Senate backs – Massachusetts’ Senate approved a 40-0 amendment aimed at deterring wrong-way drivers after State Trooper Kevin Trainor was killed earlier this month in Lynnfield. The measure would fund new infrastructure, multi-sensory warning devices, and a detection system,
When Trooper Kevin Trainor was killed earlier this month, the response wasn’t limited to the road. It moved quickly into the state budget.
The Massachusetts Senate voted 40-0 to approve an amendment to the Fiscal Year 2027 budget aimed at deterring wrong-way drivers on limited-access highways. The measure comes after Trainor was struck head-on and killed by a wrong-way driver.
Under the amendment. if adopted into law. the Massachusetts Department of Transportation would be tasked with developing. implementing. and maintaining a comprehensive system to prevent the occurrence of wrong-way driving on limited access roadways. The plan includes new protocols such as directional striping, signage, and lane delineators.
MassDOT would also be responsible for implementing a new detection system designed to alert wrong-way drivers. public safety agencies. and other motorists about the threat of a wrong-way driver. The amendment also directs the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security to implement new training for all police officers in Massachusetts on how to deal with incidents of wrong-way driving.
Spilka’s spokesperson said the training is intended “to specifically ensure the safety of police officers such as Trooper Trainor.”
The crash that sparked the Senate’s action happened on Route 1 in Lynnfield shortly after 2 a.m. Trainor was part of a group of troopers who responded to reports of a wrong-way driver. Although his shift ended at 2 a.m., he was among those responding when the collision occurred.
Trainor, 30, was struck head-on by a cruiser and died in the crash. The wrong-way driver, 50-year-old Hernan Marrero of Roslindale, also died.
Trainor served as a state trooper for three years and was described as a field training officer. He leaves behind his fiancée, mother, three brothers, and one sister. He was laid to rest earlier this month in Salem.
During the funeral at St. James Church in Salem, Mass. State Troopers carried his casket as the Archbishop waited to bless him during the service on Wednesday, May 13, 2026.
In a message posted on Instagram. his fiancée Jessica Ostrowski wrote that she was “beyond proud for the amount of love you have been given by those who loved and cared about you. ” adding. “You healed many parts of me I never thought would ever be healed. ” as she called Trainor her “everything” and “best friend.”.
The Senate’s vote gives the budget amendment its clearest momentum yet—an attempt to turn a deadly night into concrete safeguards on the roads ahead.
Massachusetts Senate wrong-way drivers Trooper Kevin Trainor MassDOT FY 2027 budget amendment Route 1 Lynnfield Hernan Marrero police officer safety detection system directional striping lane delineators
40-0? wow I’m glad they’re doing something, because those wrong-way signs feel useless half the time.
So they’re installing new detection systems… but like, is the wrong-way driver gonna get detected before they’re already in the oncoming lane? Seems like wishful thinking. Also why did it take a Trooper dying to fix Route 1.
I keep hearing “multi-sensory warnings” and I’m like what does that even mean, flashing lights? because my uncle says those lane delineators are just for tourists lol. And training all police officers sounds good but the real problem is people are texting while driving. Not sure this changes that.
They said the trooper was struck head-on by a wrong-way driver and died (terrible). But aren’t these wrong-way things usually GPS fault or the driver took the wrong ramp? If it’s route access highways then just close the entrances at night? I dunno, seems like a lot of tech and budget for something that should be common sense. Also Route 1 in Lynnfield is basically a zoo at 2am.