Gov. Healey issues travel ban in 4 Massachusetts counties as blizzard causes treacherous conditions
Governor Maura Healey immediately signed an executive order. ban on non-essential motor vehicle travel because in three Massachusetts counties A heavy snowstorm was causing difficult road conditions.
The ban affects travel in Bristol, Plymouth, Barnstable and Duke counties. Hundreds of thousands of people were left without electricity. Hurricane-induced winds Amidst the whiteness, trees and power lines were falling, making the roads impassable.
The speed limit on the Massachusetts Turnpike has also been reduced to 40 miles per hour.
“We don’t need people on the roads who don’t need to be,” Healey said at a news conference Monday.
Travel ban supports snow removal operations The region has experienced exceptional snowfall so far during this storm.
Roadway conditions are currently hazardous and this action will improve safety for drivers, plow operators and first responders.
“This is a serious storm and there are hazardous road conditions, especially on the South Shore. We are receiving reports of abandoned and stranded cars on the roads and tow trucks having difficulty reaching them,” said Governor Healey. “While this travel ban is limited to the South Coast, we urge everyone in the state to stay off the roads for your safety and the safety of plow drivers and emergency workers trying to do their jobs. Thank you to everyone who is staying home and to those who are doing this tough work in extremely challenging conditions.”
“This is a really bad storm. I was 7 years old during the blizzard of ’78,” Healey said. “My birthday party has been cancelled.” The last travel ban was in 2015, Healey said.
Healey stated that the travel ban will be lifted once Highway Administrator Jonathan Gulliver determines conditions are safe.
If you violate the travel ban, you will face a $500 fine. According to the Massachusetts State Police, there were 250 disabled motor vehicles statewide at 2 p.m.
MassDOT is also actively redeploying equipment to the South Shore to assist municipal partners with snowfall.
Healey also activated 150 more members of the National Guard, and a state of emergency remains in effect for most of the state except Berkshire, Hampden, Hampshire and Franklin counties.
Motorists should expect lower levels of service on highways statewide for an extended period of time.
MEMA Director Dawn Brantley said 25 cities and towns across the state have declared emergencies. Places like Duxbury and Scituate are in demand state aid.
Healey said resources were focused on the hardest-hit areas on the south coast and power restoration was delayed due to continued wind.
“The snowfall needs to stop and the winds need to die down,” Healey said.
Healey said he also reached out to officials in Vermont, New York and New Hampshire for snow removal equipment.
“I think a lot of people are tired of the snow. And this is definitely a storm that puts a lot of strain on people, it puts a lot of strain on people who farm, it puts a lot of strain on power restoration crews, it puts a lot of strain on all of our residents.”
This is an evolving story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.
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