BOSTON – Traffic will undoubtedly be a major problem for anyone driving to Cape Cod or another part of New England for Memorial Day weekend.
According to the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT), traffic congestion will be “much heavier than normal” on Friday afternoon.
“We expect a very busy Memorial Day travel weekend,” Highway Administrator Jonathan Gulliver said in a statement. “Drivers should allow extra time when making travel plans.”
Nationally, the American Automobile Association (AAA) projects the second highest Memorial Day travel period recorded this weekend.
AAA says Boston is on its list of the top 10 destinations in the US for the long weekend. Hertz told AAA that demand for weekend car rentals will be highest in Boston, Atlanta, Las Vegas and Orlando. That means there will be even more vehicles than normal on the road in New England.
When is the worst time to drive?
MassDOT said Friday is expected to be the busiest travel day. If you must drive, try to avoid the afternoons. These are the worst times to drive this weekend, according to AAA:
Thursday, May 23 from 12 noon to 6 p.m
Friday, May 24 from 12 noon to 7 p.m
Saturday, May 25 from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Sunday, May 26 from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM
Monday, May 27 from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM
MassDOT said based on their data, traffic is expected to be heaviest on Sunday and Monday between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m.
When is the best time to drive?
If you have to go somewhere, leave early or take your time and leave later in the day. AAA says these are the best times to drive over Memorial Day weekend:
Thursday, May 23 Before 11 a.m., after 7 p.m
Friday, May 24 Before 11 a.m., after 8 p.m
Saturday, May 25 Before 1 p.m., after 6 p.m
Sunday, May 26 Before 1 p.m
Monday May 27 From 7 p.m
Where are traffic cameras in Massachusetts?
It’s always best to know this before you go, which is why MassDOT has a network of traffic cameras covering most major highways in Massachusetts.
You can check them out on the agency’s Mass511 website, which also includes travel times and construction information. MassDOT will also update traffic conditions on social media.
The High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lane on I-93 between Boston and Quincy will open early Friday at 1 p.m. for the weekend and will not be used Monday due to the holiday.
The Sumner Tunnel, that will be so Closed Most summer renovation weekends are open over Memorial Day weekend.
MBTA Memorial Day holiday weekend schedules
MassDOT said people should take public transportation “as much as possible” to alleviate stress on the roads and highways.
The MBTA Commuter Rail will run weekend service through Monday and their $10 Weekend Pass will be accepted on Mondays.
For more information on specific subway and bus holiday schedules, search for information on the MBTA website.
Gas Prices in Massachusetts
The good news for drivers is that gas prices have dropped across Massachusetts. The average price this week was about $3.55 per gallon, AAA said.
“Even as demand peaks during the holidays, refineries continue to ramp up production to meet typical seasonal demand,” said AAA spokesman Mark Schieldrop.
AAA defines Memorial Day weekend as the five-day period from Thursday, May 23 to Monday, May 27, 2024.
