By Geena Monahan—For the North Star Reporter
Gov. Maura Healey has issued an immediate ban on nonessential motor vehicle travel in Bristol, Plymouth and Barnstable counties as a powerful blizzard continues to hammer the South Coast.
The executive order, signed amid deteriorating road conditions, is intended to support snow removal efforts and keep drivers, plow operators and first responders safe. The speed limit on the Massachusetts Turnpike has also been reduced to 40 mph.
“This is a serious storm, and there are dangerous road conditions out there, especially on the South Coast,” 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.”
State transportation officials said the travel ban will remain in place until conditions improve. It will be lifted at the discretion of Highway Administrator Jonathan Gulliver, who will determine when roads are safe for regular traffic.
While the order applies specifically to the three South Coast counties, Healey urged residents statewide to avoid unnecessary travel.
“We urge everyone across the state to stay off the roads for your safety and for the safety of plow drivers and emergency officials who are trying to do their jobs,” she said, thanking those who have remained home and crews working “under extremely challenging conditions.”
North Attleborough’s Communications and Information Officer Taylor O’Neil told the North Star Reporter that residents have been largely compliant with the town’s parking ban thus far, which remains in effect until further notice.Â
“We haven’t had many issues this time around with people not obeying the parking ban,” said O’Neil. “There was one truck on Circular Street that we had the police come out to help us out with, but other than that we’re seeing very few cars out on the roads.”
Assistant Fire Chief George McKinnon said police and fire crews have responded to several stranded motorists, though none have resulted in life-threatening emergencies.
“We’ve had some people stuck, but no true emergencies,” McKinnon said. “Unfortunately, some of the stranded motorists are making it difficult for us to get to other emergency calls, so we’ve had to drive around them. Between police and fire, we’re doing the best we can.”
So far, he said, the department has not responded to any downed trees blocking roadways. Most calls have been medical emergencies and carbon monoxide incidents.
With snow drifting between three and four feet in some areas, vents have become blocked, contributing to carbon monoxide issues, McKinnon said. He also warned residents to keep generators a safe distance from their homes, as placing them too close has caused additional problems.
The Massachusetts Department of Transportation is redeploying equipment to the South Coast to assist local communities coping with what officials described as extraordinary snowfall. Drivers across the state should expect reduced highway service for an extended period.
The travel ban does not apply to public safety personnel, public works crews, public transportation employees, utility workers, health care providers and those supporting health care facilities, among others. News media, private snow removal operators and individuals traveling to receive urgent medical care are also exempt.
Workers supporting critical infrastructure and essential services — including energy, fuel, financial systems, grocery stores, pharmacies, gas stations and hardware stores — may continue to travel as necessary.
Officials are urging residents in affected areas to monitor local updates and remain off the roads until the ban is lifted.