The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) is reminding members of the public planning to travel for the upcoming holiday weekend to expect a higher volume of vehicles on the roads. Anyone planning to take a trip is encouraged to travel in off-peak hours, utilize the appropriate technology tools to make informed decisions, and consider public transportation to reach destinations.
“MassDOT is expecting increased travel across the state during the upcoming holiday weekend, so we encourage travelers to plan ahead before getting on the road,”said Highway Administrator Jonathan Gulliver. “We’re anticipating increased traffic volumes to begin on Friday, October 11, and continue into the holiday weekend, so travelers should make trips when traffic is low, allow for extra time, and always put safety first.”
MassDOT is taking several steps to ensure reliable travel for the public. Scheduled construction outside of fixed work zones will be shut down beginning at 5:00 a.m. on Friday, October 11. Scheduled road work will then resume at 5:00 a.m. on Tuesday, October 15.
As announced by MassDOT on Monday, the Sumner Tunnel in Boston is now officially open to travel and will no longer require weekend closures as all major work has been substantially completed ahead of schedule.
The High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lane on I-93 between Boston and Quincy will be open during normal morning hours on Friday, October 11, (from 5:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.), however, the HOV lane will have extended afternoon hours of 1:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Friday, October 11. On Monday, October 14, the HOV lane will be closed.
The additional “swing lane” on Route 1A southbound at the Sumner Tunnel will operate during its normal hours on Friday, October 11, from 5:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. The lane will not be deployed on Monday, October 14.
MassDOT’s Highway Assistance Program, sponsored by MAPFRE, will be increasing patrols on all major roadways to support roadside assistance needs. Requests for assistance can be initiated by calling 911.
Anyone traveling on the MBTA should check schedules: mbta.com/holidays. On Monday, October 14, MBTA subway lines, bus routes, and The RIDE will operate on a Saturday schedule and Commuter Rail lines and ferry services will operate on a weekday schedule. Riders should also note that the CharlieCard Store will be closed on Monday, October 14. In addition, the MBTA Commuter Rail is pleased to extend the use of its special weekend discount pass this holiday weekend to include Monday, October 14, so any customers can buy an unlimited travel pass for $10 and use this pass on Saturday, Sunday, and Monday.
The MBTA is reminding riders that Orange Line service will be suspended between Forest Hills and Back Bay from October 8 through October 20, with the service suspension extended between Forest Hills and North Station from October 12 through October 14. Free and accessible shuttle buses will make stops between Forest Hills and Back Bay as well as Copley on the Green Line. Riders should note that there will be no shuttle bus service between Back Bay and North Station. Riders are encouraged to utilize parallel Green Line service between North Station and Copley for travel through the downtown area. The MBTA will increase Green Line service during this time to accommodate anticipated increases in ridership. Riders are also encouraged to consider the Commuter Rail for fare-free service between Forest Hills, Ruggles, Back Bay, and South Station.
Members of the public are also advised that Commonwealth of Massachusetts offices, including the Registry of Motor Vehicles customer service locations, are closed for the designated state holiday on Monday, October 14. Please visit the RMV online at any time to skip the line and perform more than 60 transactions: mass.gov/RMV. Meanwhile, AAA members may visit any AAA location by appointment for some Registry transactions.
Massport is expecting increased passengers at Boston Logan International Airport around the holiday weekend and suggests travelers allow for extra time to get to Logan and through security. Massport continues to recommend that those traveling arrive two hours early for domestic flights and three hours early for international. As always, Massport is urging the use of public transportation and HOV modes such as the MBTA’s Blue and Silver Line, (which are free from Logan), and the Logan Express.
Massport encourages passengers to download the FlyLogan app to access information about the airport, flight status, purchase Logan Express tickets, and order concessions for pickup within Logan, among other services.
For more information about Logan Airport, please visit massport.com/logan-airport/.
For more information on traffic conditions, travelers are encouraged to:
— MBTA
