Mass Pike backups blamed on sick calls

BOSTON (AP) - The chief of the Massachusetts Turnpike says massive backups at the highway's toll plazas on Easter Sunday were caused because a number of toll takers called in sick and management did not bring in replacements on overtime.

Executive Director Alan LeBovidge says the cash-strapped agency is trying to save money and one strategy is to eliminate overtime.

He said backups could be as bad if not worse on Memorial Day, and advised drivers to get electronic transponders.

A Turnpike Authority spokesman did not know how many toll takers called in sick. LeBovidge said if the Pike determines there was an abuse of sick time policy, workers could face disciplinary action.

Traffic was backed up six to seven miles at the interchange with Route 128 in Weston.