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HD 1152

An Act relative to interstate highway noise abatement in certain cities and towns

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Ken Gordon

MassDOT shall fund and conduct an acoustical study in Bedford, Burlington, and Woburn to assess highway noise and recommend abatement options, including barriers, by June 1, 2026.

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Bill Summary · HD 1152

Summary: Bill HD 1152 — An Act relative to interstate highway noise abatement in certain cities and towns

Overview

HD 1152 is a proposed Massachusetts bill that directs the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) to study noise levels along interstate highways in three communities—Bedford, Burlington, and the city of Woburn—and to develop recommendations for noise abatement, including the potential construction of a highway noise barrier. The bill uses a broad “Notwithstanding any general or special law” provision to enable the study. The study must be conducted by an acoustical engineer and the results and recommendations are due to the chairs of the Joint Committee on Transportation and the clerks of both chambers by June 1, 2026.

Purpose

  • Thoroughly assess the current ambient noise levels generated by interstate highway traffic in Bedford, Burlington, and Woburn.
  • Evaluate the impact of traffic-related noise on surrounding areas.
  • Develop recommendations for abatement measures to reduce highway noise exposure, with a focus on potential highway noise barriers.

Key Provisions

  • Jurisdiction and scope: The study covers interstate highways located within the towns of Bedford, Burlington, and the city of Woburn.
  • Study mandate: MassDOT shall conduct a comprehensive noise study to determine ambient traffic noise and its impact on nearby areas.
  • Methodology: The work must be performed by an acoustical engineer employed by or contracted by MassDOT.
  • Abatement recommendations: The study shall include recommendations for noise abatement methods, including but not limited to the possible installation of highway noise barriers.
  • Reporting deadline: The results and MassDOT recommendations must be filed with:
    • The chairs of the Joint Committee on Transportation
    • The clerks of the Massachusetts House of Representatives and Senate on or before June 1, 2026.
  • Legal framing: The requirement is stated to be “Notwithstanding any general or special law to the contrary,” giving MassDOT broad authority to conduct the study.

Affected Parties and Areas

  • State agency: Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT).
  • Geographic focus: Interstate highways running through Bedford, Burlington, and Woburn.
  • Stakeholders potentially affected by future actions include local residents, businesses, and municipalities within these areas, depending on any subsequent abatement measures implemented after the study.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Introduction/Filed: The bill text indicates filing on January 14, 2025 (House Docket No. 1152, House No. 3673). The user notes an introduction date of November 29, 2025, which may reflect a later session date or a legislative update; the version content specifies a 2025–2026 General Court context.
  • Study duration: Tasked to be completed by June 1, 2026.
  • Deliverables: A formal study report, plus recommended abatement measures (e.g., potential barriers), submitted to the specified legislative offices.

Potential Impact

  • Short term: Initiation of a targeted, professionally conducted noise study by MassDOT in the specified communities.
  • Medium term: If the study identifies significant noise issues, MassDOT could pursue abatement measures, potentially including sound barriers or other mitigation options.
  • Long term: Depending on findings and funding, residents in the affected areas could experience changes in noise exposure and, possibly, highway infrastructure planning or improvements.

Next Steps

  • If enacted, MassDOT would appoint or hire an acoustical engineer to conduct the study and prepare the final report and recommendations by June 1, 2026.
  • The Legislature’s Joint Committee on Transportation and the clerks would receive the study results, which could inform future legislative or administrative actions regarding noise abatement.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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