The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) is encouraging the public during the holiday weekend, July 1-July 5, to take advantage of technology tools for drivers, travel during low volume times on roads, and note service hours at Registry Branch Offices and for the MBTA.
For traffic and road conditions, drivers may use new technology:
- Customers may dial 511 and select a route to hear real-time conditions for more than one thousand miles of roadways in Massachusetts and for some roads in other states.
- Visit the website, mass511.com, to find real-time traffic and incident information.
- Access MassDOT traffic camera images of portions of Rt. 3, Rt. 6, Rt. 28, and I-90, I-91, I-93, and I-95 by visiting: http://www.massdot.state.ma.us/highway/TrafficTravelResources/TrafficInformationMap
- Download the Ridewise app to obtain travel times for various routes including Route 3, Route 6, I-93 and portions of I-90. The app is available on Android and iPhone.
The public is encouraged to plan ahead to have a designated driver before attending holiday celebrations. Since Sunday, June 26, there have been two incidents on I-93 in Boston in which alleged drunk drivers struck crew members involved in scheduled road maintenance; in one of those incidents the victim was killed. In light of these crashes, MassDOT roadside message boards this weekend will be posting special text:
“OUI will get you arrested/Use designated driver”
“OUI Ruins Lives/Think B4 Y Drink”
“Obey Speed Limit/OUI Will Get You Arrested”
MassDOT will suspend all construction work on major arterial roadways from 12 p.m., Friday, July 1, through the start of normal business hours on Tuesday, July 5.
The I-93 south HOV Lane will open at 2 p.m., Thursday, June 30 and at 1 p.m., Friday July 1. The I-93 south HOV Lane will be closed all day on Monday, July 4. Normal operation of the HOV Lane will resume Tuesday, July 5.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers reports that there will be no lane restrictions on the Bourne and Sagamore Bridges between July 1-July 5.
Drivers can save time and fuel by joining E-ZPass to avoid waiting in line at cash toll booths. Travelers are reminded that the Tobin Bridge has converted to the All-Electronic Tolling system and drivers using the Tobin with no E-ZPass may travel the bridge and will be mailed a bill via the Pay-by-Plate program.
Free coffee will be served at the 18 MassDOT service plazas from 10 p.m., Monday, July 4, through 5 a.m., Tuesday, July 5. The plazas serving free coffee include 11 service plazas along I-90 plus plazas along Route 3 in Plymouth, Route 128 in Beverly, I-95 in Newton and Lexington, Route 6 in Barnstable, and the Route 24 northbound and southbound plazas.
The CapeFLYER weekend rail service to Cape Cod will run on a Saturday/Sunday schedule on July 4. Please refer tohttp://capeflyer.com/reservations-tickets/capeflyer-trainpricing-routes/#sthash.AMATq0v0.dpbs for the CapeFLYER schedule.
On Monday, July 4, beginning at 2:00 p.m., MBTA subway service will operate at rush-hour levels to accommodate increased holiday ridership. Fares will be not be collected on subways July 4 after 9:30 p.m. No bicycles are allowed on any subway lines for the entire day on July 4 and on July 4, bicycles are prohibited on inbound Commuter Rail trains from 10 a.m., to 6 p.m., as well as on outbound commuter rail trains after 4 p.m. On July 4, MBTA parking facilities at Alewife, Braintree, Quincy Adams, and Wonderland will require payment upon entry, (cash and credit cards accepted). All other MBTA garages and lots will operate as usual on July 4. In order to ensure all customers exit in a timely manner, extra staff will be on hand to assist drivers with parking payment. Due to heavy parking demand on July 4, some MBTA parking garages and lots may fill more quickly than usual. For additional information, please visit: http://www.mbta.com/events/
Drivers are encouraged to not litter on roadways. Violators are subject to a fine of up to $5,500 for the first offense.
All Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicle Offices will be closed on Monday, July 4, in observance of the holiday.
Members of the public are reminded that they are not permitted to use active roads and bridges to watch fireworks displays nor be present in MassDOT construction areas. A special advisory is being issued in the Springfield area, to remind the public that the I-91 Viaduct and its ramps are active construction sites. They are not appropriate sites for parking or to view holiday events. State Police detail officers will be posted at the ramps to ensure that they are not used inappropriately.
MassDOT wishes everyone a safe and enjoyable Independence Day. Enjoy the celebrations from a safe location and put safety first. If traveling, please plan ahead, allow extra time for travel, and take advantage of the many communication tools now available to help trips go smoothly.