Massachusetts Roadways ‘Amongst the Deadliest’ in Years for DOT

The Massachusetts Department of Transportation says high-speed roadways in Massachusetts have become more dangerous and is asking that it be allowed to use blue vehicle warning lights in work zones similar to those used by police.

State House News Service reported Highway Administrator Jonathan Gulliver told a recent State House hearing, "We are in a crisis regarding work zone safety right now. But regrettably, this is not a new trend."

Citing "an incredible increase in transportation investing these last few years," Gulliver told lawmakers, "Right now, we have nearly 700 different active construction maintenance projects ongoing across Massachusetts."

Gulliver told lawmakers the last 12 months were "amongst the deadliest in a long time" for highway workers.

SHNS reported, "There have been 659 crashes reported statewide over the last year that were work zone related, 80 of which resulted in an injury to someone involved and four of which resulted in a fatality."

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Boston's WCVB-TV reported in late March that three workers were struck and killed while repairing a guardrail "along Route 91 in West Springfield at approximately 12:45 a.m. when a 2021 Jeep Cherokee took Exit 10A at a high rate of speed and hit them before rolling over."

Rep. Edward Philips, a Democrat from Sharon, has filed legislation (H3763), "An Act Improving Safety Measures For Highway Maintenance Personnel," to permit all vehicles "owned by, operated by, or under contract with the Massachusetts Department of Transportation for construction projects," to use the blue warning lights.

Supporters of the legislation say the use of blue flashing, rotating or escalating warning lights could encourage drivers to slow down in work zones. Opponents of the bill suggest green lights would have the same impact and favor reserving the blue warning light for police vehicles.

No word on whether the Joint Committee on Transportation will issue a report on the proposed legislation.