Expect Early Labor Day Traffic Headaches, MassDOT Warns

WORCESTER, MA — After more than a year in the doldrums of the coronavirus pandemic, travel this summer rebounded as COVID-19 cases hit lows not seen in months.

More than 10 million travelers passed through U.S. airports over the July 4 weekend, and more than 47 million people were expected to travel over that holiday, according to AAA estimates.

However, things might look different this Labor Day.

COVID-19 cases are up again with the highly contagious delta variant sweeping the nation. While some travelers are wondering whether to take that final summer trip, many will still hit the road this weekend, including on some of the most crowded highways in New England.

"Whether and how to travel is a very personal decision," Paula Twidale, senior vice president of AAA Travel, said in a news release. "By and large, people who were planning to travel are still taking their trips, while being mindful to take precautions to protect themselves and others."

MassDOT expects Labor Day traffic to begin Thursday and last through the weekend.

"We expect traffic levels to be high this Labor Day Weekend especially during the afternoon hours on Thursday and Friday," Highway Administrator Jonathan Gulliver said in a news release.
"Anyone driving should plan ahead, anticipate that trips will take longer than expected, and if possible use public transportation to reach destinations."

The state is taking precautions. All non-emergency construction will cease by 5 a.m. Friday and won't resume until Tuesday. MassDOT will also deploy high-occupancy lanes in the Boston area along I-93 in the early afternoon on Thursday and Friday

The state's largest airports, including Logan and Worcester, may also be busy. State officials are reminding travelers that masks are still required in all transportation facilities — including in airports and on public transit.

But the best way to avoid delays will be to travel during off-peak hours, and use resources like MassDOT's GoTime mobile app, following MassDOT on Twitter — which features real-time alerts about collisions — and creating a Mass511 account.

Massachusetts Labor Day weekend gas prices:

How much can you expect to pay at the pump? AAA data shows the average price for a gallon of gas in Massachusetts counties as:

• Worcester County — $3.04
• Middlesex County — $3.08
• Suffolk County — $3.14
• Norfolk County — $3.08
• Essex County — $3.06
• Hampden County —$3
• Hampshire County — $3.04
• Franklin County — $3.03
• Berkshire County — $3.04
• Bristol County — $2.98
• Plymouth County — $3.03
• Barnstable County — $3.17
• Dukes County — $4
• Nantucket County — $4.41

If the price of gas sends you into sticker shock, you’re not alone.

As of Aug. 18, the national average was $3.18 per gallon after reaching its highest point so far this year. The average marks a $1.01 increase from a year ago, according to AAA.

During the run-up to Labor Day weekend, pump prices will likely continue to fluctuate due to high crude oil prices. However, AAA predicts that as gas demand drops considerably following the final holiday weekend of summer, American drivers will see some much-needed relief at the pump.