State Installs New Braintree Split Lane Configuration on I-93

By Joseph Markman

Tuesday night into early Wednesday morning the Massachusetts Department of Transportation implemented a new lane configuration on I-93 South at the Braintree split.

"On Wednesday morning drivers will find two dedicated lanes to I-93 Southbound and two dedicated lanes to Route 3 Southbound," MassDOT said in a press release Tuesday afternoon.

"In its present condition, there are five lanes in this area with three lanes exiting to Route 3 and two continue on I-93 South.  The third lane onto Route 3 is an exit-only lane that ends soon after the split at Exit 19. The removal of this lane will accommodate two wider travel lanes to carry traffic onto Route 3 Southbound."

"As motorists encounter the new configuration for the first time, MassDOT anticipates that there will be confusion until drivers become familiar with the new lane configuration. The intent is to better define the lanes and avoid last minute, unsafe lane changes. The goals of this new configuration are to: 

• Reduce driver confusion at the complicated interchange -- simplifying lanes so two lanes exit to Route 3 and two lanes stay on I-93 South
• Increase available weaving distance for drivers exiting HOV ("zipper") lane heading to I-93 South
• Increase driver awareness of upcoming lane split by using high-visibility pavement markings to identify which lanes exit and which lanes stay on I-93 South

"In addition to the high-visibility pavement markings, new overhead signage will be installed shortly to communicate the new configuration. MassDOT consulted with its partners at the Massachusetts State Police and incorporated their suggestions into this plan. This work is weather permitting."