The Massachusetts Department of Transportation functions to provide safe transportation infrastructure for those traveling Massachusetts roadways and bridges. This department, under the direction of the Massachusetts Commissioner of Transportation, is responsible for the maintenance of thousands of miles of roadway and bridges. In addition to maintenance, snow removal and road improvements are other duties of the Department of Transportation. MA Department of Transportation also develops the Massachusetts Bicycle Transportation Plan that promotes future expansion of the state’s bicycle transportation network.

The Department of Transportation in MA provides design guides, standard details and other reference materials that engineers and other professionals can download. Massachusetts Department of Transportation basics that are of interest and relevance to citizens that they may access online include:

1. Viewing current traffic and department news

2. Reading tips on how to drive safely

3. Learning about the scope and status of highway improvement projects

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Get the latest info from Massachusetts DOT

Access real time traffic conditions in the Boston metropolitan area. Knowing where traffic delays exist due to accidents, disabled vehicles or construction and modifying your travel itinerary to avoid these areas will not only save you time, but will also make your travels less stressful. Stay updated with DOT news.

I recommend: Take an active part in the SmarTraveler program and register to become a road reporter in which you report traffic accidents, disabled vehicles and other conditions you encounter in your travels. View recent news and project updates from the Massachusetts Highway Department, such as The I-93/I-95 Interchange Transportation Study. Find business and public resources from the Executive Office of Transportation in Massachusetts.

Use Massachusetts DOT driving resources

Massachusetts Department of Transportation provides safe winter driving tips as well as their standard operating procedures regarding snow removal and road treatment operations. Citizens can read about various road treatment materials, the conditions they work best in and any advantages and disadvantages associated with it such as cost or environmental impacts.

I recommend: Read Massachusetts’s Department of Transportation basics regarding safe winter driving and measures drivers can take to assist the Mass Dept of Transportation with their snow removal operations. AAA provides additional inclement weather driving tips on their website to use in conjunction with Massachusetts DOT resources. The Massachusetts Dept of Transportation also provides information regarding Road Treatment Materials used in road treatment operations so individuals not only know under what conditions they are utilized but any positive or negative effects that are associated with them. The EOT Car Section contains many helpful driving resources such as directions, rest area locations and commuter help.

Stay abreast of capital projects with the Massachusetts Transportation Department

Highway improvements designed to reduce congestion and improve safety fall under the purview of the Department of Transportation. Individuals can stay informed of future and current capital projects on the Massachusetts Department of Transportation website.

I recommend: Read about and attend Public Hearings for proposed Massachusetts Department of Transportation road improvements projects. Individuals can also review contact information, project description, project status, construction costs and funds received from the Transportation Improvement Program for Projects Under Design and Construction on the Massachusetts Department of Transportation’s website.

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Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Although the reduction of traffic congestion and improved safety are the primary objectives of the Department of Transportation, Massachusetts ensures that road improvement projects meet environmental regulations through the Department of Transportation Environmental Services Division. Additional functions of the Environmental Services Division include wetland mitigation and establishing as part of their snow removal program, reduced salt areas designed to protect water quality where wetlands, groundwater recharge areas and other sensitive areas that exist.

The Massachusetts Transportation Department is a great starting point for many business resource links including driving records, available highway projects and roadside sponsoring programs. Whether you need to find out where to send your drivers for a DMV test, or would like to put a bid in on a highway department project, you'll find the information you need at the Massachusetts Dept. of Transportation website.

Use the Department of Transportation Massachusetts website as a gateway to many other transportation-related venues. Find out the latest road closures and restrictions before your shipment leaves the dock, or keep your employees informed of any upcoming road construction and traffic hassles so they can prepare ahead of time and get to work on time.

1. Easily access potential employee driver’s driving records.

2. Get all the project information you need including applications and forms, specific requirements and dates on the Mass. Department of Transportation website.

3. Set up a traffic report link on your company server so employees can check road status before heading to or leaving work.

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Search records and divisions within the Massachusetts Department of Transportation

Start all your DMV searches at the Mass DOT site. Order driving records for potential employees who will be driving company vehicles, or help your employees obtain the registration and licensing they need by printing out forms and handbooks for them to read. Use online forms to access driving records and find schedules for trains, boats and more.

I recommend: The Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles is a one-stop shop for information relating to driver's licensing, regulations and other motor vehicle information. View the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority website for specific schedules and regulations.

Get the latest traffic information regulated through the Mass. Dept of Transportation

Keep yourself and your employees informed by using one of several traffic report websites available. If your employees have easy online access to the latest traffic reports, they are more likely to get to work on time. Help them commute hassle-free by providing them with a daily morning report.

I recommend: Use ETraveler from the Massachusetts Turnpike to get turnpike traffic updates, or find the latest traffic reports at BeatTheTraffic.com. Look at Boston.com for up-to-date traffic information for the greater Boston area.

Do business with the Massachusetts DOT

Whether you're looking to bid on a highway project, or want to sponsor a roadside clean up, you'll be able to find the information you need on the Massachusetts DOT website.

I recommend: Check out the regulations for doing business with the Massachusetts Highway Department, or find projects through the Massachusetts Turnpike Authority. To sponsor a roadside beautification project, consider the Adopt-A-Highway Program through the Department of Transportation MA.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Even vehicle accident reports are available online at the Massachusetts Dept of Transportation DMV site.
• •  For by-the-minute traffic up dates check out the DOT Massachusetts traffic camera views available through the website.

When looking for a job at the Massachusetts Department of Transportation, education and training are essential. There are a wide array of jobs available in the department, from field personnel on up. However, engineering, particularly civil engineering, is the basis for the vast majority of career opportunities.

In an increasingly competitive job market, it is not enough to find available jobs. You must make yourself the most attractive applicant for these jobs. When looking to gain a position with the Massachusetts transportation department, it may be helpful to keep the following in mind:

1. Prepare for a Massachusetts DOT job with the right degree.
2. Make yourself more appealing to the Mass. Dept. of Transportation with further certification and licensure.
3. Keep your knowledge fresh and up to date for department of transportation MA jobs.

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Ready yourself for the Massachusetts Dept. of Transportation with the appropriate degree

The most useful degree for working at the MA Department of Transportation is an engineering degree. Though an environmental engineering focus can be useful, civil and structural engineering degrees will help you qualify for the widest range of opportunities.

I recommend: Check the U.S. News & World Report's annual Best Colleges list to find the top undergraduate Civil Engineering schools. EducationDynamics lists information for top graduate programs in Civil Engineering.

Further your appeal to the Mass. Department of Transportation after graduation

While certifications and licensures may not be mandatory for careers in a department of transportation, Massachusetts included, they show a commitment to the field and a mastery of skills and knowledge. There are several certifications and licenses available to engineers.

I recommend: The National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying provides information on obtaining a Professional Engineer license, including information specific to Massachusetts licensing requirements. The American Society of Civil Engineers offers information on several civil engineering certification opportunities.

Keep abreast of the field for Massachusetts Department of Transportation jobs

Whether you successfully obtain a position at the Massachusetts DOT, or are hoping to find a job there in the future, it's important to continue educate yourself about the latest trends in the field. One great way to do this is to join a professional organization, which will often host seminars and connect members to other continuing education opportunities.

I recommend: The Massachusetts Society of Professional Engineers offers educational enhancements, information resources, financial benefits and networking opportunities to their members. Boston Society of Civil Engineers Section focuses on professional development. They offer seminars, lecture series, technical meetings and programs, as well as providing networking opportunities.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Be persistent. While you may not obtain a job at the Mass. Dept. of Transportation immediately, continue to check job listings, keep your licenses and certifications current, and reapply.