Busy Roads, Skies Expected Thanksgiving Week
BOSTON (CBS) -- Next week, more than 50,000 drivers are expected to travel through downtown Boston, and that number does not even include other drivers around Massachusetts and those who plan on flying.
As people travel to and from Boston to spend Thanksgiving with their friends and family, the Massachusetts Department of Transportation predicts Wednesday, November 24, and Sunday, November 28, to be the peak of Thanksgiving holiday traffic.
Since thousands will be leaving and arriving in Boston, officials are warning travelers to be aware of heavy traffic, busy toll plaza and long wait at security checkpoints at airports.
To minimize congestion and the number of accidents, the MassDOT has published a list of safe travel tips.
If you are driving…
Especially on Wednesday and Sunday, plan on driving during early morning hours or after 8 p.m.
Expect delays at these areas:
Exit 9 on I-90, connecting to I-84 to Connecticut and New York
I-95 and I-495 Turnpike interchanges
I-93 northbound to New Hampshire
If you don't have one already, join Fast Lane to minimize time spent waiting for cash booths at toll plaza.
Rest.
Drivers can enjoy free coffee at all 18 MassDOT service plazas, thanks to McDonald's, Burger King and Gulf. From 10 p.m. Thursday night until 5 a.m. Friday morning, stop by one of the service areas to make sure you stay alert and awake while you travel.
Check and monitor real-time traffic tracking websites. Cameras refresh frequently to deliver live status updates on major highways.
Dial 511 for traffic alerts and any other advisories.
To help the drivers, MassDOT will suspend all construction projects on roadways across the state from 5 a.m. on Wednesday to Monday morning.
If you are flying…
Getting to and from Logan:
Residents should utilize public transportation to get to and from Logan Airport since downtown Boston will experience heavy traffic during the holidays. The Silver, Red, Orange, Green and Blue Lines will offer additional service during peak airport travel times before the holiday and continuing through Tuesday, November 30.
Silver line stops at all five terminals, and blue line connects to a shuttle service that transports customers to the terminals.
MBTA website has holiday service schedule on www.mbta.com.
MassPort advises all air travelers to check their flight status before leaving for Logan and allowing extra time for security screening.
Remember TSA regulations for carry-on items:
No sharp objects, guns, firearms or explosives.
3-1-1 for liquid items, meaning 3.4 ounce or less bottles in one 1-quart sized plastic bag.
Always check the weather as well for increment weather conditions that could delay plane's arrival or departure time.
Yoojin Cho is a Boston University student who spent two semesters interning with the WBZ digital media team.
