MassPike Blasting Begins in Becket on Thursday

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BECKET, Mass. — The state Department of Transportation will begin blasting tons of ledge on Thursday on the eastbound side of the Massachusetts Turnpike.

The blasting is intended to reduce any hazards related to falling rock or rock debris and allow for the removal of the temporary barrier that is now in place.
 
The first blast, a test blast, will occur on I-90 in Becket at 1 p.m. on Thursday and close the Turnpike in both directions for approximately 15 minutes. The results of the test blast will be used to determine the intensity and frequency of future blasts.
 


Drivers should note 15-minute complete closures of the MassPike eastbound and westbound will be planned during midday hours on Tuesdays, Wednesdays or Thursdays into the early summer. Portal message boards will post the time of each blast, one day prior to the blast, to help motorists plan their commutes.
 
State police will gradually slow traffic and bring it to a complete stop at a safe distance from the blasting zone. In the event of severe weather, blasting would be postponed.
 
MassDOT awarded the $2.3 million ledge removal contract to JH Maxymillian of Pittsfield in September.


Tags: MassDOT,   MassPike,   road work,   

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Lanesborough Passes FY 2027 Budget, Warrant Articles

By Breanna SteeleiBerkshires Staff
LANESBOROUGH, Mass. — Town meeting on Tuesday approved an almost $14 million fiscal 2027 budget, and approved bylaws for short-term rentals and signage, and for public safety vehicles. 
 
Of the 20 warrant articles, one, Article 7, to use free cash to pay prior fiscal year bills of $941.27 was indefinitely postponed by Moderator David Rolle because the bills were for the fire association.
 
Some 247 of the town's more than 2,600 registered voters filled Lanesborough Elementary School, debating articles during a meeting that lasted more than three hours. 
 
The town's 2027 spending plan is up more than 10 percent, with the main increases from higher enrollment in the regional schools and the McCann Technical School renovation project.
 
Voters approved the assessment of $7,586,284 for Mount Greylock Regional School. They also approved Article 11, which was the use of $16,298.48 in free cash for the McCann's roof and window replacement project so as not to impact the budget. 
 
Ambulance Director Jen Weber is planning 24-hour coverage, which means more staff and a hike in her budget. Article 5 asked the town to appropriate $234,100 to operate the Ambulance Enterprise Fund for salaries and expenses, which passed.
 
Fire Chief Jeff DeChaine spoke to the audience on his articles and the need for a new truck to replace the 1996 fire truck, listed on the warrant articles for a total $813,366, which includes a $100,000 contingency cost on whether a 2026 model-year chassis can be secured before new emissions standards in 2027. If they get the 2026 chassis, that contingency likely won't be needed.
 
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