As Boston braces for the influx of students and newcomers, the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) is taking proactive measures to prevent the notorious "storrowing" incidents, where trucks and vans get jammed under low bridges on popular parkways. In a recent announcement, the DCR unveiled an expansion of its "Cars Only" signs pilot program, featuring more visible and durable signage to warn drivers about height restrictions, particularly on Storrow Drive, Soldiers Field Road, and Memorial Drive. According to the press release, this initiative is part of the state's annual educational campaign ahead of Move-In Day to ensure a safe transition for those relocating to the city.
With help from MassDOT and the Massachusetts State Police, the DCR is working to prevent infrastructure damage and traffic disruptions caused by oversized vehicles on river roads. After last year's successful introduction of a redesigned "CARS ONLY" sign on David G. Mugar Way, similar signs were placed on Soldiers Field Road and Memorial Drive. These new signs feature reflective sheeting and rubber edging for impact absorption and will be evaluated in the fall. If successful, about 50 older signs may be replaced with these updated versions.
In a concerted effort to attenuate the infrastructural strain and potential hazards to drivers, Jonathan Gulliver, MassDOT Highway Administrator, remarked, "Collisions with bridges and over-height vehicles are both damaging to infrastructure and dangerous for motorists," highlighting the ongoing collaboration with DCR and MSP to elevate driver awareness around vehicle size and road compatibility. Motorists, especially those renting trucks, are encouraged to apprise themselves of height limitations via signage and electronic boards, and consult truck-specific navigation apps, as reported by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Alongside structural and technological measures, DCR's outreach includes a lively social media campaign using quirky humor and relatable memes to convey its message. This approach builds on last year's effort, which resulted in a "storrowing"-free Move-In weekend. DCR is hopeful that the current digital push will continue this success. The campaign, shared via Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), Threads, and YouTube at @MassDCR, aims to transform the historically chaotic Move-In Day into a smooth, incident-free experience. The strategy focuses on capturing the audience’s attention and spreading critical roadway cautions until September 3, 2024.
Before Move-In Day on Sunday, September 1, 2024, state agencies are adding extra signs and dynamic message boards to highlight height restrictions and no parking zones. This effort aims to prepare the city for the expected moving chaos, using past experiences to enhance safety. MSP Colonel John Mawn emphasized the importance of making a travel plan and following road signs, welcoming students and professionals to Massachusetts and encouraging compliance for everyone's benefit.
