Massachusetts announces new safety corridor enforcement plans

The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (DOT) and State Police are going forward together on a new enforcement plan to bolster the state’s safety corridor on I-495 and I-95 through the greater Foxboro area.

The routes were chosen because of a high rate of deaths and injuries caused by speeding in the area. The safety corridor areas will get eight new variable-message signs, letting drivers know it is a safety zone and that there will be increased enforcement along the route.

Radar technology is to be used to collect data and determine what times and areas on the highways will get extra attention from state police.

Extra patrols during those times with the highest incidences of unsafe driving are intended to enforce speed limits and reduce aggressive driving. The higher presence of police will also serve to prevent distracted driving.

The radar equipment will not target particular vehicles or drivers. Instead, the technology is meant to capture the average rate of speed along the entire corridor. That data will go into effect determining the most efficient times to step up police presence.

State agencies will continue collecting the data to measure the program’s effectiveness.

The joint enforcement program from the DOT and State Police is part of a $201,000 effort funded through the Highway Safety Improvement Program, which is part of the Massachusetts Strategic Highway Safety Plan.