SECTION 1. Notwithstanding any general or special law to the contrary, the Massachusetts Department of Transportation shall conduct a study examining the feasibility of implementing a so-called ramp metering system on state and Interstate highways. For the purposes of this act, ramp metering shall mean a strategy used to regulate the volume of vehicles entering a freeway at a given time in order to achieve optimal freeway operations. The study shall evaluate the cost, feasibility, and effectiveness of implementing a ramp metering system at priority locations in the commonwealth.

SECTION 2. The department shall file the report with the clerks of the house and senate, the chairs of the house and senate committee on ways and means and the co-chairs of the joint committee on transportation not later than 1 year after the passage of this act. Recommendations of the report shall include, but not be limited to: (i) criteria for determining priority ramp metering locations; (ii) identification of priority ramp metering locations; (iii) ramp metering system design criteria; (iv) a cost-benefit analysis of implementing a ramp metering system at priority locations; (v) adequate performance and reporting measures; (vi) public education and engagement strategies; and (vii) any legislative or regulatory changes necessary to implement said program.