Amendment #44 to H4601

Southcoast Rail and Route 140 Traffic Noise Study

Mr. Hendricks of New Bedford moves to amend the bill by adding the following new section:

SECTION X. Notwithstanding any general or special law to the contrary, the Massachusetts Department of Transportation is hereby directed to conduct a comprehensive noise study along the northbound and southbound sides of Route 140 in the City of New Bedford, and additionally from Lark Street to Nash Road, to determine the ambient noise level generated by the Southcoast Rail Commuter Rail line. Said study shall be conducted by an acoustical engineer employed by or on behalf of the Massachusetts Department of Transportation. The results of the study and the department recommendations shall be filed with the chairs of the joint committee on transportation and the clerks of the house of representatives and the senate on or before June 1, 2026