Travel restrictions in place for South Coast counties amid dangerous blizzard weather

BOSTON (WWLP) – Governor Maura Healey has issued an Executive Order prohibiting all non-essential vehicle travel in Bristol, Plymouth, and Barnstable Counties, starting right away, because of dangerous road conditions caused by the blizzard.

The restriction on travel has been put in place to facilitate thorough snow clearing efforts in the South Coast, improving safety for snow removal workers and emergency personnel. The ban will be removed once road conditions are considered secure by Highway Administrator Jonathan Gulliver.

This is a severe storm, and there are hazardous road conditions, particularly on the South Coast. We have received reports of vehicles that have been left or become stuck on the roads, and tow trucks are struggling to reach them,” said Governor Healey. “Although this travel restriction applies only to the South Coast, we encourage everyone throughout the state to avoid the roads for your safety and the safety of snow plow operators and emergency personnel who are working to carry out their duties. Thank you to everyone who has remained at home and to those who are performing this difficult task under extremely tough conditions.

The speed limit on the Massachusetts Turnpike has been lowered to 40 miles per hour in the affected area. The Massachusetts Department of Transportation is currently sending more machinery to the South Coast to support snow clearing efforts.

As stated by the governor’s office, the following vehicles are not subject to the travel restriction:

• Public safety vehicles, sworn and non-sworn public safety staff, including those offering services at correctional institutions, as well as private sector security personnel
• Vehicles and staff involved in public infrastructure projects, including contractors assisting with these efforts
• Public transit vehicles and staff members, including those under contract to assist with public transportation services
• Individuals employed by the government while engaged in their professional duties
• Vehicles and staff from the utility company, including subcontractors involved in utility response and recovery operations
• Staff actively involved in storm response efforts, such as but not limited to individuals managing emergency shelters
• Staff members who assist in human services facilities, such as residential housing programs and human services shelter operations
• Medical staff, such as home health workers and personal care aides
• Individuals who provide or assist with services at medical institutions, such as those offering extended care and psychiatric support, along with clinics and other medical centers.
• Vehicles and staff delivering essential supplies to medical institutions, such as those offering extended care and mental health services, along with hospitals and other medical centers
• News media
• Snow removal machinery used by the private sector for, or en route to, the clearing of snow and ice from public or private locations
• Patients who are traveling to obtain immediate life-threatening medical treatment, and individuals accompanying them who are essential in supporting this urgent critical care.
• Travel is essential for preserving vital private sector facilities, services, and operations, as well as for providing or assisting with crucial private sector services and supplies within key infrastructure areas like energy, fuel, financial systems, and the distribution of essential goods.
• Travel to assist business activities that offer essential services to the community, such as gas stations, drugstores, grocery stores, and home improvement stores.

Drivers are advised to anticipate lower service levels on highways across the state for a prolonged time while MassDOT focuses on snow removal operations.

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