The following information was provided by MassDOT:
The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) is encouraging members of the public to plan ahead for any upcoming holiday travel. Motorists and public transportation customers should check websites for real-time travel information on major statewide roads, MBTA schedule information, and the weather forecast before leaving home.
“MassDOT encourages the public to use our real-time traffic tools before heading to their holiday destinations. MassDOT also wants to remind roadway users to be safe, courteous, and to adhere to traffic laws and regulations,”said Highway Administrator Jonathan Gulliver.
The MassDOT Highway Division is taking several steps to ensure safe and efficient travel on roadways and will be shutting down scheduled construction activities on major roadways from 5:00 a.m. on Tuesday, December 24, until 5:00 a.m. on Thursday, December 26, and 5:00 a.m. on Tuesday, December 31, until 5:00 a.m. on Thursday, January 2.
In addition, the High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lane on I-93 between Boston and Quincy will extend its afternoon hours by opening at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, December 19, and at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, December 20, as well as at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, December 26, and at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, December 27.
The Sumner Tunnel swing lane will not be deployed on Wednesday, December 25, and Wednesday, January 1, with normal deployment resuming at 5:00 a.m. the following morning.
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 travelers getting to and from Logan Airport in Boston, please note:
- See the MBTA’s helpful online user guide on using T services to get to and from Logan Airport: www.mbta.com/Logan
- MBTA Silver Line provides service between South Station and Logan’s terminals. Outbound service from Logan Airport to the South Boston Seaport District and South Station is free.
- Silver Line 1 (SL1) service to Logan operates about every 15 minutes or faster and stops at all terminals. On weekdays from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. during the week of Christmas, the SL1 will improve service frequency to every 7-8 minutes due to the increase in holiday travel.
- Silver Line 3 (SL3) operates about every 15 minutes or faster and stops at Airport Station.
- The Hingham/Hull Ferry operates some trips to and from Long Wharf in Boston to the Logan Airport Ferry Terminal. Full Hingham/Hull ferry schedules are available at mbta.com.
- MBTA Blue Line provides subway service between points in Boston, north of Boston, and Airport Station.
- The Route 104 bus provides service between Malden Center and Airport Station every 15 minutes or faster each day
Water transportation is also available from Downtown Boston and the Logan dock. Massport provides free shuttle service to and from all terminals; the airport rental car center; and the MBTA Blue Line Station. Logan Express serves five locations including Peabody, Framingham, Woburn, Braintree, and Back Bay. Private bus lines provide service to New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Southeastern MA, and Cape Cod. There are also taxi and Ride App options.
For full MBTA service information on Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve, and New Year’s Day, please visit www.mbta.com/holidays.
Customers are also advised that Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) offices are closed for the designated state holidays of Christmas on Wednesday, December 25, and New Year’s Day on Wednesday, January 1. Please visit the RMV online at www.mass.gov/rmv to perform many transactions. In addition, AAA members can access many RMV services at numerous AAA branch office locations in Massachusetts during AAA normal business hours.
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 that passengers take public transit or HOV modes such as the Logan Express or MBTA.
Passengers should check the TSA.gov website for a full list of items that can and cannot be taken onboard planes, including holiday food items and wrapped gifts.
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:
- Download the Mass511 mobile app or visit www.mass511.com to view live cameras, travel times, real-time traffic conditions, and roadway 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 and enjoyable holiday.