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H 3673

Wilhelmina Kimpson, sympathy

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Todd Rutherford

MassDOT must conduct a formal acoustical study along I-95 corridors in Bedford, Burlington, and Woburn to measure traffic noise and recommend abatement options.

Introduced and adopted
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Bill Summary · H 3673

Summary — H 3673 (House No. 3673) — "An Act relative to interstate highway noise abatement in certain cities and towns"

Overview / Purpose

H 3673 directs the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) to carry out a targeted, comprehensive noise study along interstate highways in Bedford, Burlington, and the city of Woburn. The study’s purpose is to measure ambient traffic noise, assess traffic‑related noise impacts on adjacent areas, and recommend appropriate noise‑abatement measures (for example, highway noise barriers).

Bill sponsors: Representatives Kenneth I. Gordon and Richard M. Haggerty.

Key provisions

  • Authorizes MassDOT, notwithstanding any conflicting law, to conduct a comprehensive noise study along interstate highways in the towns of Bedford and Burlington and the city of Woburn.
  • Study scope: determine ambient noise levels generated by traffic and the traffic‑related noise impact on surrounding areas.
  • Require recommendations for noise‑abatement methods, including but not limited to highway noise barriers.
  • The study must be performed by an acoustical engineer employed by, or contracted on behalf of, MassDOT.
  • Reporting: MassDOT must file the study results and recommendations with (1) the chairs of the Joint Committee on Transportation and (2) the clerks of the House and Senate on or before June 1, 2026.
  • No appropriation or funding amount is specified in the text; the bill authorizes the study and reporting only.

Who would be affected

  • Residents, businesses, schools, and other properties adjacent to the specified interstate corridors in Bedford, Burlington, and Woburn (potential beneficiaries of future mitigation).
  • MassDOT (responsible agency) and the Joint Committee on Transportation (recipients of the report).
  • Local governments in the named municipalities (may be involved in any follow‑on mitigation planning or implementation).
  • Contractors/consultants (acoustical engineers) who may perform the study.

Procedural / timeline highlights

  • Filed: House Docket No. 1152 (1/14/2025).
  • Introduced / adopted: indicated 01/15/2025.
  • Referred to the House Committee on Transportation: 02/27/2025 (Senate concurred same day).
  • Public hearing scheduled: 05/13/2025.
  • Reported favorably by committee and referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means: 07/28/2025.
  • Study/report deadline to legislative committees and clerks: June 1, 2026.

Potential impact and next steps

  • The bill itself does not authorize construction or funding for mitigation measures; it creates an evidence base to inform future decisions.
  • If the study recommends physical mitigations (barriers, berms, pavement treatments, etc.), implementation would require separate authorization, design, permitting, and funding actions by MassDOT and potentially local governments.
  • Positive outcomes could include reduced noise exposure for adjoining communities, but measures may involve construction disruption, visual/landscape changes, and capital costs.

Note on other content in the submitted file

The packet also contains a separate South Carolina House resolution expressing sympathy on the death of Wilhelmina Page Kimpson. That is a ceremonial/state‑level condolence resolution and is unrelated to the Massachusetts noise‑abatement bill summarized above.

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

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