Massachusetts traffic is expected to increase over the holiday weekend

“MassDOT expects an increase in travel across the state during the upcoming holiday weekend, so we encourage travelers to plan ahead before hitting the road,” highway administrator Jonathan Gulliver said in a statement of press “We are anticipating an increase in traffic volume beginning on Friday, October 11 and continuing through the holiday weekend, so travelers should travel when traffic is light, allow extra time and always put safety in first place.”

MassDOT is taking certain steps to make sure things go smoothly on the roads this weekend.

Here’s what they are.

What is MassDOT doing to move traffic?

Here are the steps they are taking on the roads:

• The High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lane on I-93 between Boston and Quincy will have extended afternoon hours from 1pm to 7pm today (Friday, October 11).
• On Monday, October 14, the HOV lane will be closed.
• The additional “turn lane” on Route 1A southbound at the Sumner Tunnel will not be deployed on Monday, October 14.
• MassDOT’s Highway Assistance Program will increase patrols on all major highways to support roadside assistance needs.
• Scheduled construction outside the fixed work zones has now been closed. Then, on Tuesday, October 15, the planned works will resume at 5 am.

What is the MBTA schedule for the upcoming holidays?

• On Monday, October 14, MBTA subway lines, bus routes and The RIDE will operate on Saturday hours, and commuter rail lines and ferry services will operate on weekday hours.
• Users should also note that the CharlieCard store will be closed on Monday 14 October.
• The MBTA Commuter Rail will extend the use of its special discount weekend pass this holiday weekend to include Monday, October 14, so any customer can purchase an unlimited ride pass for $10 and use this pass on Saturday, Sunday and Monday. .
• The MBTA announced that Orange Line service is suspended between Forest Hills and Back Bay from now until October 20, and the service suspension will extend between Forest Hills and North Station from the 12th to the 14th October
• Free and accessible shuttle buses will make stops between Forest Hills and Back Bay, as well as Copley on the Green Line. Users should note that there will be no shuttle bus service between Back Bay and North Station.
• Riders are encouraged to use the parallel Green Line service between North Station and Copley to travel downtown. The MBTA will increase Green Line service during this time to accommodate anticipated increases in ridership.
• Riders are also encouraged to consider the commuter rail for free service between Forest Hills, Ruggles, Back Bay and South Station.