Sonin v. Massachusetts Turnpike Authority

On appeal, the plaintiffs challenge the ruling of a Superior Court judge, on the defendants’ motion for a directed verdict, that G. L. c. 260, § 2B, bars the plaintiffs’ claims arising from the alleged negligent design of a portion of the Massachusetts Turnpike. We affirm the judgment.

Background. While driving westbound on the Massachusetts Turnpike at approximately midnight on May 4, 1996, the plaintiff, Gilbert Sonin, struck a disabled vehicle in the right travel lane. There was no breakdown lane at the side of the highway in that location. Sonin was traveling at a moderate rate of speed,…