Mass DOT Warns Today's Traffic Will Reach Its Peak Between 1 p.m. and 7 p.m.

The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) encourages travelers to plan ahead and travel safely during the upcoming Mother's Day weekend especially for travelers using the Massachusetts Turnpike (I-90) or traveling to Cape Cod. 

Turnpike toll transactions statistics from 2012 ranked the Friday before Mother’s Day as the heaviest traffic day on the Turnpike with more than 363,000 transactions logged between Interstate 95/Route 128 and the New York border.

The heaviest traffic is expected to be today, Friday, and Sunday afternoons and early evenings.  Drivers are encouraged to make travel plans accordingly and if possible avoid peak traffic volumes between 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. on those days. 

I-90 traffic is expected to be especially heavy at the I-84 interchange at Exit 9 in Sturbridge and at Exit 11A, I-495, which handles cars headed south to Cape Cod and north to New Hampshire and Maine.

Traffic congestion is also expected heading on and off Cape Cod throughout the weekend; the Sagamore and Bourne Bridges are maintained by the Army Corps of Engineers. 

Also, be prepared for traffic at the I-95 and I-495 Turnpike interchanges along with I-495 and I-93 northbound leading into New Hampshire. 

Friday nights in the warm weather months accounted for the top 20 heaviest travel days on the Turnpike last year.

Cash collection booths will be adequately staffed throughout the weekend. To save time, money and gas, motorists who have not yet done so are encouraged to join E-ZPass to avoid waiting in line at cash toll booths. 

Ranking Day Date 2012 Total Transactions 1 Friday 11-May 363,004 2 Friday 5-Oct 362,377 3 Friday 24-Aug 357,193 4 Friday 20-Jul 356,744 5 Friday 3-Aug 355,969

MassDOT's Traffic and Travel Resources page includes links to all MassDOT travel resources. Use MassDOT traffic resources available to assist motorists.  Before you travel, check the interactive live Traffic Cameras web page to view current traffic. 

Sign up at the 511 Traveler Information Service to receive personalized travel information alerts via email, text or telephone. MassDOT as always reminds drivers to avoid using cell phones while driving.  Call into the 511 service before departing. You can also download the I-93 Real Time Traffic Management app, Ride Wise for various Smartphones including the iPhone.

A reminder that the Massachusetts Safe Driving Law bans texting while driving and cell phone use while driving by 16 and 17 year old drivers.  Drivers are reminded to travel safely and avoid distracted driving such as using cell phones.    
For transportation news and updates visit MassDOT at our website, blog, or follow MassDOT on Twitter and Facebook.