MassDOT preaching patience, safety, ahead of holiday travel week

BOSTON — Holiday travel is now upon us with less than a week until Christmas.

State officials are putting out reminders of patience if you’re hitting the road or heading to the airport.

MassDOT Secretary Monica Tibbits-Nutt has three specific pieces of advice for drivers: put down your phones, drive the speed limit, and do not drive impaired.

MassDOT Highway Administrator Jonathan Gulliver said Thursday that traffic volumes are up this year, hitting pre-pandemic levels.

However with Christmas Day on a Wednesday, he said it makes better scenarios for travel.

“It means that unlike Thanksgiving, you’re not going to have a really sharp peak travel day. People tend to stay closer to home in general for the holidays, but it also means that they can spread out whatever days they’re going to be going,” said Gulliver.

Construction work on major roadways will pause Christmas Eve morning and resume December 26th.

It will stop again from December 31st through January 2nd for New Year’s.

Gulliver added that HOV lane hours on 93 will also be extended.

He anticipates a little more traffic on Thursday and Friday, especially during evening commutes.

But overall, he expects pretty light traffic over the next ten days with less congestion compared to a typical weekday.

Massachusetts State Police Colonel Geoffrey Noble said Thursday, “Every good holiday travel plan includes extra time, so you don’t have to speed to get to where you want to go.”

He added more state troopers will be out on patrol in marked and unmarked cars, making sure drivers are following the laws.

“Bottom line is keep your phones out of your hands while you’re driving,” said Colonel Noble.

If you’re flying for the holidays, Massport anticipates peak travel this coming weekend and the weekend between Christmas and New Year’s.

Massport CEO Rich Davey said Logan Airport had a record-breaking year in 2024 with the most passengers of all time.

“So we expect the holiday season to be no less busy,” said Davey.

Davey also said even if weather isn’t an issue here in the Bay State, weather in other parts of the country can still impact your travel.

He added, “We expect some below-freezing temperatures as well, so expect your plane may be de-iced as well.”

If you are headed to the airport with unwrapped gifts, Logan Airport is providing free wrapping for people flying through December 24th.

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