Around Town

MassDOT Advises Travelers to Plan Ahead for Busy Fourth of July Travel

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The following announcement was provided by MassDOT:

The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) is advising travelers to plan ahead and expect increased volumes of traffic for the Fourth of July holiday period.  If traveling, MassDOT recommends utilizing “real time” travel tools, checking holiday schedules for public transportation, and planning trip departure times and routes based on available information.    

“With the upcoming Fourth of July holiday approaching, we’re encouraging drivers to plan ahead and make use of MassDOT resources when planning holiday travel,” said MassDOT Highway Administrator Jonathan Gulliver. “Travelers should also be aware that the monthlong closure of the Sumner Tunnel will begin on Friday, July 5, and are encouraged to consult MassDOT materials on detours and mitigation options. All of us at MassDOT wish everyone a safe and enjoyable Fourth of July holiday.”  

All Commonwealth of Massachusetts offices are closed on Thursday, July 4, including Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) customer service locations. Many RMV transactions can be done online:  www.mass.gov/RMV.  In addition, any resident who is a member of AAA can also make appointments at AAA locations for some Registry transactions.  

The Sumner Tunnel in Boston will be closed seven days a week, from Friday, July 5 to Monday, August 5. During this time, traffic will be diverted through other signed detour routes.  This information can be found on the project website at  www.mass.gov/sumner-tunnel 

Using traffic data, MassDOT has created a traffic forecast for the holiday weekend.

Around Town

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.

Around Town

Hear from the State Transportation Secretary at Charles River Chamber Event

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Hear about addressing the region’s transportation needs when the Charles River Chamber hosts host a conversation with MassDOT Secretary Monica Tibbits-Nutt in Watertown. The event will take place on Tuesday, May 14, 9:30-11 a.m. at the Hampton Inn & Suites, 25 Bond Street, Watertown. Cost is $10 for members, $15 for nonmembers

The Chamber provided the following information:

It’s not possible to meet our region’s housing, climate, and workforce challenges without a safe, reliable, and accessible transportation system that meets the needs of all users whether they walk, bike, take public transit, or drive. Join us for a conversation with Massachusetts Secretary of Transportation Monica Tibbits-Nutt for an overview of the Healey-Driscoll Administration’s plans for improving the state’s transportation system and the role we all must play in supporting this effort. 9:30 a.m.: Registration and Networking

10 a.m.: A Conversation with Secretary Tibbits-Nutt

Tickets are nonrefundable but may be transferred to another guest. 

RSVP HERE

Business

Chamber Events Include Visit From Transportation Secretary, Small Business Day on Beacon Hill & More

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The Charles River Regional Chamber has plenty going on this spring, including a talk with the Transportation Secretary, a young professionals group, Small Business Day at the State House and an LGBTQIA+ Happy Hour. See the information provided by the Chamber below:

Addressing our transportation challenges: A conversation with MassDOT Secretary Monica Tibbits-Nutt

Tues. May 14, 9:30 to 11 a.m.Hampton Inn & Suites, 25 Bond Street, Watertown$10 for members, $15 for nonmembers

It’s not possible to meet our region’s housing, climate, and workforce challenges without a safe, reliable, and accessible transportation system that meets the needs of all users whether they walk, bike, take public transit, or drive. Join us for a conversation with Massachusetts Secretary of Transportation Monica Tibbits-Nutt for an overview of the Healey-Driscoll Administration’s plans for improving the state’s transportation system and the role we all must play in supporting this effort. 9:30 a.m.: Registration and Networking

10 a.m.: A Conversation with Secretary Tibbits-Nutt

Tickets are nonrefundable but may be transferred to another guest. 

RSVP HERE

LGBTQIA+ Happy Hour at Flora’s Wine Bar

Wed.

Around Town

Holiday Road, Transit & Logan Travel Tips from MassDOT

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The following information was provided by MassDOT:

The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) is encouraging members of the public to plan for upcoming holiday travel by recognizing that traffic volumes and the number of travelers on public transportation are anticipated to be higher than normal. Motorists and public transportation customers should check websites for real-time travel information on major statewide roads, MBTA schedule information and the weather forecast before leaving home.   

The MassDOT Highway Division is taking several steps to ensure safe and efficient travel on roadways and will be shutting down scheduled construction activities from 5:00 a.m. on Friday, December 22, until 5:00 a.m. on Tuesday, December 26, and from 5:00 a.m. on Friday, December 29, until 5:00 a.m. on Tuesday, January 2.    

In addition, the High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lane on I-93 between Boston and Quincy will extend its afternoon hours by opening at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, December 21, and at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, December 22, as well as at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, December 28, and at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, December 29. The HOV lane will be closed on Monday, December 25, with deployment resuming on Tuesday, December 26, and on Monday, January 1, with deployment resuming on Tuesday, January 2.   

MassDOT will not be closing the Sumner Tunnel the weekend of December 22 or the weekend of December 29 due to anticipated high traffic volume on roadways nearby.

Around Town

Traffic Signals & Safety Improvements at Newton Corner to be Discussed at Meeting

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The following announcement was provided by MassDOT:

The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) is announcing a virtual public workshop on Tuesday, October 24, from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. to discuss traffic signal and safety improvements at Newton Corner in Newton. The goal of the project is to address safety and operational deficiencies associated with the roadway and ramp network of I-90 exit 127, (formerly exit 17), at Newton Corner. The project limits include Washington Street circulatory roadways over I-90, I-90 ramps connecting Washington Street service roads, the two overpass bridges, associated I-90 eastbound and westbound ramp termini, as well as intersecting streets. This meeting is accessible to people with disabilities. MassDOT provides reasonable accommodations and/or language assistance free of charge upon request, (e.g interpreters in American Sign Language and languages other than English, live captioning, videos, assistive listening devices and alternate material formats), as available.

Around Town

MassDOT: Travel Tips for Labor Day Weekend Travelers

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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.