SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) – While the airports are busy, most travelers will be driving to their Thanksgiving destinations Wednesday. And if you haven’t gotten on the road yet, you might want to hurry up.
AAA says that the best time to get on the road is before 8 a.m. Wednesday. Any later than that, you are more likely to get stuck in traffic. AAA also suggests waiting until Thursday to drive, you’re most likely to see clear roads if you leave before 11 a.m. Thanksgiving.
LIVE TRAFFIC MAP
Massachusetts drivers account for 1.3 million of those who plan on traveling. Most people are expected to travel by car. Despite this high number, car travel is still slightly below 2019 levels. Air travel is up nearly 8 percent over 2021 with 4.5 million Americans expected to fly to Thanksgiving destinations. It’s an increase of roughly 330,000 travelers.
Travelers on Massachusetts roads should expect the most traffic on Wednesday, Nov. 23, especially along the I-93, I-95, I-90 and Route 3 metro corridors. The particular hotspots according to AAA are:
- On Interstate 93 southbound, traffic volumes are expected to be 76 percent higher than a normal non-holiday weekday between exit 20 (I-90 junction) and exit 4 (Route 24 junction)
- On Interstate 93 northbound, the traffic volume is expected to be 53 percent higher between exit 17 (Government Center) and exit 25 (Route 28 junction).
- On Interstate 95 southbound, traffic volume is expected to be 30 percent higher between exit 36 (Route 9) and exit 21 (Coney Street)
- Interstate 90 westbound, traffic volume is expected to be 26 percent higher between exit 131 (Brighton, Cambridge) to exit 95 (Route 122 Junction)
- Route 3 northbound, traffic volume is expected to be 19 percent higher between exit 36 (Derby St.) and exit 20 (I-93).
Mass 511
Statewide traffic conditions are available with information from the state’s Mass 511 system that includes live reports and access to live cameras on major roadways. Call 511 or visit Mass511.com.
