Press Release  Upcoming Holiday Weekend Travel Advisory

BOSTON — The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) is reminding members of the public planning to travel for the upcoming holiday weekend to expect a higher volume of vehicles on the roads. Anyone planning to take a trip is encouraged to travel in off-peak hours, utilize the appropriate technology tools to make informed decisions, and consider public transportation to reach destinations. 

“With the Columbus Day holiday weekend approaching, MassDOT is expecting increased traffic volumes on roadways throughout the state,” said Undersecretary and State Highway Administrator Jonathan Gulliver.  “We encourage drivers to plan ahead before making their trips, allow for extra time, and to minimize distractions, so that everyone can make it to their destination this holiday weekend.” 

The High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lane on I-93 between Boston and Quincy will be open during normal morning hours on Friday, October 9, (from 5:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.), however, the HOV lane will have extended afternoon hours of 1:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Friday, October 9.  On Monday, October 12, the HOV lane will be closed. 

The additional “swing lane” on Route 1A southbound at the Sumner Tunnel will operate during its normal hours on Friday, October 9, from 5:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. The lane will not be deployed on Monday, October 12.  

Using traffic data, MassDOT has created a forecast for the holiday travel period. Travelers are advised to avoid mid-day and peak-hour travel on Friday, October 9, and Saturday, October 10, due to expected congestion throughout the afternoon and evening. On Sunday, October 11, delays are anticipated between 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m., with increased congestion continuing into the afternoon. Monday, October 12 is expected to experience heavier traffic throughout the mid-day hours. Tuesday, October 13 will follow typical commuter traffic patterns, with heavy congestion in the morning, mid-day, and evening.  

MassDOT’s Highway Assistance Program, sponsored by MAPFRE, will be increasing patrols on all major roadways to support roadside assistance needs. Requests for assistance can be initiated by calling 911. 

Due to the holiday weekend, the MBTA has released the following information regarding travel on Monday, October 12, with more information available at www.mbta.com/holidays  

• All subway lines, bus routes, and The RIDE will operate on a Saturday schedule. The Commuter Rail will operate on a weekday schedule.  
• $10 Weekend Commuter Rail Passes are accepted for trips on all three days of federal holiday weekends.  
• All ferry service will operate on a weekday schedule.  

Members of the public are also advised that Commonwealth of Massachusetts offices, including the Registry of Motor Vehicles customer service locations, are closed for the designated state holiday on Monday, October 12. Please visit the RMV online at any time to skip the line and perform more than 60 transactions: mass.gov/RMV. Meanwhile, AAA members may visit any AAA location by appointment for some Registry transactions.  

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. 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.   

###