State offers tips for holiday travel

The state Department of Transportation (MassDOT) advises residents and visitors to check its online resources, drive with caution and if possible use public transportation over the holidays.

As always, I-90 Exit 9 connecting I-84 to Connecticut and New York experiences heavy traffic on peak holiday travel days. Drivers are encouraged to consider travel during the early morning or after 8 p.m.

Traffic congestion is also typical at the I-95 and I-495 Turnpike interchanges along with I-495 and I-93 northbound leading into New Hampshire, according to the state.

The I-93 Southeast Expressway HOV lane opened to traffic early on Christmas Eve at 1 p.m. to accommodate traffic leaving Boston.

Free coffee will be served at all 18 MassDOT service plazas between 10 p.m. on Christmas night, Wednesday, Dec. 25, until 5 a.m. on Thursday, Dec. 26, and between 10 p.m. on New Years Eve, Tuesday, Dec. 31, until 5 a.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2014.

MassDOTs Traffic and Travel Resources page includes links to all MassDOT travel resources. The state says now is the time to sign up for EZPass and avoid cash tolls.

Before traveling, visit MassDOTs online traffic camera webpage to check live traffic cameras across the state. The 511 traffic alert system alerts customers to traffic conditions throughout the holiday weekend.

The state advises drivers remember winter driving skills and tips for preparation. Motorists should drive with headlights on, observe posted speed limits, never drink and drive, make sure everyone is using a seatbelt and clear snow from vehicles before driving. More information on safe winter driving is available at the MassDOT website.

The Army Corps of Engineers painting contractors will suspend work on the Sagamore Bridge during the two weeks of Christmas and New Year's. All travel lanes will be open Dec. 21, 2013, through Jan. 5, 2014. After the holidays, work will resume on the Sagamore Bridge with lane restrictions Monday through Friday, 8 a.m to 4:30 p.m.

The MBTA Christmas Day through New Years Day holiday service schedule includes a Sunday service schedule for Wednesday, Dec. 25, and Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2014. The T will provide rush hour level service from 3 p.m. through 2 a.m. on New Years Eve, Dec. 31. Check out the full T schedule at mbta.com.

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State offers tips for holiday travel