the Citgo station.

Paving of the future northbound lane continues with pavement encompassing all the northbound lanes after the station to just before Pleasant Street.

Previous Photos

Taken along Route 18 North the entire length of the widening project work zone on May 3, 2020:

Little progress seen since the beginning of the year just beyond the Route 139 intersection. New utility poles are in but most of the wires are still on the old poles.

In vicinity of fire station. Again, new poles placed bur wiring predominantly on old poles, pavement conditions have deteriorated further along this stretch.

Further north approaching the Abington Ale House, little progress seen until reach the top of the hill.

Along Route 18 North clearing of utility poles from future northbound lane still needs to be completed for any further work to proceed.

Now past the Abington Ale House, work is still needed to relocate utilities and guardrail in new lane right of way.

While some of the future northbound lane has been graded, work remains to relocate utilities approaching the border with Weymouth.

More work has been done to clear the southbound future lane than the one for Route 18 North at the Abington/Weymouth line.

Little progress seen in clearing utility poles from right of way along Route 18 South, compared to completed North lanes approaching Route 58 intersection.

VMS prior to railroad bridge on Route 18 North warns of upcoming paving operations north of the bridge during May.

Work continues on building the new northbound lanes on the commuter railroad bridge, after most of the old bridge was demolished.

Looking north from the top of the commuter railroad bridge showing bridge construction ongoing.

View from other side of commuter railroad bridge showing transition to graded new Route 18 lane north of the bridge awaiting paving.

Some further work being done along graded new lane awaiting paving further north from commuter railroad bridge.

Further north approaching intersection with Shea Boulevard with more graded new lane awaiting paving.

Construction equipment still grading future Route 18 North lane approaching between Shea Boulevard and Pleasant Street.

More work is needed before paving can begin on this part of the future Route 18 North lane approaching Pleasant Street.

Concrete culverts still need to be placed before the short section between Pleasant Street and South Shore Hospital can be widened.

Not much progress seen in the northern widening area between Park Street and Middle Street since January.

New gas line pipes are stored along the Route 18 south lanes approaching Middle Street indicating these will have to be placed before widening work can be completed.

Earlier Photos

Photo from early March 2020 at the commuter rail bridge:

Looking north at the commuter rail bridge still under construction in April 2020. Route 18 was to be closed down at night for a week in mid-April to expedite final reconstruction. Paving of the new northbound lanes north of the bridge is suppose to then start in late April or early May.

Earlier photos from December 27, 2019 near commuter rail bridge:

Concrete drainage structures await placement sitting in future Route 18 North lanes to north of bridge.

While the wires have been moved to the new telephone poles along the southbound lanes, the old poles still stand in the future north lanes approaching the bridge.

Roadbed is quite bumpy approaching the commuter rail bridge, unlikely to be fixed until spring.

Work is continuing to expand side of commuter rail bridge for future additional Route 18 North lane.

View from top of the bridge, large crane still being used to widen east side of bridge for additional northbound lane.

View at bottom of south side of commuter rail bridge, not much progress in expanding paved new lanes toward the bridge.

Photos from December 15, 2019 at north end of project in Weymouth:

Heading south beyond Middle Street shows utility poles still in the future additional Route 18 South lane.

Not too much progress seen further south heading toward Park Avenue, Weymouth portion of project was to be completed by end of 2019.

Piece of construction equipment in future Route 18 South lane indicates some progress is being made, most utility poles approaching Park Avenue have been moved.

Photos from October 23, 2019 of work on the commuter rail bridge:

Work continues on replacing and widening commuter rail bridge near the South Weymouth commuter rail station, looking north.

A closer view of work on the future northbound lanes over the bridge.

Photos from October 6, 2019 heading north between Route 139 and Pleasant Street:

View approaching Abington Ale House, work to move wires to new utility poles along Route 18 North has begun.

View heading toward Weymouth, little but utility work being done in this area prior to widening, lanes are closed between 8 PM and 5 AM Sunday to Thursday.

New utility poles are only evidence of future widening approaching the Weymouth town line.

Work has started along future southbound lanes to the left near the Route 58 intersection in South Weymouth.

Work continues on widening the northbound side of the commuter rail bridge in South Weymouth.

Photos from September 1, 2019 heading south from Route 3 to Route 139:

This is how the first section of the widening project between Middle Street and Park Drive appeared on September 1. Work is still underway to place new a new drainage system under the future south lanes.

Approaching Park Drive work is still continuing on moving both the above and below ground utilities before widening work can begin.

A few traffic cones is the only evidence of work done in the second widening zone between Columbian Street and Pleasant/Pond Street intersection.

Little work on widening has occurred in the past two months in the third zone area between Pleasant Street and the entrance to the Union Point Development, especially along the northbound side.

The intersection with Shea Blvd. at Union Point has a new traffic signal designed for 2 southbound lanes, currently the left turn only arrow is above the second through lane at this location.

Not much progress to report south of Shea Blvd. during the last 2 months. Power lines still on old utility poles.

Pipes for drainage work still stand along Route 18 North along with old utility poles prior to commuter rail bridge.

Work can be seen at the commuter rail bridge. Traffic was detoured during the weekend of August 24-25 so that work could be expedited on replacing the northbound lanes.

Construction equipment and a crane are parked besides Route 18 North lanes for bridge reconstruction.

View looking south from the top of the commuter rail bridge showing little progress widening the southbound lanes headed toward Route 58.

New retaining wall along Route 18 South awaits utility pole removal so road can be expanded opposite the South Weymouth Commuter Rail Station parking lot.

Nothing new to report in past two months at intersection with Route 58 except new yellow traffic light structure going up in the right.

A closeup view of the new traffic light.

Little work can be seen southbound in moving the power lines from the old to new poles that would allow for road widening between Route 58 and the Abington line.

View largely changed southbound entering Abington in the last couple month, more utility pole removal is need before widening can begin.

This section of Route 18 in Abington is supposedly to be the last part of the widening project, which explains the lack of progress here.

The road conditions have only gotten worse beyond the Abington Ale House with a mixture of old and new pavement where underground utilities have been moved.

The cleared future southbound lane is now being used as a storage area for drainage pipes approaching Route 139.

Southbound lanes by Abington Fire Station, future new lane also a storage area and existing pavement torn up for utility relocation underground, while wires remain to be moved above ground.

New utility poles along northbound lanes hint at construction to come approaching end of project limits at Route 139 in Abington.

Photos at Commuter Rail Bridge from July 2019:

Work is proceeding in demolishing old bridge along former northbound lanes.

Looking south toward Route 58 interchange showing progress in preparing road widening opposite rail station.

Photos from May 2019 between Route 3 and South Shore Hospital:

View heading south showing clearing for new lane along properties after intersection with Middle Street.

Work continues approaching the intersection with Park Drive (Route 128 until 1959).

Widening project work picks up again after the 4-lane section surrounding South Shore Hospital, new utility poles in place.

Work moving utilities for the widening is still occurring along Route 18 South approaching the intersection with Pleasant Street.

Photos from April 2019 between Pleasant Street and Route 139:

View heading south after Pleasant Street in Weymouth showing progress in moving utilities out of future roadway right-of-way.

Similar work going on further south by Stockholders and the 99 Restaurant.

Work not as pronounced approaching the Shea Boulevard intersection on Route 18 South.

Work mostly along northbound lanes approaching the Commuter Rail bridge southbound.

Utility lines now on new poles along southbound Route 18 approaching railroad bridge, poles along northbound side still need to be removed.

Work was almost completed along new bridge section which Route 18 traffic was to shift onto the first week, then delayed to the second week of May.

Looking south from top of railroad bridge toward intersection by South Weymouth Commuter Rail Station with completed new northbound land separated by painted line after the bridge.

On the right, old utility poles have had wires removed to be placed on new poles, finished northbound lane with painted lines over it to exclude traffic to the left opposite the South Weymouth Commuter Rail Station parking lot.

Concrete pipes await placement along Route 18 South just prior to the Route 58 intersection.

A new slightly wider support posts awaits new traffic signals at the intersection of Routes 18 and 58 South.

South of Route 58 the completed northbound lane is striped to prevent use by traffic and work is proceeding to remove wire from the old utility poles along Route 18 South.

Similar conditions further south just prior to crossing into Abington.

The completed northbound lane ends as Route 18 enters Abington, construction on this southernmost section will not finish until 2020.

Less progress heading south in Abington and lack of maintenance on to be replaced roadbed leads to a bumpy ride and blurry picture.

Not much progress seen since last fall in the widening construction along the southbound lanes near the Abington Ale House.

Similar story on the bumpy roadbed south of the Abington Ale House.

More concrete pipes await placement, as well as utility poles heading south toward Route 139 in Abington.

Little has changed since last fall approaching the Route 139 intersection.

Nine days later, a look at the completed and striped off new Route 18 North lane by the South Weymouth Commuter Rail station parking lot.

Portable VMS in the new Route 18 North lane advising drivers as to upcoming traffic shift on commuter rail bridge in May.

Looking south along the ready to use Route 18 North lane between Route 58 and the Railroad Bridge.

Photos from November 2018:

Twilight view of cleared land on both sides of current roadway as seen on MA 18 North in Abington near the Weymouth town line.

Starting at the Weymouth line preliminary paving has been completed for future northbound right lane.

Newly paved lane continues to MA 58 intersection, seen at traffic light in distance and then beyond intersection to just south of railroad bridge.

Heading south a few days later approaching the railroad bridge, work on the bridge is being staged behind the concrete barriers on the left, while clearing has been completed along the southbound lanes.

Former utility poles in the future southbound lanes have been removed as seen approaching the railroad bridge.

Temporary advisory sign (along with portable VMS, not pictured) regarding lane shift southbound approaching the railroad bridge.

Apparently work to demolish the current bridge while it's still open requires shifting traffic over, the Route 18 North lane is now partly in the former shoulder.

Construction equipment and other needed items in the construction zone at the top of the bridge.

View looking south from the top of the bridge which was to show the beginning (or end) of the new paved lane heading northbound, hidden by traffic unfortunately.

View of paved future northbound lane on left as Route 18 traffic is shifted back to its original alignment after the railroad bridge.

Future Northbound lane paved heading past commuter rail parking lot.

The widening project has resulted in the future roadway's close proximity to the Public Storage warehouse building.

View of completed paving between the MA 58 and Trotter Road intersections on Route 18 North. This section was already 4 lames, but the road has been widened a little more with new curbing added.

My attempt to capture the railroad bridge approach heading north at dusk.

Photos from September 2018:

Area cleared along North Route 18 just prior to the railroad bridge for future lane. VMS messages indicate preliminary paving was to take place during October, weather permitting.

Heading south now, prior to the Union Point development entrance, new utility poles have started going up in this area.

New barriers and barrels put up along Route 18 South prior to the Route 58 intersection where preliminary widening work is taking place.

New temporary barriers have also been placed along MA 18 North after the current railroad bridge, work to demolish the old bridge and open a new wider one will take place in 2019.

One of the VMS advising traffic of paving work prior to the railroad bridge on Route 18 South prior to the South Weymouth commuter rail station.

View from top of railroad bridge looking south shows progress grading new northbound lanes as seen in the first photo.

Closer view of new lane being constructed northbound approaching the Route 58 intersection heading south on Route 18.

Work has also started for adding a northbound lane between the Route 58 intersection and the Abington town line.

More future northbound lane grading awaiting preliminary paving approaching the Abington town line.

Construction equipment stored near the end of the current widening work being done just over the line in Abington.

Only preliminary work still has been completed at the southern end of the project approaching Route 139.

The exception is near the Abington Ale House where the widening work is apparently being coordinated with a new development (see earlier photos below).

Previous photos from July 2018:

Only preliminary work and some new utility poles can be seen southbound approaching the southern limits of the project at Route 139 in Abington.

Only some tree cutting has been completed southbound approaching Route 139.

Little progress can be seen since May approaching the current railroad bridge on Route 18 South in Weymouth.

Work can be seen on building the new bridge to the left of the current structure heading south.

View looking north from the top of the railroad bridge, not too different from that in May.

Earlier photos from May 2018:

Work zone sign south of Route 139 intersection on Route 18 North in Abington.

Some clearing but not much work has started north of Route 139 heading towards Weymouth.

Work had started along the southbound lanes in coordination with a new development going in near the Abington Ale House.

Starting at the Abington/Weymouth town line work was proceeding in putting in new utility poles along the sides of the future widened highway.

Portable VMS sign warns drivers of lane closures overnight for widening work as more new utility poles stand next to existing ones in South Weymouth.

Route 18 about to head onto bridge over commuter rail tracks, bridge to be demolished and rebuilt, part of new bridge can be seen to the left of the current one.

Miscellaneous construction equipment and materials are store along northbound lanes prior to bridge.

Looking north from top of railroad bridge showing clearing and other work taking place in project work zone.

Utility pole relocation work continues north of the bridge.

Some of the bigger construction equipment being stored in future Route 18 southbound lane in Weymouth. Turning around and heading south...

Clearing for future Route 18 south lane heading toward railroad bridge in Weymouth.

Heading south over current railroad bridge, clearing for new bridge continues on the right.

Looking south toward Route 58 intersection from top of current railroad bridge, new bridge construction seen on right.

Some preliminary work has been completed approaching the Route 58 intersection southbound.

View of the new utility poles placed beyond the future highway lanes south of the Route 58 intersection.

Now further south in Abington, one can tell that maintenance of this section of Route 18 was deferred awaiting the highway's widening.

Passing southbound work being done in coordination with a new development along the southbound lanes prior to the Abington Ale House.

New barrier wall being placed for new building development providing room for future southbound Route 18 lane across from the Abington Ale House.

More preliminary work can be seen along Route 18 South approaching the Route 139 intersection.

This residential property in Abington will be losing much of its front yard to the new Route 18 South lane.

2. A Trip along "The Coastal Route," Route 3A North in September 2018:

Photos taken from Plymouth to Hingham on Route 3A, (mostly) the old coastal route between Boston and Cape Cod, which was given the Route 3A designation (after first being New England Route 6A) in the 1920s. The other route, the inland route or "Cape Way" got the primary Route 3, then Route 53, number at the same time:

A modern, and very large, North Route 3A reassurance marker seen in North Plymouth.

A North Route 3A trailblazer on the left side of the road, going left leads you back to Route 3 just north of US 44.

A guide/paddle sign, not of recent vintage at the intersection with Chestnut Street in Duxbury.

Guide/Paddle signs at the intersection of Routes 3A and 14 in Duxbury.

Junction Route 139 trailblazer approaching first of two intersections with this route in Duxbury, with an interesting twist...

You turn right to go onto Route 139 West and left to go east. Route 139 does an 180 degree turn at the Marshfield coast. MassDOT apparently decided changing directions was too confusing. The previous guide signs at this location had no direction.

One of many old-style Mass. DPW tenth-mile posts along this stretch of Route 3A. These were installed along most routes in the state in the 1970s.

Recent Guide/Paddle sign installations approaching the second intersection with Route 139 in Marshfield, the sign directions here are geographically correct.

The signs at the intersection itself, Route 3A North joins Route 139 West for about 1/2 mile.

MassDOT decided to put the somewhat modern style large route markers on separate posts west of the intersection of Routes 3A and 139.

Slightly older Guide/Paddle signs approaching the split of Route 3A North and Route 139 West in Marshfield.

The signs at the actual intersection. Of course, you can get to Route 3 using 3A, but it will take longer.

This part of Route 3A in Marshfield north of Route 139 was recently reconstructed and received new signage, such as this North 3A reassurance marker.

One of the signs not updated was this Guide/Paddle sign at the intersection with Ferry Street. Humarock is a coastal neighborhood of Marshfield.

Another new North Route 3A reassurance marker heading toward the border with Scituate.

Heading across the latest iteration of the North River bridge that is the border between Marshfield and Scituate. The bridge was built in the 2000s.

New Junction Route 123 trailblazer in Scituate.

Guide/Paddle signage in the roundabout at the intersections of Routes 3A and 123. The Scituate sign points to Country Way, the original Coastal Route, and original alignment of Route 3A until 1932 when Justice Cushing Way was built as a bypass between Scituate and Hingham.

Additional signage in the roundabout which marks the eastern terminus of Route 123.

A typical North Route 3A reassurance marker in Scituate.

Except for one of the several on wide 3-digit shields near Scituate High School.

An older North Route 3A reassurance marker in the next town to the north, Cohasset.

A rather old Junction Route 228 trailblazer in Hingham. This dates back to the 1980s and was not replaced, unlike shields heading south, during the recent Division 5 sign replacement project (perhaps it wasn't spotted among the plant growth).

Guide/Paddle signage at the Route 3A/228 intersection. There currently is no signage for 228 South, the small paddle sign disappeared a few years ago and has not been replaced. Prior to the building of Chief Justice Cushing Highway in 1932 this was a concurrency between Routes 128 and 3A on East Street which ran between Summer Street, to the left, and Hull Street, to the right.

3. Signs along the Route 106 corridor from Kingston to Bridgewater from May 2018:

Here's some photos of route beginnings clustered around Route 3A and 106 in the Kingston Area.

The first of two guide signs for the beginning of Route 106 on Route 3A North.

Notice the second smaller sign for Route 27, which begins about a mile further west on 106. If its that important to sign, wouldn't it be better to just extend 27 to 3A?

Speaking of Route 27, here's the first guide/paddle sign for the beginning of Route 27 North.

The intersection only features trailblazers. I would prefer two-digit routes to take precedence and instead would have Route 106 begin here with 27 beginning at 3A.

A few miles west, and over the border with Plympton, is the beginning of MA 36 North, a short route apparently deserving of less than standard quality paddle signs.

Further west in Halifax is the beginning of Route 105 South.

The second sign has an unusual number font.

Here's the end of Route 104 East at Route 106 further to west in East Bridgewater:

And a photo of the Route 106 and 28 intersection in Bridgewater:

Here's a couple of signs from the intersection of Whiting Street (MA 53), Derby Street (Formerly MA 128 and also 228 at least to the 1990s) and Gardner Street in Hingham. A closeup of a Mass. Guide (aka Paddle) Sign recently updated with new text:

The sign used to read North MA 228 to Route 3, South Weymouth. It was one of 3 green signs put up between 1988 and 1993 to mark the split of 228 from 53. The first sign actually read South MA 228. In the spring of 2014 the South 228 sign was removed and the two remaining were greened out with the new text added. MassDOT had apparently realized that 228 hasn't been officially routed along Derby Street for at least 15 years. Still, the route signs, put up around the same time, were not removed. In December 2016, a contract was let to replace signage in District 5, which includes Hingham, interestingly, the contract calls for replacing the route signs at the intersection, including the 228 shields. Apparently, the project engineer was not aware they are not needed, not the town which apparently approved their installation. Unfortunately, no one pointed out the error and the signs were installed in June 2017. Here are photos showing the new signs and those that they replaced. First, the North MA 228 trailblazer on MA 53 South approaching Derby Street,  the back of the sign above is in the center of the photo:

The previous sign:

If you look closely, you'll notice the directional banner had been updated to specifications in the 2009 MUTCD even though the shield dates from the 1980s, and has been wrong for at least 15 years.

Here's a closeup of the signs that follow on MA 53 South, incredibly the sign replacement contract installed new shields without replacing the support post. Later, in September 2019, this sign was taken down when the surrounding sidewalk was removed for a widening project:

However, the signs were put back up in late September, nailed to the nearby telephone pole (which will be removed shortly), in a different order:

Here's the previous shields on the same post:

The shields above date from the 1980's, as does the rusting sign post, the South directional banner is at least 10 years older.

The new North 228 trailblazer on Route 53 North prior to Derby Street, with the corrected green guide sign in the distance. This was taken down during the intersection reconstruction project that started in August 2019, however it was later put back up attached to the telephone pole seen in front of it:

The North Route 228 reassurance marker on Derby Street beyond the intersection, as well as trailblazers for Routes 53 North on Derby Street heading toward the intersection have not been replaced as of June 24. The South MA 53/228 trailblazer, hidden by leaves, was replaced. Both sign assemblies were taken down during the widening and reconstruction of the Derby Street/Whiting Street/Gardner intersection in the fall of 2019:

Here's the signage on Route 53 South approaching Queen Anne's corner with the correct information about Route 228:

Meanwhile, signage that could be replaced, like here at the corner of Main and Central Streets in Hingham, was not replaced:

A correct replacement shield on Route 53 after Cushing Street in Hingham, the next intersection north on 53 from the photo above:

And a correct Route 228 on Main Street in Hingham just north of the Cushing and South Pleasant Street intersection:

This Route 228 sign put up earlier in the week is missing a right arrow because this is on Route 3A South approaching the Route 228 intersection:

Here's a new Route 3A North reassurance marker put up on Otis Street at Hingham Harbor. The reassurance marker that it replaced was less than 10 years old. The older shield though was smaller with one post. Did someone request a larger shield for this location?

Seeing double in Queen Anne's Corner:

When the intersection of Routes 53 and 228, known locally as Queen Anne's corner, at the border of Norwell and Hingham was reconstructed around 2010 new signage was put in place but most of the old signage was not removed. This left this curious situation with 2 Junction 53 signs on 228 North ahead of the intersection:

In 2017, the contractor for the Retroflective Sign Update contract removed the old sign in the back, but replaced it with a new assembly:

Here's the new End Route 53 sign at the intersection with Route 3A/Southern Artery in Quincy, photo taken in November 2019:

Here's the former End Route 53 sign seen from the intersection of the Southern Artery and Washington Street (Route 3A) in Quincy taken in April 2016. Historically, until about 1960, this was the intersection of Routes 3, 3A and 135:

E. Sign Goofs

This goof has been around for a few years on Hancock Street in Quincy Center. The arrows are correct, if not confusing, as you can get to 3A either going straight of right:

This new guide sign appeared with the completion of the multi-year project rehabilitating the Longfellow Bridge between Boston and and Cambridge which is part of Route 3 in the summer of 2019. As you see the eastern part of Memorial Drive has been upgraded:

This sign appeared in Quincy at the corner of Furnace Brook Parkway and Adams Street in June 2017. While technically correct, if you turn left you will eventually get to I-93 South which takes you to the beginning of Route 128 in Canton, this sign replaced an older smaller To 128 sign that dated to the time that route ended in Braintree (before 1989). This should say 'To I-93' or 'To I-93/US 1':

Once this photo was posted on Facebook and on AARoads.com Forum, a MassDOT sign engineer saw it and asked it be changed to 'To I-93', this change was made on June 23:

Here's a couple goofs found near the Route 58 interchange with US 44 in Carver. First heading southbound:

Apparently they had some extra shields in New Jersey or Delaware.

Turning around and heading back toward US 44, drivers see this pair of relatively new guide signs:

Someone forgot to check whether there is a MA 44. This same error is also at the signs at the intersection ahead:

NEW-Beyond the US 44 interchange there is also a circle 58 sign as well:

Earlier, from 10/30/16 showing a little mix up in a guide sign on Route 30 East in Weston:

From 10/16/16: This second US 3 shield has appeared on Route 3 South in Duxbury, after the first Route 3A Exit, however it was changed to a MA 3 shield in late November:

The previous shield which has been US 3 for several years was also replaced at the same time:

Here's a new Exit sign that has appeared along Soldiers Field Road westbound in Boston for the Harvard Square Exit in July 2014:

It replaced a former green sign with similar information. Is Harvard Square so much of an attraction that it deserves a brown sign now?

A Fixed Sign Goof Along Forbes Road in Braintree. Look at these 2 official MassDOT Guide Signs as they appeared in June 2013:

Both US shields seem to originally had a 6 in them, then overwritten with 3. They are getting warmer, I guess.

Here's what was on the back of the first sign:

These lead to the intersection between Forbes Rd, Granite Ave. (MA 37) and the first South Shore Plaza access Road. The Guide signs there are older and indicate a turn left onto Granite Street or take MA 37 to the right.

Update 11/24: Looks like someone noticed the error, and the signs were fixed. Here's the new version of the second sign above:

Here's a New and Correct Guide Sign in Boston. Part of the I-93 Signing Project. This is at the on-ramp from Neponset Circle to the Southeast Expressway Northbound:

From August 2013 (Updated in April 2014):

Or Not ; That is the Question...Apparently Not

Starting in the Spring of 2013 new routes signs started appearing throughout Boston, some along their designated routes and intersecting roadways throughout the city, and some not. During the summer, for example, new Route 2A signs were put up along Massachusetts Avenue in Boston east of where that route has officially ended, at Route 2,  Commonwealth Avenue.

Here's an example of one of the signs along Mass Ave headed toward the Boston Medical Center Area just beyond Tremont Street:

And here's one headed the other direction...

This one is between Columbus Avenue (MA 28) and Huntington Ave (MA 9). Both photos taken in early September 2013. Both of these signs are more than 1/2 mile East from Commonwealth/Route 2. The other thing wrong with these signs are the directional banners, they are 180 degrees off. East 2A should be West, and vice versa. The same problem occurs with all the other signs put up at the same time in the area...

This sign is further west along Mass Ave between Huntington Avenue and Boylston Street by the Christian Science Church Headquarters.

The wrong directions also apply to signs on intersecting roadways. Here are the signs along Tremont Street at Mass Ave.:

This is a Route 28 West Sign on Tremont St prior to the Route 2A signs seen above. First of all, MA 28 runs along Columbus Avenue one block to the west, and second, it is a north/south route. Curiously, the Route 28 signs put up along Mass Ave are correct. Here's one approaching Columbus Ave from the west...

However, headed on Columbus Ave, you again see directionally challenged Route 2A signs...

To head toward Cambridge and points west you must follow the signs for Route 2A East.

Curiously though two blocks east on Mass Ave at Huntington Ave (MA 9) there is no Route 2A signage and the new Route 9 signage is correct:

A week later I checked out the signage at the still official end of Route 2A at the intersection of Mass Ave and Commonwealth Ave (Route 2)...

While there are no new Route 2A shields at this intersection, a couple new Mass. Guide Signs (MGSs) had been place along the ramp from Commonwealth Ave (Route 2) East to Mass. Ave.:

There is no matching Route 2A East Guide Sign to Imply the Route has been extended East. There is also a new smaller guide sign for Route 2A along Commonwealth at the off-ramp:

Though the Guide Signs are correct, this does not extend to the new route markers in the area. The first Route 2A signage on what its official route west of Mass Ave has the same problem as the others, a wrong directional banner:

This sign was placed in July and was accompanied by a 'To I-90 West' sign and a straight arrow...

The direction is correct, and technically the arrow is to. If you go straight you will get to Copley Square and can access West I-90 there. But it would be easier simply to take a left, go a block and make a left on the I-90 ramp along Mass Ave. And this is not the only error here. Approaching Beacon Street on MA 2A West, a couple blocks away from Commonwealth Ave., you see another West Route 2 Sign:

This is at the corner of Mass Ave and Beacon St. If you do turn here, you will eventually get to Route 2 in Kenmore Square.

Not that all the signs in this area are wrong....

And, some more photos taken on Thanksgiving morning...

So, what is going on here?

In a later post to AARoads Forum, poster Roadman, a MassDOT sign engineer, said he spoke to a colleague in the District 6 Office in Boston about the Route 2A and other recent signage. The colleague denied that MassDOT was responsible for the signs, nor could he find anyone working for the City of Boston to take credit either.(1) The Boston official suggested the work was by an 'unknown organization.' However, a road trip I took on Thanksgiving morning documenting the problems with many of the new signs pointed to evidence suggesting it must be a city project. The signs appear in locations overseen by two different state agencies which would create a problem in placing some of them, if the state had done it. As of the end of 2013 nothing had been done to fix or take down any problems signs. Here's the blog entry from that November trip.

Signs Eventually to Be Fixed by Boston Transportation Dept. (UPDATE 4/6/14):

On February 26, 2014, a Boston TV station, Fox 25, aired this 'undercover report' detailing the problem Route 2A and others signs documented above and in the blog post. Again MassDOT denied it had anything to do with it, however, Boston Transportation officials were now ready to blame a contractor, Jacobs Engineering, for whom the city had hired, for putting up the problem signs. The Boston officials, even the new mayor, said they were embarrassed that not only had they approved the wrong contract drawings, but that they had not noticed the signs were wrong until the reporter showed them his report (from the BTD response above, this seems to be stretching the truth). Officials indicated they were moving quickly to fix the signs and possibly seek to get some money back from Jacobs. In March, BTD employees fixed the MA 2A signs by rearranging the banners, only to be told, that by someone at MassDOT that the signs should not be there at all, since the route ends at Comm Ave. They then, according to This Updated Report from Fox 25, went out and removed most of the incorrect 2A markers. The only one left, apparently, is the one below between Symphony Hall and Boylston St (see above) where the directional banner was replaced by a 'To' banner:

While this is now 'correct' technically, Mass Ave crosses I-90 and MA 2 before 2A, so shouldn't they have 'To' markers too? They also fixed the signs featured in the Fox 25 report with the opposite arrowed West 2A markers within a few feet of each other. This was fixed by replacing the directional banner with 'Jct' and, removing the arrow (sorry for hard to see, late evening photo):

As of early April there are still mistaken signs elsewhere in Boston. Here, along Comm Ave west of Kenmore Square, they have extended MA 30 from its end in Brighton:

However, to show you not all the route signs installed by Jacobs were wrong, here are the signs approaching Columbus Avenue on Mass Ave heading west as of April 2014:

And here are some of the signs installed at the intersection of Comm Ave and Charlesgate East near Kenmore Square:

One of the correctly placed MA 2A signs can be sign on the right side of the photo.

Check Out My Other Photo Pages:

Interstate 90/Mass Pike

Interstate 93

Interstate 95

Interstate 495

US 6/Mid-Cape Highway

MA Route 24

Check out the MA Interstate Exit Lists

Return to Massachusetts Highway for the 21st Century

Notes:

(1) http://www.aaroads.com/forum/index.php?topic=10141.msg246192#msg246192 Posted 9/10/13

*CCROG Memo To: Transportation Committee, From: Roger Krahn, Principal Transportation Engineer/ Planner, Date: September 13, 2019
Subject: Interchange Exit Renumbering. Downloaded from: http://crcog.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/Memo-2019-09-13-Exit-Renumbering.pdf, Oct. 24, 2019.

Copyright (c) Robert H. Malme  2015-2019