News Summary
A record 61.6 million people are projected to travel by car during the upcoming Fourth of July holiday. With a 2.2% increase over last year, road conditions are expected to be busy and congested. The Massachusetts Department of Transportation advises travelers to plan ahead, particularly along key routes like Route 3 North. Public transportation options in Boston will also be enhanced with free fares after 8:30 p.m. on July 4. Amid various celebrations, it is crucial for motorists to stay informed about traffic and consider using public transport.
Boston – A record 61.6 million people are expected to travel by car during the upcoming Fourth of July travel period, which runs from June 28 to July 6. This represents a 2.2 percent increase compared to last year’s figures, indicating that this year will likely see the highest volume of Independence Day travelers on record. With an additional 1.3 million road trippers anticipated this year, motorists should prepare for busy highways and potential delays.
Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) has released important safety and traffic updates as the holiday approaches. Travelers are advised to plan their trips in advance and expect significant traffic congestion, particularly during peak travel times. Jonathan Gulliver, highway administrator at MassDOT, remarked that the Fourth of July weekend is recognized as one of the busiest travel periods of the summer, urging drivers to prioritize safety.
Specific routes, such as Route 3 North from Hyannis to Boston, are predicted to experience particularly challenging traffic conditions on July 5. The heaviest traffic is likely to occur on Wednesday and Thursday, with delays extending into the evening hours. For those planning to travel on Friday, avoiding mid-day and afternoon trips is recommended due to anticipated peak congestion.
Predicted Traffic Trends
Data from traffic analytics firm INRIX has highlighted predicted worst travel times during the holiday period:
- Tuesday: 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.
- Wednesday: noon to 9 p.m.
- Thursday: 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.
- Friday: noon to 7 p.m.
- Saturday: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Sunday: noon to 6 p.m.
Motorists looking for optimal times to hit the road should travel:
- Tuesday before 2 p.m.
- Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday before noon.
- Saturday and Sunday before 11 a.m.
Transportation Updates
MassDOT will open the I-93 Boston-Quincy High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lane early at 2 p.m. on Wednesday and 1 p.m. on Thursday. However, the HOV lane and the Sumner Tunnel swing lane will not be activated on Friday, July 4. Travelers can utilize the Mass511 mobile app for live traffic updates and can subscribe to receive text or email alerts.
Public Transportation in Boston
Boston expects an influx of over a million visitors for its July 4 celebrations, making public transportation an attractive option. The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) will operate free fares on all bus, ferry, Commuter Rail, and RIDE services after 8:30 p.m. on July 4. In light of the festivities, the MBTA is encouraging use of public transport for events like the Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular.
Various events are scheduled around the Boston area leading up to the fireworks showcase, including historical reenactments, tours, and concerts. However, while many retail, supermarket, and liquor stores will remain open on July 4, federal and state offices will be closed. Parking meters will be free on the holiday, and street cleaning services will be canceled throughout the day, but overnight cleaning will continue as per the usual schedule. Additionally, some neighborhoods may experience delays in trash and recycling pickups.
Transit schedules will adjust for the holiday: the subway will operate on a Saturday schedule, while buses will follow a Sunday timetable. Ferries will also run a limited schedule on July 4, with certain routes not operating.
As millions prepare to travel for the Independence Day holiday, staying informed about traffic conditions and utilizing available public transportation options can help ease travel challenges and enhance the overall experience.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Boston Gears Up for Fourth of July Celebrations
Boston Celebrates a Week of Independence Day Festivities
Boston Hosts Vibrant Summer Events and Celebrations
Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular Set for Independence Day
Additional Resources
- Boston Globe: July 4th Forecast
- Boston.com: Free Things to Do in July
- Boston 25 News: MBTA Free Rides
- Boston Globe: July 4 Weather Forecast
- Boston.com: July 4 Fireworks Details
- Wikipedia: Fourth of July
- Google Search: Boston Fourth of July Celebrations
- Google Scholar: Boston Independence Day
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Fourth of July
- Google News: Boston Fourth of July
Author: STAFF HERE BOSTON WRITER
BOSTON STAFF WRITER The BOSTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBoston.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Boston, Suffolk County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Boston Marathon, Head of the Charles Regatta, and Boston Harborfest. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce and Associated Industries of Massachusetts, plus leading businesses in finance, biotech, and insurance that power the local economy such as Fidelity Investments, Biogen, and Liberty Mutual Insurance. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Massachusetts's dynamic landscape.
