Date: November 14, 2023
Applicability
The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (“MassDOT”) may display special lighting on its bridges that are equipped with customizable lighting systems to express MassDOT’s official views. Bridges are not intended to serve as a forum for free expression by the public. Displays of special lighting are intended as expressions of MassDOT’s official sentiments.
The following MassDOT bridges are equipped with customizable lighting:
- Leonard P. Zakim Bunker Hill Memorial Bridge in Boston
- Longfellow Bridge in Boston
- Fore River Bridge in Quincy/Weymouth
- Kenneth F. Burns Memorial Bridge in Worcester
- Braga Bridge over the Taunton River
Criteria
MassDOT may change the lighting on its bridges after approval from the MassDOT Office of the General Counsel, and concurrence of the Secretary of MassDOT. MassDOT may change the lighting on its bridges for one or more of the following purposes:
(i) State and Federal Holidays. To acknowledge state and federally recognized holidays and other national observances.
(ii) Public commemorations and celebrations. To commemorate or celebrate national, state, or local events and/or recognitions.
Process
MassDOT will publish a calendar on its website with the schedule for bridge lightings. MassDOT reserves the right to modify or make additions to the calendar after approval from the MassDOT Office of the General Counsel, and concurrence of the Secretary of MassDOT.