MassDOT: Thanksgiving Week Busy Travel Week

In full transparency, the following is a press release from MassDOT submitted to SOURCE media.

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BOSTON – The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) is reminding members of the public to plan ahead for the upcoming Thanksgiving Holiday week, use available technology tools and resources to make informed decisions, and pack essential items such as face coverings that maybe required for certain travel.  

During this holiday season, individuals should be aware that there may be a higher number of travelers on Commonwealth roadways and on public transportation as post-pandemic travel increases.

“The Thanksgiving holiday period will be a very busy travel time so members of the public should plan ahead, travel off-peak hours, and consider taking public transportation,” said Transportation Secretary and CEO Jamey Tesler. “We want everyone to reach their destinations safely and that means travel at or below the speed limit, drive sober, limit distractions, and be patient knowing that when roadways and public transportation are crowded, trips will simply take longer.”

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“We’re excited to welcome passengers back to Logan this holiday season,” said Massport CEO Lisa Wieland. “Travel has changed and we are urging passengers to have some patience and download the FlyLogan app. As always, we recommend passengers use HOV modes to get to and from the airport, such as MBTA and Logan Express.”

The High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lane on I-93 between Boston and Quincy will extend its hours to be open from 2:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., on Tuesday, November 23, and from 1:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., on Wednesday, November 24. The HOV lane will be closed on Thursday, November 25, and Friday, November 26, and will resume normal operations on Monday, November 29.  The Sumner Tunnel swing lane will not be deployed on Thursday, November 25, or on Friday, November 26, and will resume normal operations on Monday, November 29.

MassDOT will also be suspending construction operations statewide from 5:00 a.m. on Tuesday, November 23, through 9:00 p.m. on Monday, November 29.

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“Full MBTA service information for Thanksgiving is available at mbta.com/holidays, and we encourage riders to visit mbta.com/RideSafer for travel tips, safety information, and more,” said MBTA General Manager Steve Poftak. “We wish everyone a safe and happy Thanksgiving holiday, and encourage folks to take the T to Logan enroute to out-of-town festivities and around town when visiting friends’ and family’s dinner tables on the 25^th.”

For information about MBTA schedules on Thursday, November 25, please visit www.mbta.com/holidays. The CharlieCard Store is also closed on November 25. Customers are reminded that face masks or face coverings are required while onboard MBTA vehicles and within the MBTA system. For more information and travel tips, please visit www.mbta.com/ridesafer.

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The public is reminded that Thursday, November 25, is a state holiday and among offices closed are those of the Registry of Motor Vehicles. Customer service centers which have been open during the pandemic will reopen by appointment only on Friday, November 26.

Meanwhile, AAA members may visit any AAA location by appointment for some Registry transactions and more than 40 Registry transactions can be done online: www.mass.gov/RMV .

Massport is expecting an increase in passengers at Boston Logan International Airport around the holiday. The Authority continues to take a number of precautions at the airport in order to ensure passengers have a safe and healthy travel experience.

These initiatives include:

• Face coverings are required for all passengers and visitors while at the airport;
• Travelers departing from Logan should be aware of any travel restrictions at their destination;
• Coronavirus testing is available at Logan Airport’s Terminals E Arrivals level and Terminal C Departure level. The testing facility, XPresCheck, is offering a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) or nasal swab test, a blood antibody test, and the rapid test.

Massport is urging passengers to use public transportation and HOV modes to get to and from Logan such as the MBTA Blue and Silver Line and Logan Express.

The Authority has also launched a free smartphone app FlyLogan where passengers can access information about the airport, flight status, purchase Logan Express tickets, and order concessions for pickup or delivery within Logan, among other services.

For more information about Logan Airport, please visit www.massport.com/logan-airport/.

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