An Act designating a certain overpass in the town of Sandwich as the U.S. Marine Staff Sergeant Raymond G. Tourville Veterans Memorial Overpass

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Dylan Fernandes and 1 co-sponsor

Designates the Quaker Meetinghouse Overpass in Sandwich as the U.S. Marine Staff Sergeant Raymond G. Tourville Veterans Memorial Bridge; MassDOT to install and maintain markers.

Hearing scheduled for 11/04/2025 from 01:00 PM-05:00 PM in A-2

Comprehensive Summary: H.4374 — U.S. Marine Staff Sergeant Raymond G. Tourville Veterans Memorial Overpass

Overview

H.4374 is a Massachusetts bill introduced on July 17, 2025, to designate a specific overpass in the town of Sandwich as the U.S. Marine Staff Sergeant Raymond G. Tourville Veterans Memorial Overpass. The measure is sponsored by Rep. Steven George Xiarhos and is currently under consideration with a scheduled public hearing on November 4, 2025.

Purpose and Intent

The bill’s primary purpose is to honor and memorialize Raymond G. Tourville, a Sandwich native and U.S. Marine Corps veteran, by naming an overpass in his memory.

It recognizes Tourville’s decade of service in the Marine Corps and his death on September 15, 2024, at age 27, which was attributed to suicide related to traumatic brain injuries and post-traumatic stress disorder after multiple deployments.

Key Provisions

Designation

The Quaker Meetinghouse Overpass on Route 6 (Mid Cape Highway) in Sandwich, identified by bridge numbers S04007 (4BB) and S04010 (4BC), shall be designated and known as the U.S. Marine Staff Sergeant Raymond G. Tourville Veterans Memorial Bridge.

Markers and Maintenance

The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) is required to erect and maintain suitable markers bearing the designated name in compliance with MassDOT standards.

Affected Parties and Scope

Geographic: Town of Sandwich, Cape Cod, Massachusetts.

Transportation Infrastructure: The Quaker Meetinghouse Overpass over Route 6 Mid Cape Highway.

Memorialization: Recognition of a Marine Corps veteran, Raymond G. Tourville, through official naming and signage.

Legislative Status and Timeline

Sponsorship: Representative Steven George Xiarhos is the primary sponsor.

Recent Actions:

July 17, 2025: Referred to the committee (House Rules).
July 31, 2025: Reported and referred to the Joint Rules, rules suspended, and referred to the Committee on Transportation.
August 4, 2025: Senate concurred.
October 24, 2025: Hearing scheduled for November 4, 2025, from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM in hearing room A-2.

Related Bill: HD 4908 is noted as related/replacing this measure.

Additional Notes

The bill frames the designation as a memorial honoring a local veteran and aims to ensure official signage and markers are installed and maintained by MassDOT.

The designation focuses on a specific overpass, aligning with typical state practice for commemorative naming of transportation infrastructure.

This summary provides the essential content and potential impact: a commemorative designation, obligations for MassDOT to install and maintain markers, and the legislative process timeline leading toward a committee hearing.