Thanksgiving travel: when should you hit the road for the holiday?

Merritt Hughes

Almost 80 million Americans are traveling somewhere for Thanksgiving this week, according to AAA. 90% of those traveling are doing so by car. 

The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) is prepared for how these numbers will affect the Massachusetts roadways and reminds drivers of holiday travel. 

“With the Thanksgiving holiday next week, MassDOT is forecasting increased traffic volumes throughout the week with the heaviest outbound traffic expected in the afternoons of Monday through Wednesday,” said Jonathan Gulliver, highway administrator, in a statement. “We also expect returning volumes to be heavier on Sunday, December 1.  We encourage travelers to make their trips outside of peak hours and drive safely.” 

Jillian Young, the director of AAA Northeast, gave her insight into Thanksgiving travel, saying the least busiest travel day is actually Thanksgiving Day itself. The worst travel times are Monday, Nov. 25 and Wednesday, Nov. 27 between 1 and 5 p.m. On Tuesday, Nov. 26, travelers should expect traffic to hit its peak from 1-7 p.m.

The good news is there is no scheduled construction on major Massachusetts roads between 5 a.m. on Nov. 26 and 5 a.m. on Dec. 2, according to MassDOT. 

MassDOT is also extending the HOV—High Occupancy Vehicle—lane hours on the Expressway from Boston to Quincy specifically for holiday travel. On Nov. 26 and Nov. 27, the HOV lane will be open from 1 to 7 p.m. The Sumner Tunnel swing lane will not be open Nov. 28-29 because of increased traffic in and out of Logan International Airport. 

Gas prices are lower this Thanksgiving than last year, with the average gallon of gas in Massachusetts totalling just about $3 this week. Last year, a gallon of gas was $3.26.