The following announcement was provided by MassDOT:
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.
“With the Thanksgiving holiday (this) week, MassDOT is forecasting increased traffic volumes throughout the week with the heaviest outbound traffic expected in the afternoons of Monday through Wednesday.” said Highway Administrator Jonathan Gulliver. “We also expect returning volumes to be heavier on Sunday, December 1. We encourage travelers to make their trips outside of peak hours and drive safely.”
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 26, through 5:00 a.m. on Monday, December 2.
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 26, and from 1:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, November 27. The HOV lane will be closed on Thursday, November 28, and on Friday, November 29. Also, due to increased travel in and out of Logan Airport, the Sumner Tunnel swing lane will not be deployed on Thursday, November 28, and Friday, November 29.
Heavier traffic than usual is expected on Monday, November 25, and Tuesday, November 26, with additional delays likely during midday hours on Wednesday, November 27, Thanksgiving Day, November 28, 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 28, 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 27) and the day after (November 29) 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 28 – December 1. There are also some ferry changes the day before Thanksgiving with full details at mbta.com/holidays.
Additionally, on Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, November 28, 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 28.
The day after Thanksgiving on November 29, 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 28, 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 29. 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. For more information about Logan Airport, please visit www.massport.com/logan-airport/.
For traffic and road conditions, drivers may use the following options to make decisions:
MassDOT, Massport, and the MBTA wish all members of the public a safe and enjoyable holiday.