The Massachusetts Department of Transportation announced on May 21 that it is encouraging individuals traveling during the Memorial Day holiday weekend to plan ahead, expect higher travel volumes, use real-time travel tools, and take public transportation when possible.
Undersecretary and State Highway Administrator Jonathan Gulliver said, “Memorial Day weekend consistently brings some of the highest travel volumes of the year on Massachusetts roadways. We encourage travelers to plan ahead, make use of resources such as Mass511 for real-time traffic information, and avoid distractions behind the wheel to help ensure everyone reaches their destination safely.”
According to MassDOT’s traffic forecast, Friday, May 22 is expected to be the busiest day for travel. On Saturday, May 23, drivers are advised to avoid late morning and early afternoon hours due to heavier traffic. Lighter conditions are anticipated in the evening. For Sunday, May 24 and Monday, May 25, mid-day hours are expected to see the most congestion.
The I-93 Boston-Quincy High Occupancy Vehicle lane will open early at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 21 and at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, May 22 for holiday travelers. The HOV lane will not be deployed on Monday but will return to normal operations on Tuesday.
All Commonwealth offices including Registry of Motor Vehicles locations will be closed Monday for Memorial Day; however, over 60 RMV transactions can be completed online or by appointment at AAA locations for members. Public transit schedules will also change: MBTA subway and bus services run on a Sunday schedule Monday; The RIDE operates on a Saturday schedule; ferry services adjust according to route; commuter rail follows a weekend schedule with $10 Weekend Passes accepted all three days of federal holiday weekends starting this Memorial Day; Charlie Service Center remains closed; seasonal service returns for route 716 beginning Saturday.
For those flying from Boston Logan International Airport, Massport expects increased passenger numbers and encourages use of public transit options like the Blue Line or Silver Line (free from Logan) as well as Logan Express. Travelers can download the FlyLogan app or book tickets for new pilot programs such as the Remote Terminal at Framingham.
More information about these updates is available in the organization’s press release at the organization’s press release.
