Boston

Highways See Heavy Traffic on Day Before Thanksgiving

Traffic was heavy on Wednesday as people hit the road for the Thanksgiving holiday but by nightfall there were few complaints.

"I drove up from Stratford, Connecticut, and it was pretty rough going through Waterbury, Connecticut, but as soon as I hit Massachusetts it was wonderful," said driver Brian Krystopowicz.

Overall travel is expected to be up this year, especially in Massachusetts, returning to levels Americans saw before the recession in 2008. AAA says more than 48 million Americans will be driving or flying somewhere for the holiday, about a million more than last year.

Nyah Macklin, who was headed home to be with family, wasn't driving but from what she saw on her commute, things didn't seem that bad on the roads.

"I was asleep so I don't know," she said. "From what it seemed, pretty smooth so far."

Massachusetts State Police advised commuters early Wednesday afternoon that the Massachusetts Turnpike was already congested in Boston and in areas as far west as Charlton. Other major highways like Interstate 93 and Route 128 are also experiencing major delays.

Motorists are being urged to take advantage of real-time travel tools. They’re also reminded to be careful on those sections of the Pike where the removal of tolls continues. 

Here are some travel tips from state police: 

  • Leave extra time to get to your final destination. 
  • Plan breaks if you're traveling long distances. 
  • Be prepared if your vehicle becomes disabled. 
  • Don't drink and drive. 
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