Mass. Christmas Travel Guide: 3 Trouble Spots, Free Coffee, 'Use Yah Blinkah'

By John Waller (Patch Staff)

Hitting the roads over the holidays? Here are 11 travel tips from the state Department of Transportation:

1.) Three problem spots: On peak holiday travel days, expect delays at these three spots:

• On the Mass. Pike, I-90, at Exit 9, the I-84 exit to Connecticut/New York.
• The interchanges of I-95 and I-495.
• The interchange of I-93 North and I-495.

If possible, travel in the early morning or after 8 p.m. to avoid delays, according to MassDOT.

2.) Look ahead: Did you know MassDOT has live traffic cameras online? You can also dial the state’s 511 traffic alert system for live traffic updates.

3.) Sign up for EZPass.

4.) Use public transportation when possible.

5.) MBTA schedule: The MBTA will run on a Sunday schedule Christmas Day, Dec. 25, and New Year’s Day, Jan. 1. From 3 p.m. to 2 a.m. on New Year’s Eve, Dec. 31, the MBTA will provide rush-hour-level service, and no fares will be collected after 8 p.m. that night.

6.) Free coffee: Free coffee will be served at all MassDOT service plazas between 10 p.m. Christmas night, Dec. 25, and 5 a.m. Friday, Dec. 26, and between 10 p.m. on New Year’s Eve, Dec. 31, and 5 a.m. New Year’s Day, Jan. 1.

7.) No I-93 HOV Zipper Lane: Because of an expected reduction in traffic over the holidays, the I-93 HOV Zipper Lane will not be utilized Wednesda-Friday, Dec. 24-26 and Dec. 31-Jan. 2.

8.) Safe winter driving tips: MassDOT has a page of safe winter driving tips.

9.) Registry of Motor Vehicles: All RMVs will be closed Christmas Day, Dec. 25, and New Year’s Day, Jan. 1.

10.) More: Visit MassDOT’s Traffic and Travel Resources page.

11.) And most importantly, remember to always “Use Yah Blinkah.”

Photo credit: Boston University Police Department