MassDOT Schedules Work on MassPike

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STOCKBRIDGE, Mass. — The Massachusetts Department of Transportation will be performing overnight and daytime milling, paving, bridge repair, and bridge painting operations on I-90 (Massachusetts Turnpike) eastbound and westbound in the towns of Stockbridge, Becket, Montgomery, and Russell. All work is weather dependent and will take place at the following locations and times:
 
Stockbridge:
  • Milling and paving operations will be conducted on the MassPike eastbound from mile marker 2.0 to mile marker 7.8 nightly from Sunday night, July 20, through Thursday night, July 24, from 7 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. 
  • The MassPike eastbound Exit 3 on-ramp will be closed for paving operations on Monday morning, July 21, from 1 to 5 a.m.
  • Bridge repairs will be conducted on MassPike eastbound and westbound at mile marker 6.4 nightly from Monday night, July 21, through Thursday night, July 24, from 7 p.m. to 5:30 a.m.
Becket:
  • Bridge painting will be conducted on MassPike eastbound and westbound at mile marker 18.4 nightly from Sunday night, July 20, through Thursday night, July 24, from 7 p.m. to 5:30 a.m.
Montgomery/Russell:
  • Bridge repairs will be conducted on MassPike westbound from mile marker 35.9 to mile marker 36.5 on Wednesday morning, July 23, from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Appropriate signage and law enforcement details will be in place to guide drivers through the work area. Drivers traveling through the area should expect delays, reduce speed, and use caution. All scheduled work is weather dependent and subject to change without notice.
 
For more information on traffic conditions, download the Mass511 mobile app or visit www.mass511.com. Users can subscribe to receive text and email alerts for traffic conditions; dial 511 and select a route to hear real-time conditions.
If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.

Elevated Mercury Level Found in Center Pond Fish

BECKET, Mass. — The state Department of Public Health has issued an advisory after a mercury-contaminated fish was found in Center Pond. 
 
According to a letter sent to the local Board of Health from the Division of Environmental Toxicology, Hazard Assessment and Prevention, elevated levels of mercury were measured in the sample taken from the pond. 
 
The concentration in the fish exceeded DPH's action level of 0.5 milligrams per kilogram, or parts per million. 
 
"This indicates that daily consumption of fish from the waterbody may pose a health concern. Therefore, DPH has issued a FCA for Center Pond recommending that sensitive populations should not eat chain pickerel and all other people should limit consumption of chain pickerel to 2 meals/month," the letter states.
 
The letter specifically points to chain pickerel, but the 60-acre pond also has largemouth and smallmouth bass and yellow perch.
 
The "sensitive populations" include children younger than 12, those who are nursing, pregnant, or who may become pregnant.
 
The Toxicology Division recommends reducing intake of "large, predatory fish" or fish that feed on the bottoms of waterbodies, such as largemouth bass and carp. More information on safely eating fish can be found here
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