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BOSTON (WBZ NewsRadio) — Driving in Massachusetts is due to change in the next few years as state transportation officials move forward with a plan to change the numbering on exit signs.
By 2022, nearly all exit signs in the Commonwealth are set to be re-numbered based on mileage instead of sequence.
It's because of a federal mandate. Right now, Massachusetts is one of only three states (along with New Hampshire and Delaware) that uses sequential numbers on exit signs instead of mile-based numbers. According to MassDOT, if the Commonwealth doesn't transition over, it could stand to lose federal funding.
The plan was unveiled at Monday's MassDOT board meeting.
"This applies to all state freeways and interstates, basically all the controlled-access roadways that we're responsible for," said Neil Boudreau, Assistant Administrator for Traffic and Safety.
The goal is to begin changing signs in late summer 2020, starting with I-91 and moving from west to east.
Old numbers will stay on the signs for about two years.
"Exit 37, Jackson Road in Devens, under the new system, will become Exit 106," said Boudreau. "On the upright, you'll see the old Exit 37."
Exceptions include Routes 213, 291, and 391, as well as the Lowell Connector.
Public information meetings will start next autumn.
WBZ NewsRadio's Madison Rogers (@_madisonrogers) reports
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