Articles Posted in Interstate Driving

Last weekend, state police responded to almost 20 traffic accidents during a 6-hour period. Fortunately, no one was seriously injured in these accidents, but state officials and police now say they believe that these car accidents may have been the result of a liquid spill that occurred on Saturday night.

The Saturday evening accident involved a Hyde Park man who drove his Honda Civic into a wall near a tunnel on Interstate-93. He was issued a citation. Following the accident, police responded to several more motor vehicle accidents in the same area. Hydraulic fluids and antifreeze may have contributed to these car crashes.

One injured driver, a 25-year old from Dorchester, was taken to New England Medical Center for non-life-threatening injuries. The series of interstate accidents remains under investigation.

Vehicle fluids may have caused tunnel accidents, police say, Boston Globe, November 18, 2008 Continue reading

Last week in Attleboro, Massachusetts, an early morning truck accident forced officials to close Interstate 95. The crash occurred around 4:45am when a 1997 Volvo hit a concrete barrier and swerved across all traffic lanes, colliding with the driver’s side of a tractor-trailer.

Michael Cowan, 37, of Northbridge was driving the fuel-filled rig, which began to leak the fuel it was transporting. It is estimated about a third of the 11,000 gallons in the truck’s tanker leaked onto the road, and all four lanes were closed.

It took until early afternoon for fire and environmental crews to off-load the spilled fuel and right the truck. Fourteen area homes were evacuated because of the fuel leak. All four lanes of traffic were reopened by 3:30pm.

Cowan and two other crash victims were transported to Rhode Island Hospital and treated for minor injuries. State police Massachusetts and Rhode Island are investigating the interstate accident along with the state fire marshal, the state Department of Environmental Protection, the North Attleboro and T.F. Green Airport fire departments, and the state fire marshal.

Northbridge trucker in wreck that closes I-95, Worcester Telegram, November 6, 2008 Continue reading

Traffic accidents can have a huge impact on heavily traveled highways like Interstate 93. In fact, when a driver lost control of his vehicle on September 30, the aftermath of that car crash shut down northbound lanes on I-93 during rush hour, forcing drivers onto local roads and significantly increasing their evening commute.

The traffic situation could get even worse, as drivers prepare for slowdowns and bottlenecks thanks to construction along I-93. That’s why transportation officials put together Smart Work Zones, which allows motorists to check traffic information online or on highway-side message boards. After viewing data on traffic flow, highway drivers can choose to use alternate routes and avoid traffic congestion.

At the very least, these signs should help drivers stay informed. When there are no traffic slowdowns, the message boards flash the anticipated travel time to the next exit. According to the Department of Transportation, the Smart Zone website attracts about 3,000 hits per day.

Technology helps commuters avoid traffic, New Hampshire Union Leader, October 13, 2008
Web Resource
Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) & Technology, US Department of Transportation Continue reading

The Boston Herald reports that transportation officials Massachusetts and New Hampshire received a report recommending a “bus-on-shoulder” system as the best strategy for reducing traffic congestion on Interstate 93. Passengers would be picked up by express buses that would use a breakdown lane closed to other vehicles.

Those who supported a passenger train service between Boston and Manchester worry that this study could disrupt their plans and prevent economic growth in southern New Hampshire.

Rail travel is still a possibility, although cost was a major factor in considering the bus-on-shoulder option. The transit planning company that is investigating commuter options said that rebuilding the old rail lines would cost almost $200 million, whereas starting up the bus service would cost about $80 million. Noise and safety concerns were also factors in the company’s recommendation.

Transit study says commuter bus lane best I-93, Boston Herald, October 12, 2008 Continue reading

Last week in New Bedford, Massachusetts, a four-car crash on Interstate 195 eastbound killed one driver. Massachusetts police say the fatal car accident occurred just before the afternoon rush hour between exit 12 and 13 on Interstate 195. They have identified the car accident victim as Barbara Niemi, 61, of Wareham.

According to troopers, the victim’s car hit back the of a GMC crossover driven by Ryan Feeney, 32, of Fairhaven. The GMC rolled over and the driver sustained minor injuries.

Though some car accidents are minor fender-benders that result in minor property damages, more serious accidents can have catastrophic results, including serious injuries, major property damage, and even death. Motorists are covered by their own Personal Injury Protection insurance, but oftentimes medical costs can far exceed the policy limits of PIPs.

One dead, several hurt in 195 crash, turnto10.com, September 18, 2008 Continue reading

A Massachusetts tractor-trailer driver was involved in car accident earlier this week. Richard Jean, 49, was driving north on Interstate 95 when his tractor-trailer, which is owned by Bothstein Sugar Corporation, was hit by David Nance of Norwalk, Connecticut.

Police say Nance was speeding and his car became wedged under Jean’s tractor-trailer. The car was then dragged a short distance before Jean pulled his truck to the side of the highway.

Firefighters had to extract Nance from his vehicle because he became trapped. Meanwhile, local and state police were forced to close the entrance ramp and right lane of the highway as rescuers worked to free Nance, who was unconscious at the time.

As of Wednesday, the accident victim was listed in critical condition at St. Vincent’s Medical Center. The motor vehicle accident is currently under investigation, but no charges have been filed according to state police.

Man critical after I-95 crash, ConnPost.com, September 10, 2008
Driver in I-95 crash still critical, ConnPost.com, September 10, 2008 Continue reading

The Worcester Business Journal recently reported that the intersection of Interstates 495 and 290 has an accident rate that is 33 percent higher than similar highway interchanges. The Mass Highway Department plans to improve the intersection by redesigning and rebuilding it.

The construction project will not be completed until 2014 or 2015; however, the MHD has $31 million in federal and state money designated to fund it. The Massachusetts Environmental Protection Agency has deemed an environmental impact report unnecessary, which will save 18-24 months.

Construction will be completed in stages so that traffic will flow as usual. Currently, the intersection is a full cloverleaf pattern, but the new design will transform the intersection into a partial cloverleaf and three levels of roadway. Two of the four ramps at the intersection are rated “F” due to the heavy amount of traffic they handle. The redesign is anticipated to bump up the rating to a B, C, or D.

At A Crossroads, Worcester Business Journal, August 18, 2008 Continue reading