State DOT Proposes Massive Fee Increases For Massachusetts Drivers

The board of the Massachusetts Department of Transportation released its 21st Century Transportation Plan, which outlines the state’s budgetary needs over the course of the next 10 years and beyond.

With infrastructure in need of repairs and the major city transit system steeped in billions of dollars of debt, the state may need to increase revenue from car registrations, license renewals, taxes and tolls. The Board of the Massachusetts Department of Transportation released its 21st Century Transportation Plan Monday, which calls for a $13 billion overall investment in state transportations systems over the next decade. The breakdown is as follows, according to a statement associated with the plan released by Transportation Secretary and CEO Richard A. Davey: To raise the necessary funds these recommendations will include an increase in the gas tax, payroll tax, sales tax or income tax; a new green fee on vehicle registrations; a …

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Brown Street/Whipple Road Bridge Ribbon Cutting on Friday

State and local officials will gather for the official re-opening of bridge that has been closed for two-and-a-half years.

State and local officials from Tewksbury, Billerica and Wilmington will gather in South Tewksbury on Friday at 11 a.m. for the official ribbon-cuting ceremony, marking the re-opening of the Brown Street/Whipple Road Bridge. The event will be hosted by Massachusetts Department of Transportation Highway Administrator Frank DePaola The bridge has been closed since being heavily damaged by flood waters in the Spring of 2010. Work began on the project in April and was scheduled to be completed in late October. The early completion is a welcome bonuse for local commuters. "We are proud to showcase the results of cooperation and collaboration between the Commonwealth and state and local elected officials," said DOT spokeperson Courtney Rainey. …

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Where Is It?

This Week's Mystery Photo Proved a Roadblock for Many

Only two correct guesses this week.

This week's "Where Is It?" Mystery Photo proved to be a real challenge for most of our readers. Part of the address for the location was in the photo but the real key to this one was in the logo shown in the photo. Nail that and the rest was easy. Just two readers were able to figure out that the symbol shown was the log for the Massachusetts Department of Transportation. With that nugget of info, those two readers coreectly guessed that the location was the State Highway Department Depot at 10 Clark Road. And for their outstanding guesswork, we will be sending Luna Rossa gift cards to both correct guessers -- Betty Bustin and David Williams. Thanks to all who participated.  

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