Press Release  MassDOT Advisory: Thanksgiving Holiday Travel

BOSTON — The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) is encouraging members of the public to plan ahead for travel during the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday week, use available technology tools and resources to make informed decisions and plan ahead. During this holiday season, individuals should be aware there may be a higher number of travelers on Commonwealth roadways and on public transportation. 

“Every day, the entire team at MassDOT and the MBTA is focused on delivering safe, reliable multimodal travel options. Whether you’re flying, walking, biking, driving, or taking the T, it’s always good to slow down, stay alert, and look out for one another.  We’re counting on the public to do their part, as we do ours, so everyone can spend time with family and friends enjoying the holidays together.   On behalf of MassDOT and the MBTA, happy holidays to all!,” said Interim MassDOT Secretary & MBTA General Manager and CEO Phillip Eng.

“This year, MassDOT is forecasting increased traffic volumes throughout the week with the heaviest traffic expected Monday through Wednesday.” said Undersecretary and State Highway Administrator Jonathan Gulliver. “We also expect volumes to be heavy on Sunday, November 30. MassDOT encourages people to drive safely and without distraction and plan for extra time to reach their destinations.”

“The entire Massport team wants you and your family to have a great experience at Logan this holiday season,” said Massport CEO Rich Davey. “In recent months we’ve launched several programs to make your experience at the airport even better. From music at baggage claim and therapy dogs to ease your stress, we’re trying to make your travel that much easier. Also for passengers taking Logan Express, the Framingham LEX garage was just expanded and the lobby renovated to make the Logan Express experience even better.”  

"The State Police remain committed to fulfilling our mission this Thanksgiving week and we ask travelers to do their part to keep the roads safe," said Colonel Geoffrey Noble. "Drivers in Massachusetts will see a recognizable presence of Troopers. While they are equipped to help anyone in need and respond to dangerous behaviors, public safety begins with travelers planning ahead and making conscious decisions to drive carefully and follow the law." 

The Highway Division is taking several steps to ensure safe and efficient travel on state-owned roadways. There will be no scheduled construction work on major arterial roadways outside of established work zones, starting at 5:00 a.m. on Tuesday, November 25, through 5:00 a.m. on Monday, December 1.  

In addition, the High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lane located on I-93 between Boston and Quincy will extend its afternoon hours by opening from 2:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, November 25, and from 1:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, November 26. The HOV lane will be closed on Thursday, November 27 and on Friday, November 28.  Also, due to increased travel in and out of Logan Airport, the Sumner Tunnel swing lane will not be deployed on Thursday, November 27, and Friday, November 28. 

Heavier traffic than usual is expected on Monday, November 24, and Tuesday, November 25, with additional delays likely during midday hours on Wednesday, November 26, Thanksgiving Day, November 27, and throughout the weekend following Thanksgiving. Drivers are encouraged to travel during morning hours if possible.  

MassDOT strongly urges all drivers to minimize distractions by turning off or putting away cell phones, traveling the posted speed limit, driving sober and devoting full attention to what is ahead on the road. MassDOT encourages travelers to make an extra effort to be courteous on the roads and report to law enforcement any reckless driving. 

For information about MBTA schedules on Thursday, November 27, please visit www.mbta.com/holidays. 

In an effort to improve service for riders heading to and from the airport for holiday travel plans, additional Silver Line 1 (SL1) service to and from Logan Airport will be added the day before (November 26) and the day after (November 28) Thanksgiving. Riders are reminded that the Silver Line is free from Logan Airport to Boston destinations. Riders are also reminded of $10 Commuter Rail Holiday Passes, which can be purchased the Monday before the holiday and are valid for unlimited Commuter Rail travel November 27 – November 30. There are also some ferry changes the day before Thanksgiving with full details at mbta.com/holidays. The Charlie Service Center closes early at 2:00 p.m. the day before Thanksgiving.

Additionally, on Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, November 27, riders should note that no ferry service will operate, all Commuter Rail lines will operate a weekend schedule, and all other modes will operate on a Sunday schedule. The Charlie Service Center is also closed on Thursday, November 27. 

The day after Thanksgiving on Friday, November 28, subway lines, bus routes, ferry routes, and the RIDE will operate a regular weekday schedule. All Commuter Rail lines will operate a weekend schedule. 

The public is reminded that Thursday, November 27, is a state holiday and all Registry of Motor Vehicle offices and state offices will be closed. Customer service centers will reopen by appointment for permit, license, and ID transactions and same day walk-in services for required in-person registration-related transactions on Friday, November 28. Meanwhile, AAA members may visit any AAA location by appointment for some Registry transactions and more than 40 Registry transactions can be done online at www.Mass.Gov/RMV.   

Massport is expecting increased passengers at Boston Logan International Airport around the holiday weekend and suggests travelers allow for extra time to get to Logan and through security. Extra staff will be on hand to help passengers and families who may need assistance. Massport continues to recommend that those traveling arrive two hours early for domestic flights and three hours early for international. As always, Massport recommends passengers to take public transit or HOV modes such as the Logan Express or MBTA.   

Massport encourages passengers to download the FlyLogan app to access information about the airport, flight status, purchase Logan Express tickets, and order concessions for pickup within Logan, among other services. Visit the Logan Airport web page for more information. 

MassDOT, Massport, Massachusetts State Police, and the MBTA wish all members of the public a safe and enjoyable holiday.  

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