Plan Now For Presidents' Day Travel Delays, MassDOT Advises

MASSACHUSETTS — The long Presidents' Day weekend and school vacation week may mean travel delays on major highways across the state in the coming days, according to MassDOT.

Massachusetts typically sees a spike in travel around the February school vacation week and long weekend, including delays going to and leaving Logan Airport in Boston.

“MassDOT has historically seen an increase in travel on statewide roadways for the Presidents' Day holiday weekend, and we encourage individuals to plan ahead and use real-time resources to help inform their trips,” Highway Administrator Jonathan Gulliver said in a news release. “We advise all members of the public to keep safety in mind by observing the speed limit, avoiding impaired driving, and putting cell phones away when operating a vehicle.”

In preparation for the holiday, MassDOT will open an HOV lane on I-93 southbound early on Friday ta 1 p.m. The Sumner Tunnel — which has been closing on weekends for months — will also be open for travel this weekend. Both the HOV lane and the swing lane at the Sumner Tunnel will not be open Monday.

MBTA customers should check Monday schedules as some modes will run on Saturday or Sunday schedules. These additional MBTA changes will be in place Monday:

• All subway lines will operate on a Saturday schedule
• The RIDE will operate on a Saturday schedule
• All buses will run on a Saturday schedule
• All commuter rail lines will run on a weekend schedule
• All ferries and boats will operate on a weekday schedule
• The CharlieCard store at Downtown Crossing in Boston will be closed

State offices including Registry of Motor Vehicle service center locations will be closed for the Presidents' Day holiday Monday.

MassDOT recommended travelers use real-time resources to plan ahead, such as:

• Download the Mass511 mobile app or visit www.mass511.com to view live cameras, travel times, real-time traffic conditions, and project information before setting out on the road. Users can subscribe to receive text and email alerts for traffic conditions.
• Dial 511 and select a route to hear real-time conditions.
• Follow MassDOT on Twitter @MassDOT to receive regular updates on road and traffic conditions.