See How Labor Day Impacts Watertown City Facilities & Services

Watertown LibraryThe Watertown Free Public Library. Multiple City-run facilities in Watertown will be closed on Monday for Labor Day, and the holiday will impact trash and recycling pick-up. The City of Watertown announced:

Watertown City Hall and Senior Center are closed in observance Labor Day, on Monday, September 4, 2023. Please note: Trash and recycling pickup is delayed one day. The schedule is Tuesday, September 5 – Saturday, September 9, 2023.

MassDOT: Travel Tips for Labor Day Weekend Travelers

The following announcement was provided by MassDOT:

The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT), MBTA, and Massport are advising Labor Day Holiday travelers to make informed decisions and plan ahead as Labor Day Weekend is traditionally a popular time for travel and everyone should consider taking trips at off-peak hours and considering using public transportation if possible to reach destinations.  

“We encourage members of the public to use MassDOT’s resources before planning travel for the Labor Day Weekend,” said Highway Administrator Jonathan Gulliver. “By planning ahead, you can select the best travel times, avoid congestion, and have a safer and more efficient trip.”     

As Labor Day Weekend traditionally sees more vehicles than normal using roadways, MassDOT is taking several steps to ensure reliable travel, including:   

• Shutting down scheduled, non-emergency construction outside of fixed work zones for the Labor Day travel period effective at 5 a.m., Friday, Sept. 1. Scheduled road work will then resume at the start of normal business hours on Tuesday, Sept. 5.   

• Deploying the High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lane on I-93 between Boston and Quincy earlier than usual in the afternoons – opening at 2 p.m., on Thursday, Aug. 31, and opening at 1 p.m., on Friday, Sept. 1.

Labor Day Weekend Travel Tips from MassDOT

The following information was provided by MassDOT:

The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) is advising the public to plan ahead for Labor Day Weekend travel, drive in off peak hours if possible, utilize available technology tools for trips including www.mass511.com, consider public transportation if possible to reach destinations and bring a face-covering as some municipalities have a mask mandate for indoor venues. “We expect traffic levels to be high this Labor Day Weekend especially during the afternoon hours on Thursday and Friday,” said Highway Administrator Jonathan Gulliver. “Anyone driving should plan ahead, anticipate that trips will take longer than expected, and if possible use public transportation to reach destinations.”

Due to the anticipated higher than normal daily traffic volumes for several days leading up to and including Monday, Labor Day, MassDOT is taking several steps to ease congestion:

Shutting down scheduled non-emergency construction effective at 5 a.m., Friday, September 3. Scheduled road work will then resume at the start of normal business hours on Tuesday, September 7. Deploying the High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lane on I-93 between Boston and Quincy earlier than usual in the afternoon by opening at 2:00 p.m., on Thursday, September 2 and at 1:00 p.m., on Friday, September 3. The HOV lane will be closed on Monday, September 6.

Health Department Reminder for Labor Day About Limits on Gatherings Due to COVID-19

The Watertown Health Department sent out the following announcement about Labor Day Gatherings and COVID-19:

As we are approaching the long weekend the Watertown Health Department would like to remind you of the guidance from the state regarding social gatherings and the importance of social distancing. For all gatherings there can only be eight people per 1,000 square feet with a maximum of 25 people indoors and 50 people outdoors. Please remember to wash your hands often, wear face coverings, and maintain social distancing at all times. We are working together to stop the spread of COVID-19. Please remember that these guidelines are in place to protect each of us and our community.

See What’s Open & Closed on Labor Day

Labor Day is nearly here, and while most stores and restaurants are open, other places will be closed on Monday. In Watertown, the Town Hall, the Watertown Free Public Library and the Senior Center will be closed. MBTA buses will be on a Saturday schedule. Here are some other places:

Retail stores: Open

Liquor stores: Open

Supermarkets: Open

Convenience stores: Open

Taverns, bars: Open

Banks: Closed

Municipal, state, federal offices: Closed

Libraries: Closed

Schools: Closed

Mail: Express delivery only

MBTA: Subways, buses, and trackless trolleys on Saturday schedule. Commuter rail on regular weekday schedule.