Worst Time To Drive On Monday: MA Memorial Day Travel Guide

BOSTON — Nearly 43 million Americans will travel more than 50 miles this year to observe Memorial Day, the majority of them — 37.6 million — in cars, according to AAA. If you want to avoid traffic jams in Boston, stay off the roads late in the afternoon on Monday, especially between 3:45 and 5:45 p.m., when thousands of people will be heading home after the long weekend.

During those hours, the trip will likely take about three times longer than normal, the auto club said, using data from the global transportation analytics company INRIX. The federal holiday set aside to remember members of the military who died while serving their country is often considered the unofficial start of summer.

"We traditionally see more vehicles on the roadways throughout Memorial Day weekend, so members of the public should plan their trips in advance and make smart decisions before setting out for their destinations," Jonathan Gulliver, administrator of the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT), said in a statement.

On local roads, the HOV lane between Quincy and Boston will have extended hours on Thursday and Friday—from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday, May 23, and from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. Friday, May 24.The HOV lane will not, however, open on Monday. The Sumner Tunnel swing lane will be open throughout the weekend, from noon on Friday to 5 a.m. Tuesday. MassDOT is offering free coffee at 18 service plazas from 10 p.m. on Memorial Day until 5 a.m. on Tuesday.

Don't want to drive? The MBTA and the RIDE will operate on a Sunday schedule on the holiday, which is observed on Monday. Service on the MBTA Cape Flyer begins the season on Friday and will operate on Monday.

Nationwide, the worst traffic congestion will occur late afternoons on Thursday and Friday, May 23 and 24. Many U.S. workers will leave their jobs early and mix with holiday traffic, creating a perfect storm for an afternoon commute that could sour your mood before the start of the Saturday through Monday holiday.

"Drivers in the most congested metros should expect much worse conditions than normal," Trevor Reed, transportation analyst, INRIX, said in a news release. "Travelers should anticipate delays to start on Wednesday and continue through Memorial Day. Our advice to drivers is to avoid the morning and evening commuting times or plan alternate routes."

Higher Gas Prices Won't Deter Road Trippers

Triple-A says 2019 will see the second-highest Memorial Day weekend traffic by volume since it started keeping track in 2000 and the most travelers since 2005. Overall, there will be 1.5 million more people traveling by car, train or plane than there were in 2018, for an increase of 3.6 percent.

Those traveling by automobile are doing so despite a rising national gas price average close to $3 a gallon. The national average for a gallon of gasoline was $2.86 on May 14, which compares to last year’s national average of $2.87 a gallon on the same date a year ago.

"When gas prices are expensive, travelers may shorten the distance of a road trip, eat out less or look for free activities," AAA gas price expert Jeanette Casselano said in the release. "But, overall, prices are very similar to this time last year and, like then, they aren’t letting that deter them from taking summer road trips."

The auto club said 3.25 million people will fly to their Memorial Day destinations, 4.8 percent more than last year. It will be the busiest holiday in the skies since 2005.

About 1.9 million people, an increase of 3.8 percent over last year, will travel by train, bus or cruise ship, according to the release.

And though gas prices are increasing, car rental and hotel rates are down a bit this Memorial Day. AAA’s Leisure Travel Index shows car rental prices are down 7 percent, compared to last year, with an average daily rate of $55. Mid-range hotels are between 2 percent and 3 percent cheaper this year, with an average nightly rate of $146 and $183, respectively for the AAA Two and Three Diamond-rated properties.

Airfares are holding steady compared to last Memorial Day with an average roundtrip price of $171, Triple-A said.

Dave Copeland can be reached at dave.copeland@patch.com or by calling 617-433-7851. Follow him on Twitter (@CopeWrites) and Facebook (/copewrites).