Signs Aimed at Reducing Highway Speed, Noise

The Massachusetts Department of Transportation will soon install signs on northbound I-295 near the Route 1 interchange in North Attleborough in an effort to reduce the speed of commercial trucks and discourage engine braking (along with the sound that comes with it). The decision is in response to inquiries by state Rep. George Ross about how to reduce noisy engine braking on the highway.

The signs will notify drivers about sharp curves and rollover hazards at the I-295/I-95 connecting ramps and another sign includes a notification stating, "Truckers test your service brakes." Images of the signs are included in a letter sent from state Highway Administrator Frank DePaola to Ross.

"MassDOT anticipates that the installation of these additional signs will encourage commercial drivers to slow down and use their service brakes instead of engine braking before reaching the exit ramps to I-95," DePaola wrote. 

He continued, "This should reduce the need for these drivers to make lastminute applications of their engine brakes just as they enter the ramps. As a result, there should be an overall reduction of the noise made by truck traffic at this location."

Ross stated in a press release that his office has been working on this issue since January 2011.

"I am pleased that we were able to work with the Massachusetts Department of Transportation to come up with a viable solution for all involved," said Ross, according to the release. "I would also like to personally thank the residents in that area for their patience and perseverance."