I-Team: Casino traffic plans

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) - Penn National Gaming and MGM Springfield have been touting their traffic plans all week.  

The 22News I-Team put some of those plans to the test.  

The 22News I-Team traveled up and down Interstate 91 on Friday.  Testing out each developers traffic plan.

Penn National Gaming and MGM Springfield believe that the majority of the traffic for a casino would come from Interstate 91.

Each developer suggests it will make certain changes to lighten any potential problems.  Although the Interstate exits to each casino will not undergo significant changes.  

The 22News I-Team tested six routes from I-91 to each potential casino site that the developers recommend.  Three ways to MGM in the South End and three ways to Penn in the North End.  

Heading from the South, on I-91 North - from Exit 6, it took 1 minute 47 seconds to get to MGM.  

From the South using the two suggested routes to Penn National - one through Springfield using exit 6.  It took 3 minutes 54 seconds to get to Penn National.  Avoiding downtown and taking I-291 was more efficient.  Just 2 ,inutes 45 seconds.  

At different times of day, East Columbus Ave. can get a little congested.  To counter that, MGM is going to create a 12 foot shoulder between Howard and Bliss Streets to make it easier for cars to get into their garage.

Heading south - that's the traffic from the north and west of the Mass Pike like Westfield or Albany.  MGM has two suggested routes  and this long light really tied us up. Using exit 7 - it took 3 minutes 19 seconds.  MGM's alternate route - much easier - just 2 minutes 24 seconds using Exit 6 - Union Street.  

Penn National's route heading south to 291 involved some lights.  And some traffic on Congress St.  It took 2 minutes 57 seconds.

One issue Penn National sees as a potential problem with its traffic plan is on Congress Street.  They're going to eliminate on-street parking and make this street three lanes wide.

The volume of traffic was not very high today and lights do play a factor.  Click here to see MGM's traffic plan and their planned upgrades , click here to see Penn National's traffic plans and planned upgrades .