First trip back to Mass in almost three years... (Boston: home, live)

[brightdoglover]

I have long thought that nailing speeders/weavers on Route 93 etc. would not only make things safer but would make the state flush with cash. I used to drive 93 north at night for a night shift and a co-worker told me that people crawling in the right lane are drunk and the speeders are doing cocaine. But that was at night. During the day, most people are just going to work, and are likely people who keep their registrations current and all and would have to pay penalties.

[MrDee12345]

I'm currently at my mother's house in the Merrimack Valley - this is a cul-de-sac road with maybe 1 car passing every 10-15 minutes and there is a bloody cop working a detail as they repave the sidewalk. I don't see anything like that in NY, NH or Maine. Maybe this is why we can't afford to do road construction on our highways.

[MrDee12345]

Okay, last few observations before I head back overseas next week:

- Downtown Crossing confounds me. It's right at the intersection of the orange and red lines, plus they've closed off Washington St. to cars and yet there are many empty storefronts. What they can't fill with retail should be filled with bars, clubs or pot stores.

- There are a lot of people with mental health issues hanging around DTX. I feel bad for them, but I have an 8 month old daughter now and taking her through there I had my guard up more than I normally would.

- Wifi on the commuter rail never seems to work.

I think that's about all for this trip. See you again in a year or two!

[LexWest]

I know the OP is likely back abroad, but I wanted to add my .02

Sadly the mental health problems in DTX contribute to the crime. It could be great if not for that. It’s unfortunate.

I imagine you also noticed the exit changes on the highway that happened the last couple of years? (Yes, I know it was to match the actual mile markers.)

It must’ve jarring at first seeing seeing exits running in the 80s and even 90s. People get used to it, but at times I still miss Rte. 129 being 29 and Rte. 38 being 38.

[Urban Peasant]

Originally Posted by MrDee12345

19. I remember one annoyance: I got in to Boston on Wed morning and I thought I might check out the new casino. I thought there was a shuttle bus that ran from Wellington, but as it turns out they only run at night and during special events. That means that if I wanted to see the casino, I'd have to take the train to Wellington and then walk 1.6 miles through industrial waste land to get there. I decided not to go.

Encore is still hopping but had taken a hard hit from the pandemic and some of the services might have been cut. Next time, head to Sullivan Square and catch any bus that runs on Route 99 up to Everett (the #104, #105, #109, etc) which will pass by the casino.

[MrDee12345]

Originally Posted by LexWest

It must’ve jarring at first seeing seeing exits running in the 80s and even 90s. People get used to it, but at times I still miss Rte. 129 being 29 and Rte. 38 being 38.

I had read about it so I wasn't that suprised.

The only problem is the GPS on my mom's car hasn't been updated since 2017, so it has the old exit numbers. I had to read the orange signs below the new signs very carefully when I was traveling.

[MrDee12345]

Originally Posted by Urban Peasant

Encore is still hopping but had taken a hard hit from the pandemic and some of the services might have been cut. Next time, head to Sullivan Square and catch any bus that runs on Route 99 up to Everett (the #104, #105, #109, etc) which will pass by the casino.

I didn't realize that. Still, it would be nice if one could take a shuttle from the train or walk over a bridge from Assembly.

[mdovell]

Originally Posted by MrDee12345

I'm currently at my mother's house in the Merrimack Valley - this is a cul-de-sac road with maybe 1 car passing every 10-15 minutes and there is a bloody cop working a detail as they repave the sidewalk. I don't see anything like that in NY, NH or Maine. Maybe this is why we can't afford to do road construction on our highways.

Different funding. Local roads are locally funded. State routes can be state funded via local with chapter 90.but it is dependent on job growth and population growth.

[MrDee12345]

Finally...

- Although I praised the TSA earlier for their politeness and efficiency, they ****ed up the zipper on my suitcase, so **** them My bag is TSA approved, yet this is the second time they've managed to ruin one of my bags.

[Saguarogirl507]

My biggest question is......Who had the horrible idea to change all the exit numbers! Oh my God. My poor daughter never made it to our family reunion down in Kingston because she had old software on her GPS. She ended up in Everett.

Worst idea ever in my opinion.