BOSTON — State transportation agencies and the state police are encouraging the public to plan ahead for Thanksgiving travel this week, use available technology resources, travel on public transit is possible, and if driving, drive sober and hands-free. People should also leave extra time for trips and check the local forecast.
The Massachusetts Department of Transportation 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 a.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 21, through 5 a.m. on Monday, Nov. 27.
In addition, the High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lane on I-93 between Boston and Quincy will extend its afternoon hours by opening from 2 to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 21, and from 1 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 22. The HOV lane will be closed on Thursday, Nov. 23, and on Friday, Nov. 24. Also, due to increased travel in and out of Logan Airport in Boston, the Sumner Tunnel swing lane will not be used on Thursday, Nov. 23, or Friday, Nov. 24.
MassDOT will keep the Sumner Tunnel open for use this weekend. The next weekend closure will be the weekend of Dec. 1.
MassDOT reminds drivers to obey all traffic laws, including traveling at or below the posted speed limit, driving sober, driving hands-free, and devoting full attention to the road ahead. MassDOT encourages travelers to make an extra effort to be courteous on the roads and report any reckless driving to law enforcement officials.
In an effort to improve services for customers heading to and from Logan Airport for holiday travel plans, additional MBTA Silver Line 1 (SL1) service to and from Logan will be added through Sunday, Nov. 26, (excluding Thanksgiving Day), with headway improvements every day. Riders are reminded that the Silver Line is free from Logan Airport to Boston destinations.
On Thanksgiving Day, MBTA customers 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 CharlieCard Store is also closed on Nov. 23. Riders are also reminded that the $10 Commuter Rail Weekend Pass is available for Thanksgiving Day with more information available at mbta.com. For information about MBTA schedules, visit www.mbta.com/holidays.
Thursday, Nov. 23, is a state holiday and all Registry of Motor Vehicle offices and state offices will be closed. On Friday, Nov. 24, 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. Meanwhile, AAA members can 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 an increase in passengers at Logan International Airport in the days ahead and suggests passengers allow extra time to get to Logan and through security. Extra staff will be on hand to help passengers and families who may not have traveled recently. Massport continues to recommend passengers arrive two hours early for domestic flights and three hours early for international. There is also ongoing construction at the airport and Massport is advising passengers to drive carefully and follow any detour signs.
Massport is urging passengers to use public transportation, rather than their own personal vehicles, to get to and from Logan, such as the MBTA Blue and Silver Line and Logan Express service from Braintree, Framingham, Woburn, Peabody, and Back Bay. For those taking Logan Express, Massport recommends passengers be dropped off at the sites as parking may be limited.
Passengers can now 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 also encourages passengers to check the tsa.gov website for a full list of items that can and cannot be taken onboard, including holiday food items.
For more information about Logan Airport, visit www.massport.com/logan-airport/.
For 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.