The following announcement was provided by MassDOT:
The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) is encouraging members of the public to plan ahead for the holiday travel period in the coming weeks. Traffic volumes and public transportation are anticipated to be higher than normal.
Drivers and public transportation ridership customers should use available real-time tools and resources for current travel conditions on major roadways such as dialing 511, visiting www.mass511.com or using the GoTime mobile app, and check MBTA schedule information available at mbta.com/holidays and the weather forecast before leaving home.
“During this holiday season, we are reminding drivers to expect more people traveling by car, public transportation, and in airports and to plan for any trips by checking conditions ahead of time and building in extra time,” said Transportation Secretary and CEO Jamey Tesler. “Make sure to drive sober and hands free, follow speed limits, and be patient as more people return to traveling this season.”
The Highway Division is taking several steps to ensure safe and efficient travel on state-owned roadways. There will be no construction work on major arterial roadways from 5:00 a.m. on Friday, December 24, 2021, through the normal start of business at 5:00 a.m. on Monday, December 27, 2021, and from 5:00 a.m. on Thursday, December 30, 2021, through 5:00 a.m. on Monday, January 3, 2022.
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 Thursday, December 23, 2021, and on Thursday, December 30, 2021. The HOV lane will be closed on Friday, December 24, 2021, and on Friday, December 31, 2021. Also, due to increased travel in and out of Logan Airport, the Sumner Tunnel swing lane will not be deployed on Friday, December 24, 2021, and Friday, December 31, 2021.
“We anticipate holiday travel on all roadways across the Commonwealth will be busy over the upcoming weeks, and we encourage the public to use readily available real-time traffic tools to help plan the timing of their travel,” said Highway Administrator Jonathan Gulliver. “We encourage all drivers to pay attention, slow down and not drive distracted so all travelers can safely reach their destinations.”
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.
RMV offices will be open on Friday, December 24, 2021, and Friday, December 31, 2021.
On Friday, December 24, 2021, the CharlieCard Store will close early, all subway lines and bus routes will operate a Saturday schedule, and all other modes will operate a weekday schedule. On Saturday, December 25, 2021, the CharlieCard Store will be closed, there will be no ferry service, all Commuter Rail lines will operate on a weekend schedule, and all other modes will operate on a Sunday schedule. On Friday, December 31, 2021, all subway lines will operate on a Saturday schedule with increased service after 3 p.m., all bus routes will operate on a Saturday schedule, and all other modes will operate on a weekday schedule. MBTA fares will not be collected after 8 p.m. on New Year’s Eve. On Saturday, January 1, 2022, the CharlieCard Store will be closed, there will be no ferry service, all Commuter Rail lines will operate on a weekend schedule, and all other modes will operate on a Sunday schedule.
Additionally, for travelers getting to and from Logan Airport in Boston, please note:
- MBTA Silver Line provides service between South Station and Logan’s terminals every 10 minutes. Outbound service from Logan Airport to the South Boston Seaport District and South Station is free.
- MBTA Blue Line provides subway service between points in Boston, North of Boston and Airport Station. 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 3 locations including Framingham, Woburn, and Braintree. There are also several bus and taxi options available.
Massport continues to take a number of precautions at the airport in order to ensure passengers have a safe and healthy travel experience. These initiatives include:
- Face coverings are required for all passengers and visitors while at the airport.
- Travelers departing from Logan should be aware of any travel restrictions at their destination.
- Coronavirus testing is available at Logan Airport’s Terminals E Arrivals level and Terminal C Departure level. The testing facility, XPresCheck, is offering a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) or nasal swab test, a blood antibody test, and the rapid test.
For more information on traffic conditions, travelers are also encouraged to:
- Dial 511 and select a route to hear real–time conditions.
- Visit www.mass511.com, a website which provides real-time traffic and incident advisory information and allows users to subscribe to text and email alerts for traffic conditions.
- Follow MassDOT on Twitter @MassDOT to receive regular updates on road and traffic conditions.
- Download MassDOT’s GoTime mobile app and view real-time traffic conditions before setting out on the road.
The Massachusetts Department of Transportation wishes all members of the public a safe and enjoyable holiday season.