The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) announced it is encouraging the public this Memorial Day Weekend to take advantage of technology tools for drivers, to travel during low volume times on major roadways, and to make note of service hours at Registry Branch Offices and for the MBTA.
In recent years, the heaviest traffic on roadways is observed during Thursday, Friday, and Monday afternoons and early evenings. Drivers are encouraged to make travel plans accordingly and if possible on those days to avoid the hours between 1 p.m. and 7 p.m.
Traffic is especially heavy on I-90 at the I-84 interchange at Exit 9 in Sturbridge on the Friday of Memorial Day weekend and at the I-90 Exit 11A, I-495 interchange, which handles vehicles headed south to Cape Cod and north to New Hampshire and Maine.
For traffic and road conditions, drivers may use new technology to make decisions:
- Customers may dial 511 and select a route to hear real-time conditions,
- Visit mass511.com, a website which provides real-time traffic and incident advisory information,
- Access MassDOT traffic cameras. Customers may visit www1.eot.state.ma.us/ in order to view traffic camera images covering portions of Route 3, Route 6, Route 28, and parts of I-90, I-91, I-93, and I-95.
- Download the Ridewise app. Customers may use Ridewise to obtain travel times for various routes including Route 3, Route 6, I-93 and portions of I-90. The app is available on Android and iPhone. Drivers are advised not to use the app if they are operating a motor vehicle.
MassDOT will suspend all construction work on major arterial roadways from 12 p.m., Friday, May 27, through the start of normal business on Tuesday, May 31.
The U.S Army Corps of Engineers reports that there will be no lane restrictions on the Sagamore Bridge during the Memorial Holiday weekend period.
Drivers can save time and fuel by joining E-ZPass to avoid waiting in line at cash toll booths. Travelers are reminded that the Tobin Bridge has converted to the All-Electronic Tolling system and drivers using the Tobin with no EZ Pass may travel the bridge and will be mailed a bill via the Pay-by-Plate program.
Free coffee will be served at the 18 MassDOT service plazas beginning at 11 p.m., on Memorial Day, Monday, May 30, and until 5 a.m., Tuesday, May 31.
The CapeFLYER weekend rail service to Cape Cod resumes running on Friday, May 27, and service will continue through Labor Day. Visit www.capeflyer.com for complete schedules and ticket information.
The MBTA will operate buses, subways and commuter rail on a Sunday schedule on Memorial Day.
All Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicle Offices (RMV) offices will be closed on Monday, May 30, in observance of the holiday.
Drivers are encouraged to not litter on roadways. Violators are subject to a $5,500 fine for the first offense.
MassDOT advises all travelers to plan ahead, allow extra time for travel, and take advantage of the many communication tools now available to help trips go smoothly.