The Massachusetts Department of Transportation is encouraging members of the public to plan ahead for the Thanksgiving holiday travel period by recognizing that traffic volumes and the number of travelers on public transportation will be higher than normal. Drivers and transit customers should use the appropriate resources to make informed decisions on route and timing of travel, and check public transportation service schedules.
“Thanksgiving is an incredibly busy time for travel, whether on the roads, in the skies, or on public transit,” said Transportation Secretary and CEO Stephanie Pollack. “The get-away rush will be starting Tuesday and we encourage everyone to think ahead, have a plan and exercise patience with each other.”
The MassDOT Highway Division is taking several steps to ensure safe and efficient travel on roadways, shutting down scheduled construction activities effective at 5:00 a.m., Tuesday, November 21. Scheduled construction will resume at 5:00 a.m., Monday, December 2.
“The top priority during the Thanksgiving travel period is safety,” said Highway Administrator Jonathan Gulliver. “Before heading out, travelers should evaluate weather conditions so smart decisions can be made about when to leave and return from trips. We want everyone to safely arrive at their destinations to be able to celebrate the holiday with their family and friends.”
MassDOT strongly urges all drivers to minimize distractions by turning off or putting away cellphones, traveling the posted speed limit, driving sober and devoting full attention to what is ahead on the road. MassDOT encourages travelers to make an extra effort to be courteous on the roads and report to law enforcement any reckless driving.
Free coffee will be served at the 18 MassDOT service plazas from 10:00 p.m., Thursday, November 28, through 5:00 a.m., Friday, November 29. The plazas serving free coffee include 11 service plazas along I-90 plus plazas along Route 3 in Plymouth, Route 128 in Beverly, Route 128/I-95 in Newton and Lexington, Route 6 in Barnstable, and the Route 24 northbound and southbound plazas.
The High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lane on I-93 between Boston and Quincy will extend its hours to be open from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m., on Tuesday, November 26, and from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m., on Wednesday, November 27. The HOV lane will be closed on Thursday, November 28, and Friday, November 29, and will resume normal operations on Monday, December 2.
Due to increased travel in and out of Logan Airport as early as Tuesday morning, the Sumner Tunnel swing lane will not be deployed from Tuesday, November 26, at 10 a.m. until Monday, December 2 at 5 a.m., at which point it will resume normal operations.
The Massachusetts Department of Transportation wishes all members of the public a safe and enjoyable holiday.
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