MassDOT Expects Busy Memorial Day Weekend, Encourages Travelers to Plan Ahead

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The following information was provided by MassDOT:

The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) is encouraging individuals who plan to travel during the Memorial Day holiday weekend to plan, expect increased travel volumes, utilize MassDOT’s “real time” travel tools and resources, and take public transportation as much as possible to help get to planned destinations.   

“We are expecting a very busy travel weekend for this upcoming Memorial Day,” said Highway Administrator Jonathan Gulliver. “Traffic congestion is expected to grow on Thursday afternoon and will be much heavier than normal early Friday afternoon. Drivers should leave extra time when making travel plans, consult MassDOT resources, and always drive sober and undistracted. We at MassDOT wish everyone a happy and safe Memorial Day weekend.” 

Construction operations for the Sumner Tunnel Restoration Project are not occurring this weekend. The tunnel will remain open for travel during the weekend of Friday, May 24 through Monday, May 27.  

Using traffic data, MassDOT has created a traffic forecast for the holiday weekend. Friday, May 24 is expected to be the busiest travel day. On Saturday, May 25, drivers are encouraged to avoid morning travel, with traffic expected to be lighter in the evening. On Sunday, May 26 and Monday, May 27, traffic is expected to be heaviest during the hours of 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.   

Due to Monday, May 27, being the Memorial Day holiday, all Commonwealth of Massachusetts offices are closed including statewide Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) customer service center locations. Customers can conduct more than 40 RMV transactions online using the RMV’s website at www.mass.gov/RMV.  In addition, customers who are members of AAA can make an appointment at a AAA location for some Registry transactions.    

In addition, the MBTA has released the following information:  

On Monday, May 27, all subway, bus, and The RIDE services will operate on a Sunday schedule. Orange Line riders are reminded of the upcoming service suspension between Wellington and Back Bay that starts Tuesday, May 28. More information is available on mbta.com.

East Boston, Charlestown, and Lynn ferry service will operate on a weekend schedule. Hingham/Hull/Logan to Boston ferry service will operate on a Sunday schedule. The direct Hingham to Boston ferry route and the Winthrop/Quincy route will both have no service.

The Commuter Rail will operate on a weekend schedule. Riders are also encouraged to utilize the $10 Weekend Pass during the holiday, which will be accepted for trips on all three days of federal holiday weekends starting Memorial Day weekend

The CharlieCard Store will be closed.  

For full details regarding MBTA service, visit mbta.com/holidays.  

On the roadways, no work will be permitted from 5:00 a.m. on Friday, May 24 to 5:00 a.m. on Tuesday, May 28. The I-93 Boston-Quincy High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lane will deploy early for the holiday weekend opening at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 23, and at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, May 24. The HOV lane will not be deployed on Monday, May 27, and will return to normal deployment times on Tuesday, May 28.   

For those flying in and out of Boston Logan International Airport, Massport is expecting an increase in passengers around the holiday weekend and is urging the use of public transportation and HOV modes such as the MBTA’s Blue and Silver Line (FREE from Logan), and Logan Express. For those picking up loved ones, we ask that you use the Cell Phone Lots until your party is ready at the curb. There are ongoing construction projects at the airport, and drivers should pay attention and follow signage. Passengers can now download the free FlyLogan app to access information about the airport, flight status, purchase Logan Express tickets, reserve parking, order food for pick up or delivery, among other services.   

For more information about Logan Airport, please visit www.massport.com/logan-airport/.   

For more information on traffic conditions, travelers are encouraged to:      

  • Download the Mass511 mobile app or visit www.mass511.com to view live cameras, travel times, real-time traffic conditions, and project information before setting out on the road. Users can subscribe to receive text and email alerts for traffic conditions.               
  • Dial 511 and select a route to hear real-time conditions.     
  • Follow @MassDOT on X, (formerly known as Twitter), to receive regular updates on road and traffic conditions.  

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