Labor Day Weekend is this weekend and the MassDOT want you to know about traffic, drinking and driving, highway littering, Sunday service and more! See press release below.
The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) is advising Labor Day travelers to make informed decisions, utilize all the available technology tools including www.mass511.com, and consider public transportation if possible to reach destinations.
MassDOT is taking several steps to ensure reliable travel for members of the public who utilize transportation systems across the Commonwealth and will be shutting down construction outside of fixed work zones for the Labor Day travel period effective at 5 a.m., Friday, August 30. Scheduled road work will then resume at the start of normal business hours on Tuesday, September 3.
“We know there typically are higher volumes on some state highways during Labor Day weekend, and we advise everyone to make smart decisions before getting behind the wheel and heading to their holiday travel destinations,” said Highway Administrator Jonathan Gulliver. “Everyone should utilize the appropriate technology tools and wayfinding resources, consider the best route and time to travel, remain sober or use a designated driver, and exercise safe driving behavior at all times.”
The High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lane on I-93 between Boston and Quincy will have normal morning hours this week and open early for the afternoon commute at 2 p.m., on Thursday, August 29, and 1 p.m., on Friday, August 30. The HOV lane will be closed on Monday, September 2, and will then re-open for regularly scheduled hours on Tuesday, September 3.
The additional “swing lane” on Route 1A southbound at the Sumner Tunnel will have normal hours on Friday, August 30 by opening at 10 a.m., and it will not be closed on Monday, September 2. The swing lane will resume normal operations on Tuesday, September 3, closing at 5 a.m. and opening at 10 a.m.
Free coffee will be served at the 18 MassDOT service plazas from 10 p.m. Monday, September 2, through 5 a.m., Tuesday, September 3. The plazas serving free coffee include 11 service plazas along I-90 plus plazas along Route 3 in Plymouth, Route 128 in Beverly, Route 128/I-95 in Newton and Lexington, Route 6 in Barnstable, and the Route 24 northbound and southbound plazas.
MassDOT’s Highway Assistance Program, sponsored by MAPFRE, will be increasing patrols on all major roadways to support roadside assistance needs. Requests for assistance can be initiated by calling 911.
The MBTA has also released the following information regarding travel on Labor Day, Monday, September 2:
All subway and commuter rail lines, buses, trackless trolleys, and commuter rails will operate on a Sunday schedule.
There will be no service on the F1 Hingham-Boston ferry, and all other ferries and boats will operate on a Sunday schedule.
The RIDE will operate on a Sunday schedule.
For more information: https://www.mbta.com/holidays
For traffic and road conditions, drivers may use the following options to make decisions:
Download MassDOT’s GoTime mobile app and view real-time traffic conditions before setting out on the road.
Download Waze, the real-time traffic navigation app that provides motorists with real-time traffic conditions across Massachusetts.
Visit mass511.com to view travel times, road construction, traffic alerts or crashes along a route. Incidents, road closures, lane closures, real-time live traffic cameras, and weather alerts/forecasts, can all be viewed on the interactive live Traffic Map.
Dial 511 from a landline or cell phone to hear information on current conditions on major roadways.
Register for a Mass511 account to create and personalize routes and alerts to be notified of events on those routes ahead of time.
Check MassDOT Highway Traffic and Travel Resources.
Follow MassDOT on Twitter @MassDOT as incidents that impact traffic flow are generally mentioned in tweets if they occur on the state’s major highways.
The U.S Army Corps of Engineers reports that there will be no lane restrictions on the Sagamore Bridge or Bourne Bridge during the Labor Day weekend period.
Customers are also advised that the Registry of Motor Vehicles offices are closed for the designated state holiday of Labor Day on Monday, September 2. Please visit at any hour of the day the RMV online at www.mass.gov/rmv to skip the line and perform many transactions. In addition, AAA members now have the opportunity to conduct many RMV services at numerous AAA branch office locations in Massachusetts during AAA normal business hours.
Drivers are reminded to avoid littering on roadways. Violators are subject to a fine of up to $5,500 for the first offense.
The Massachusetts Department of Transportation wishes all members of the public a safe and enjoyable holiday.
Maureen Dahill is the editor of Caught in Southie and a lifelong resident of South Boston sometimes mistaken for a yuppie. Co-host of Caught Up, storyteller, lover of red wine and binge watching TV series. Mrs. Peter G. Follow her @MaureenCaught.