Friends and family across Massachusetts and beyond are finalizing their respective Thanksgiving travel plans, which means the likelihood of sitting in bumper-to-bumper traffic is steadily rising. We here at BostInno, and those over at the Massachusetts Department of Transportation, understand the importance of making it home for the holidays and want you to do it safely and soundly – without sitting in roadways teeming with other travelers the way your tummy will be with turkey and stuffing on Thursday.
So to better help you navigate your way within the Bay State, here are five travel tips to help you avoid troublesome Thanksgiving traffic.
1. Tuesday, Wednesday, and Sunday are the busiest days
Most people traveling will be hitting the road on Tuesday and Wednesday before Thanksgiving, and Sunday on their return home. It’s suggested that if you plan on road tripping on any of those days, you commence as early as possible or wait until at least 8:00 p.m. To help alleviate any road rage, Plymouth Rock Assurance will sponsor free tolls at the Exit 19 Allston/Brighton interchange from 3 to 4 p.m. on Wednesday. For those driving on Thanksgiving night, state service plazas will be doling out free coffee from 10 p.m. until 5 a.m. on Friday.
2. Avoid major highways is possible
While it might not be the most convenient route, avoid any major roadways if possible. Most especially, avoid traffic traps like I-90 (the Pike) at Exit 9 at the interchange with I-84, Exit 11A for I-495, Exit 14 for I-95 and Route 128, and Exit 24 for I-93 North and South. Real time traffic information boards on both sides of the Pike will be readily available to help keep you informed as to any delays and annoying backups.
3. Flyers ought to get to Logan early
It’s always encouraged to get to the airport with plenty of time to spare before your flight. Logan Airport, though, wants you to up your game. For domestic flights, Logan suggests you arrive at least 2.5 hours early, three for international. Keep in mind too that the entire Eastern Seaboard is expected to be slammed by a nor’easter so in fact, you may want to arrive even earlier. Be sure to constantly check MassPort for updated airline information.
4. Mind the MBTA schedule
Be careful if you plan on using the MBTA as your preferred method of transport. On Wednesday and Friday, the MBTA will run as usual, but Thursday will be a Sunday schedule. Simply put, that means the T, busses, commuter rail and ferries will run on a limited basis. The MBTA, though, will operate with additional off-peak service to help shuttle travelers to and from Logan.
5. DON’T DRINK AND DRIVE
Obviously, this should go without saying, but during the holidays it pays to provide the reminder. Thanksgiving is a time when people head home, so naturally friends congregate at their favorite watering holes to catch up. But don’t be that jamoke who slams shots and thinks it’s a good idea to get behind the wheel. The cops will be expecting it. And, of course, it could cost you your life. Get yourself a designated driver or just take it easy on the sauce.
