Press Release  MassDOT Releases Labor Day Weekend Travel Advisory

BOSTON — 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 or using public transportation, if possible, to reach destinations. 

“As Labor Day weekend approaches, we want to remind everyone to drive safely and without distractions, plan ahead, and allow for extra time because of the increase in travel volumes we usually see this time of year,” said Highway Administrator Jonathan Gulliver.  “For anyone who may encounter any type of emergency vehicle with flashing lights activated, we want to remind drivers to do their part and slow down, move over, and ensure those responding to an incident have the space they need to safely clear the scene as quickly as possible.” 

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

• Deploying the High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lane on I-93 between Boston and Quincy earlier than usual in the afternoons - opening at 2:00 p.m., on Thursday, August 28, and opening at 1:00 p.m., on Friday, August 29. The HOV lane will have normal morning hours Thursday and Friday and will be closed in the morning and afternoon on Monday, September 1.
• The additional “swing lane” on Route 1A southbound at the Sumner Tunnel will not be deployed on Monday, September 1, and will resume normal deployment on Tuesday, September 2. 

Using traffic data, MassDOT has created a travel forecast for the Labor Day holiday period. On Friday, August 29, and Saturday, August 30, travelers are advised to avoid mid-day and afternoon travel due to expected peak congestion. Sunday, August 31, is expected to see heavier traffic throughout the day. Monday, September 1, will see heavier traffic volumes during the mid-day and afternoon peak hours. The heaviest traffic is anticipated on Tuesday, September 2, with delays expected throughout the day and extending later into the evening. 

The public is reminded that due to Monday, September 1, being a state holiday, Commonwealth of Massachusetts offices are closed, including Registry of Motor Vehicle Customer Service Centers. Meanwhile, AAA members may visit any AAA location by appointment for many in-person Registry transactions and more than 60 Registry transactions can be done online: www.mass.gov/RMV 

Due to the holiday weekend, the MBTA has released the following information regarding travel on Monday, September 1, with more information available at www.mbta.com/holidays

• All subway lines, bus routes, and The RIDE will operate on a Sunday schedule.
• The Commuter Rail will operate on a weekend schedule. $10 Weekend Commuter Rail Passes are accepted for trips on all three days of federal holiday weekends.
• The Hingham - Hull - Logan Airport - Long Wharf (F2H) ferry will operate on a Sunday schedule. There will be no direct Hingham – Rowes Wharf (F1) ferry service.
• The Charlestown, East Boston, Lynn, Winthrop, and Quincy Ferry routes will operate on a weekend schedule.
• The Charlie Service Center will be closed. 

For those flying in and out of 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 Boston 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. 

Massport is going above and beyond to enhance the passenger experience at Boston Logan, especially during busy travel periods like Labor Day weekend. From curated live music and engaging public art to sports exhibits and a Sensory Room in Terminal E, Boston Logan offers a range of features designed to reduce travel stress and create a more welcoming environment for all travelers. 

For more information about Boston Logan, please visit: https://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. 

MassDOT, the MBTA and Massport wish all members of the public a safe holiday weekend. 

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