Test blast will close I-90 in Becket Thursday

BOSTON (MassDOT) - MassDOT begins a project Thursday in Becket to blast tons of ledge from the eastbound side of I-90, 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 1pm tomorrow 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 Turnpike 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.
 
Massachusetts 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.

For transportation news and updates visit MassDOT at www.mass.gov/massdot .