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

BOSTON — The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) is advising travelers to plan ahead and expect increased volumes of traffic for the Fourth of July and 250^th anniversary 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. 

"The Fourth of July is consistently one of our busiest travel periods, and MassDOT is forecasting heightened traffic volumes throughout the holiday weekend," said Undersecretary and State Highway Administrator Jonathan Gulliver. "With 250th celebrations planned across the state, ask travelers to plan ahead, allow extra time for their trips, and drive safe, so that everyone can enjoy the holiday." 

All Commonwealth of Massachusetts offices are closed on Saturday, 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. 

Using traffic data, MassDOT has created a travel forecast for the Fourth of July holiday period. The heaviest traffic is expected on Thursday, July 2, and Friday, July 3, with heavier traffic throughout mid-day extending into evening hours. On Saturday, July 4, increased congestion is expected on routes heading into Cape Cod. Sunday, July 5, will see heavier traffic in the morning and mid-day hours from travelers leaving Cape Cod, extending into the evening. Monday, July 6, will see lighter traffic than typical weekend travel, though increased congestion is expected in the late afternoon and evening. 

In addition, the MBTA has released the following information: 

July 3 (Observed Holiday) Service Information 

• Subway: The Red, Orange, Blue, and Green lines will operate a Saturday holiday schedule.  
• Bus and Silver Line: All routes will operate a Saturday holiday schedule. 
• The RIDE: All RIDE services will operate a Saturday schedule.   
• Commuter Rail: All lines will operate a weekend schedule. 
• Ferry: All ferry routes will operate regular weekday service. 
• The Charlie Service Center will be closed on July 3.   

July 4 Service Information 

• Subway: The Red, Orange, Blue, and Green lines will operate a Saturday schedule with increased service from 3 PM through the end of service.    
• Bus and Silver Line: All routes will operate a modified Sunday schedule with extended evening service.    
• Commuter Rail: All lines will operate a weekend schedule.    
  • Passengers should note that the majority of the last trains of the evening will leave North Station and South Station at their advertised times between 11:30 PM and midnight. If fireworks are delayed, trains will leave up to 30 minutes after the close of the fireworks.  
  • Keolis Customer Service agents will be present at North, South, and Back Bay stations to support passengers.    
  • Passengers are encouraged to purchase the MBTA's special $10 Holiday Weekend Pass for unlimited travel all three days of the long weekend. 
  • Passengers should note that bikes are not allowed on board after 8:30 p.m. 
• The RIDE: All RIDE services will operate a modified Sunday schedule.     
• Ferry:    
  • Harbor Loop ferries will have no service. 
  • Hingham/Hull/Logan to Boston ferries will operate a Saturday/Sunday schedule. 
  • East Boston, Charlestown, and Lynn ferries will operate a weekend schedule. 
  • Winthrop and Quincy ferries will operate on a weekend schedule on the combined Winthrop/Quincy route. 
• All MBTA modes will be free after 8:30 p.m. on July 4.  

Additional MBTA service information is available here.  

The I-93 Boston-Quincy High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lane will deploy early for the holiday, opening at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, July 2, and 1:00 p.m. on Friday, July 3. The HOV lane will return to normal deployment times on Monday, July 6. The Sumner Tunnel swing lane will not be deployed on Saturday, July 4, and will return to normal deployment times on Monday, July 6. 

For those flying through Boston Logan International Airport, Massport is expecting an increase in passengers around the weekend. Travelers are urged to use public transit and HOV modes such as the MBTA’s Blue Line, Silver Line (which is free from Logan), and Logan Express. We suggest passengers download the free FlyLogan app to access information about the airport, flight status, purchase Logan Express tickets, reserve parking, order food for pick up, among other services. Passengers can also now book tickets for the Logan Airport Remote Terminal at Framingham, a new pilot program that allows passengers to check in and go through security in Framingham. Passengers are also reminded that the TSA has a list of prohibited items not allowed on planes, including fireworks. For the full list please visit their website. For more information about Logan Airport, please visit: https://www.massport.com/logan-airport    

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