Friday begins peak traffic season

Courtesy of:  WICKED LOCAL

By Staff reports
Fri May 08, 2009, 07:58 AM EDT

Saugus – Massachusetts Turnpike Authority officials are reminding motorists to monitor traffic conditions and plan ahead as the high traffic volume season begins on Thursdays and Fridays prior to spring and summer weekends.

In 2008 the Thursday and Friday before Mother’s Day weekend logged in the top 25 highest traffic volume days out of 365 days on the Turnpike and on I-93 in Boston. Mother’s Day was the fourth busiest traveled Sunday on both highways in 2008 with peak travel hours between 4-7 pm. Last year the third Thursday, Friday and Sunday in May were even higher volume days with that Sunday ranking as the busiest on I-93 in Boston. This May, graduations, sporting events such as the Red Sox, Celtics and Bruins play-offs and the departures of college students all add to increased travel.

Motorists should allow extra travel time. Pay close attention to conditions at the busy I-84 interchange at Exit 9 in Sturbridge. Other interchanges are also expected to see heavy volume. It is recommended that drivers check radio traffic reports, call the 511 state traffic information line, or check www.masspike.com and its expanded Road Conditions page and Traffic Cameras page to monitor real-time traffic conditions.

The Turnpike toll plazas will be staffed to minimize traffic delays and inconvenience. Toll managers will be on hand to monitor traffic conditions and to call in extra help if necessary. Despite full staffing levels, traffic conditions at the toll plazas can be impacted by shear volume, weather conditions, accidents and traffic issues on adjoining roadways.

To help improve traffic flow, Turnpike officials have enhanced enforcement approaching the FAST LANE lanes at the I-90 (MassPike) Eastbound toll plaza near I-95 (Route 128). All cash lane customers are advised to keep right. Barrels and cones have been placed between the FAST LANES and the cash lanes. Also an assigned state trooper enforces the lane restrictions. Cash customers who go through a FAST LANE are subject to a $50 FAST LANE violation.

To save time, money and gas, motorists are encouraged to join FAST LANE. Since the free transponder program began in mid-February more than 62,000 transponders have been distributed.

Free transponders are available instantly at FAST LANE Service Centers in Auburn, Natick, and East Boston. Weekend commuters can conveniently pull off the road in Auburn at Exit 10 (9 am to 2 pm) and Natick (Saturday only) next to the McDonalds to pick up a free transponder on the spot. FAST LANE transponder applications are also available online or by calling 1-877-MASSPIKE (1-877-627-7745). FAST LANE is also available for non-commercial accounts at many Registry of Motor Vehicle branch offices and now at Herb Chambers Dealership locations.

Sign up for e-Traveler at www.masspike.com to receive up-to-date emails regarding traffic changes and road restrictions.