Holiday traffic expected to be heavy on Mass. roads

WESTON, Mass. -- For the most part, it has been smooth sailing on Massachusetts roads, but it is expected to get more congested with each passing hour on the busiest travel day of the year.

“We’re all going to New Jersey,” said Katie Villa, a driver. “It should be five hours, but I’m estimating seven because of the traffic.”

“My daughters got out at noontime, so we had everything packed and ready to go. We just grabbed some food at McDonald’s so we could keep moving. We’re hoping to beat a little of the rush if we can,” said Jean Lang, who is driving to Connecticut.

State Police said motorists heading to their holiday destinations should expect some delays as the traffic grows heavier during the day.

“You’re going to really need to allow for extra time. The volume of traffic is anticipated to be very high. AAA has estimated that traffic this year will be an 11 percent increase over last year,” said Sgt. Matthew Murray of the Massachusetts State Police.

State Police will have a heavy presence on the roads, and motorists should be prepared for police road blocks.

“The State Police is conducting Operation: Lightning, which is specifically geared towards detecting and apprehending impaired operators,” said Sgt. Murray. “Yes, you’ll be asked to stop. We have what’s called a ‘greeter,’ a State Police officer who would be there just to determine whether or not you’ve been drinking and whether or not that level could rise to an arrest-able offense.

In addition to allowing extra time for travel, motorists are advised to allow extra space between their car and the car in front of them. Police said drivers can expect clog-ups and slowdowns at the following traffic trouble spots:

-- I-84 and the Mass. Pike

-- I-290 and the Mass. Pike

-- I-95 and the Mass. Pike

-- I-495 North and South

AAA advises drivers to be courteous and safe.

“We advise people, if they are making a long trip, to pull over and take a break every 100 miles or every two hours because drowsy driving is a serious problem in this country. We have up to 250,000 people falling asleep at the wheel every day, and if you’re making a long drive, as many people do during Thanksgiving, it’s important to be well rested,” said Mary Maguire, of AAA in Southern New England.

Police also remind motorists to remember the new law that bans texting while driving, which requires offenders to pay a $100 fine.

“There’s a lot of stop-and-go, sudden stop-and-go situations in traffic, and if you’re distracted in the vehicle, it can just lead to a problem and to an accident,” said Sgt. Murray.

Motorists are encouraged to follow the same safety procedures on their way back home at the end of the holiday weekend.

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