BOSTON — The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) is advising travelers to plan ahead and expect increased volumes of traffic for the Fourth of July holiday period.
If traveling, MassDOT recommends utilizing “real time” travel tools, checking holiday schedules for public transportation, and planning trip departure times and routes based on available information.
“With the upcoming holiday, we are anticipating increased levels of traffic congestion, and we’re encouraging travelers to plan ahead and make use of our travel resources,” said MassDOT Highway Administrator Jonathan Gulliver. “The Fourth of July holiday is always a time where we see increased travel around the state, so we ask all roadway users to be courteous, obey the rules of the road, and take it slow so everyone can enjoy the holiday safely.”
All Commonwealth of Massachusetts offices are closed on Tuesday July 4, including Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) customer service locations. More than forty RMV transactions can be done online: www.mass.gov/RMV. In addition, any resident who is a member of AAA can also make appointments at AAA locations for some Registry transactions.
The Sumner Tunnel will be open this weekend and then fully closed for a rehabilitation project from Wednesday, July 5 through Thursday, August 31. Travelers are encouraged to use the many discounted and free transit services being made available as of July 5 due to the Sumner Tunnel closure. This information can be found on the project website at www.mass.gov/sumner-tunnel
In addition, the MBTA has released the following information:
• On Tuesday, July 4, fares will be free after 9:30 p.m. for subway, bus, and commuter rail.
• All subway services will operate on a modified Saturday schedule until 3 p.m. on Tuesday, July 4. After 3 p.m., the subway will run on a weekday schedule.
• All bus, Silver Line, and The RIDE services will operate on a Sunday schedule on Tuesday, July 4.
• The MBTA Commuter Rail will operate on a weekend schedule on July 4. Passengers should also note that all last trains at North Station and South Station will be held for 30 minutes after the close of the fireworks. Passengers will also be able to board trains at Back Bay Station.
