BOSTON (WHDH) - It’s that time of year again – people are heading out hoping to avoid most of the holiday rush.
The Massachusetts Department of Transportation says to expect longer waits and delays—no matter which way you choose to travel.
AAA says nearly 49 million people will be driving this Thanksgiving holiday – a significant increase thanks to lower gas prices.
State leaders suggest being as flexible as possible with your travel plans and say new technology like sensors, cameras, and electronic tolls will give drivers unprecedented real-time traffic information.
Officials have also offered some safety reminders to Massachusetts travelers.
“I think one of the most important things to keep in mind is safety is key. You do not want to start this holiday with a crash,” said Jeff Larason, of the Public Safety Highway Division.
They want you to watch your speed, don’t use your cell phone while driving and definitely don’t drink if you plan to drive.
“As the saying goes, buzzed driving is drunk driving. So please plan on having a designated sober driver,” Col. Richard McKeon, of the Massachusetts State Police.
“One of the good things for Thanksgiving travelers is there are more ways than ever before to find real time information. About where the traffic congestion is and what routes folks might want to take,” said Stephanie Pollack, Secretary of Transportation.
Some tips for finding real time traffic updates include:
- Visit Mass511.com
- Call 511
- Use apps like Waze, which is a great tool for the latest traffic updates
This will be the first year that people will be traveling with the Massachusetts Turnpike’s all-electronic tolling system.
DOT officials said they believe the new electronic-tolls will help traffic roll more smoothly than in years past.
More than a million people are expected to go through Logan Airport this weekend.
Logan Airport officials have asked people to arrive two hours early for domestic flights and three hours early before international flights.
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