TRAVEL BAN IN EFFECT FOR PLYMOUTH, BRISTOL, AND BARNSTABLE COUNTIES AS BLIZZARD HAMMERS SOUTH SHORE
Governor Healey signs executive order banning non-essential travel amid dangerous road conditions
SOUTH SHORE — Governor Maura Healey signed an executive order Sunday placing an immediate ban on non-essential motor vehicle travel in Plymouth, Bristol, and Barnstable counties as a blizzard continues to pound the region with extraordinary snowfall and dangerous road conditions.
The ban, which took effect immediately, directly affects most South Shore communities and will remain in place until Highway Administrator Jonathan Gulliver determines that conditions are safe enough to lift it.
“This is a serious storm, and there are dangerous road conditions out there, especially on the South Coast,” Governor Healey said in a statement. “We have reports of abandoned and stuck cars on the roads, and tow trucks are having difficulty getting to them.”
The speed limit on the Massachusetts Turnpike has also been reduced to 40 miles per hour statewide. MassDOT is actively redeploying plowing equipment to the South Coast to assist local municipalities, though officials warn motorists to expect reduced service levels on highways statewide for an extended period.
Who Is Exempt
Residents who must travel for the following reasons are exempt from the ban: public safety and public works personnel, public transportation workers, government officials conducting official business, utility workers, healthcare personnel including home health aides, patients traveling for urgent care, news media, and those supporting critical infrastructure such as energy, fuel, and food supply. Operators of private snow removal equipment engaged in clearing roads and facilities are also exempt, as are workers at gas stations, pharmacies, grocery stores, and hardware stores providing essential services to the public.
Stay Off the Roads
Officials are urging all non-exempt residents across the South Shore to remain home for their safety and to keep roads clear for plow operators and emergency responders working in extremely challenging conditions.
For tips on what to do before, during, and after a winter storm, visit Mass.gov/Snow.
Full press release: https://www.mass.gov/news/governor-healey-issues-travel-ban-for-south-coast-of-massachusetts-effective-immediately