Today, commuters have dealt with their share of problems.  An early morning crash on Route 495 North at Route 1A in Wrentham closed the road from 3:30 AM to 6 AM.   Three vehicles were involved, and it appeared to be quite serious.  Backups were not significant on Route 495 North, however, and all lanes were open just prior to seeing any rush hour delays.

A few hours later at around 8:30 AM, a suspicious package investigation at Sullivan Square affected the MBTA's Orange Line and closed Route 93 North as well.   Traffic needed to be kept away from the police activity in the area.  As a result, Route 93 North was closed at Sullivan Square and traffic was at a standstill from the Expressway North at Mass. Ave.  Northbound travelers were detoured to Mystic Ave. to reach the Sullivan Square ramp to Route 93 North, and that was a terrible ride, too.  Route 93 South was open, but the Sullivan Square offramp was closed.  Southbound delays stretched back to Route 16 in Medford.

MBTA Orange Line travelers were bused from Wellington to North Station and many bus routes serving Sullivan Square were detoured around the area.

Once the device was detonated around 10 AM, the northbound roadway opened to traffic and the southbound Sullivan Square ramp opened shortly thereafter.  The MBTA was back in service about 15 minutes after the roadway opening.

Were you driving through the city during the Sullivan Square closure?  How long did it take you to get through the backups?  If you took the MBTA's Orange Line, how long did it take to get to work?

I think I’m going to beat the drum on this “Bad Boston Drivers” thing for a while.

I know there’s a certain perverse pride that we have for being bad drivers. But there’s so much wrong with it; it breeds animosity, perpetuates rudeness, increases road rage, causes collisions, and intensifies congestion. The fact that we drive badly means we arrive at our destination later and in a worse mood.

I really feel like there needs to be a concerted effort to try to improve the way we drive in the Boston area.

I spoke for a while yesterday with Mac Daniel, Starts and Stops columnist for the Boston Globe. He’s been watching and writing about our travels and travails for several years now, and he’s still not sure why we drive like we do. “I’ve never been able to put my finger on it. I know there are a lot of aggressive drivers around here. I don’t know what makes them that way.”

But what can be done to improve how we drive? Mac thinks that “more police presence would have a calming effect.” Which I absolutely agree with, if people were more concerned about the possibility of getting a ticket when they didn’t signal, made an illegal turn, or tailgated, then it’s reasonable to assume that they wouldn’t do it.

Mac also added “I think refresher (drivers’ ed.) courses would have a positive effect.” This seems to be a refrain I get from a lot of people I talk to. Student drivers are taught how to drive when they are 16, 17, and 18 years old. They learn enough to get them to pass a drivers test. And then they learn the real “rules of the road” by fighting with the rest of us on the streets.

Of course, the chance that the legislature would require drivers to go back to school would be small. I remember seeing in old movies and TV shows that people would be sent to “Traffic School” if they were guilty of a traffic violation. Whatever happened to that?

Bring back “Traffic School”.

That's why our prices are so low! 

Just kidding.  I'm talking about traffic volume.  We had some congestion and minor accidents today, coupled with solar glare-related delays.  At least it wasn't terribly windy as it has been over the past few days.  When the wind is strong, we often refer to a "small car advisory," meaning those of us with small, light cars need to keep both hands on the steering wheel and run interference against particularly strong gusts!

Tomorrow's commute is potentially problematic.  Snow is forecast for our coverage area during the morning ride.   The South Shore might get hit harder with accumulating snow, so we will keep a close eye on the Cape, Route 24, 495, and 3.  Drive carefully tomorrow and leave earlier than usual to avoid long delays.

Weekend ramp opening

On Saturday morning the connection from northbound I-93 (Southeast Expressway) to the eastbound Mass Pike (I-90) via Exit 20 re-opened to traffic. Officials also opened the ramp from the Albany Street/ Frontage Road.

As a result, the South Boston bypass road, which was being used as a detour, now reverts back to being for commercial vehicles only. So, if you’ve been using the Bypass Road to get to Southie or the TWT, you now run the risk of being ticketed.

This change opens the last “major” section of road that was closed due to last summers ceiling tile collapse.

The only section of highway system that remains closed is a section of the high occupancy vehicle (HOV) ramp heading to Logan Airport/Route 1A. This will remain closed to traffic until the spring.

We held a commute this morning, but no one showed up!  Well, not very many commuters, that is.  It was a very light Monday morning.  Perhaps there was a big sale somewhere that no one told us about. 

Cape travelers had a difficult ride, though.  Snowy conditions led to visibility issues for most of the morning, but thankfully, we did not hear of any accidents.

Certainly, the ride to the Pike East and Logan Airport has improved for Northbound Expressway travelers.  Exit 20 (to the Pike) opened over the weekend, making for a direct connection from the Expressway North to the Pike East again.  No need to detour at Exit 18 for Mass. Ave. anymore.  Also, be advised that the South Boston Bypass Road is open to commercial traffic only.

Did you use Exit 20 this morning? If so, how was your ride?

Recently, I had a very positive experience with the Registry of Motor Vehicles when I had to turn in an old green license plate.  My Mom's car had a very faded (basically illegible) green Massachusetts license plate.  When she got the plate over 25 years ago, it had freshly painted green letters and numbers.   The test of time took its toll, and the plate faded to the point of being nearly invisible.

When my Mom's car would not pass state inspection due to the faded plate, it was time to switch it out for two shiny new red ones.  The RMV has phased out the older green plates in favor of the red.  The paint on the green plates fade in time, and I've seen many green plates that need changing.  If you have a green plate, you just need one for the back of your car.  If you have the red plates, you must have two, one for the front and the back. 

This task was totally hassle-free.  I called my Mom's  insurance company, promptly received an RMV-3 form (to change the plates), and brought that to the Registry along with the old plate and the registration.   I turned in the green plate and received two new red ones in a flash.  I was in and out in less than ten minutes and there was no charge.  How about that?

As I found out, you cannot keep the old green plate for sentimental reasons.  It must be forfeited.  You will get an entirely new license plate, too.  You can't have the old green numbers and letters on a new red plate.

Now, I have a car with the green plate and it looks just as it did 20 years ago.  It's easily readable and the paint is not faded, so there is no need to turn it in to the Registry.  Just be mindful that if you have a faded green plate, it's a good idea to think about turning it in before it becomes a reason for you to get pulled over by law enforcement or rejected for your state inspection sticker. 

How many of you have a green license plate?  Is it faded?  If so, are you thinking of turning it in soon? 

Today's commute was a long one for drivers on Route 495 South after a bridge expansion joint opened up at Route 114.  The jagged metal edge and hole in the road caused some flat tires and ensuing breakdowns.  State Police and Mass. Highway crews responded quickly and the left lanes were closed to repair the roadway.   Delays were back to Route 213 in Methuen at the peak of the rush hour.  I don't know about you, but I rather deal with congestion than a flat tire any day!

Looking toward tomorrow, the coldest weather of the season is on tap.  Drivers and walkers alike will need to prepare for below-zero temps and freezing wind chills.  A little preparedness goes a long way, so here are a few tips for driving or walking in the bitter cold:

Cold weather means car breakdowns.  Batteries die, belts snap, hoses crack, fluids become thick and condensation can build in the gas tank.  Make sure that your car is in good working order.  It's a good idea to have your auto mechanic inspect your car for possible issues.    Cold weather can bring a lot of car problems to light.   No one wants to be broken down by the side of the roadway with no heat from a dead engine.  Also, give yourself some extra time to warm up the car tomorrow.  Another 10 minutes should be sufficient.

Fill up your gas tank today, make sure you have plenty of washer fluid on hand, put a roadside emergency kit in your car's trunk along with a warm blanket, and charge your cell phone fully.  Cold weather drains cell phone batteries, too.

In the event your car breaks down, move off to the side of the road as far as possible, safely out of the flow of traffic, and call for help.  If you drive in an area where breakdown lanes are open for travel during rush hours, move out of the active breakdown lane and into the median strip or shoulder so that you don't get hit.  

If you are walking to work or the bus stop, wear plenty of warm layers.  Drivers in warm cars, please don't make pedestrians wait too long to cross the street!

Drivers with heated seats, please be nice to your friends that do not.  (Can you tell I do not have heated seats in my car?)

Our SmartRoutes Operations staff is on hand to help with traffic and transit delays tomorrow, so check with us on NewsCenter 5 before you head out the door!

This morning, it was not snowing, nor did we report any icy road conditions. However, the sheer number of multi-car crashes, spinouts and rollovers that occurred between 6:30 and 8:30 AM pointed to a possible weather-related culprit. Could it be solar glare?

Indeed, the sun played a major role in slowing the morning ride. The wintertime sun is very intense, and can temporarily blind drivers.  Add solar glare to a dirty windshield and you have a major visibility problem.  It happens in an instant.  You round a corner, come up over a crest of a hill, and suddenly you can't see. You brake for safety, the other drivers behind you can't see you in time, and then there's a multi-car crash.

Pedestrians, be mindful of how solar glare affects drivers.  If you see nothing but flare on a driver's windshield and their visors are down, chances are they cannot see you. Don't step into the street until the driver recognizes you and makes a complete stop.  Even if you are in a crosswalk, don't assume you are visible if the sun is bright and intense.

There are a few things that you can do to alleviate the solar glare problem. First, make sure you have your sunglasses at the ready. Put them in a hard storage case so you don’t inadvertently sit down and break them like I did. I squashed my favorite pair of sunglasses that way, so I know from where I speak! Or sit. I still miss those sunglasses. 

Secondly, make sure your windshield wipers are fit for the task of cleaning the windshield. If the rubber is cracked, or the windshield is streaked with debris after using them, chances are you need new wipers. In fact, I just put a new pair on my car. It makes a nice difference! You can also try cleaning the wipers with a degreaser and paper towel. That often extends the wipers’ longevity, and will save you a few dollars off a new pair.

Thirdly, check and fill your windshield washer tank as needed. If you use a lot, check and fill once a week. You don’t want to run out when you need it most!

So, how was your commute this morning? Did you encounter intense solar glare?  Have you ever broken your sunglasses in one uncoordinated move?

Actually, we did have a heavier ride today than yesterday.  I just wanted to capitalize on the "snow way" pun.  

So, the flurries did not do much to bother traffic this morning.  The roads were just wet.  We did see more volume today than yesterday, and we had the usual delays and some accidents.  Route 3 North was a trouble spot after an accident occurred at Union Street in Braintree.  Traffic was jammed from Route 228. 

There were also two separate rollovers on Route 24 North at Padelford Street.   Congestion backed up about two miles or so, but quickly eased once the crashes cleared.

I'm sure walking was a lot more difficult than driving with a thin coat of snow and ice blanketing the sidewalks.  The problem with falling on ice is that the fall never quite seems to end, you know?  You fall and then keep sliding and spinning (endlessly, it seems) until you hit something in your path.  It's neither fun nor particularly graceful.

One good thing about this morning's weather is that it was cloudy.  Solar glare would have been intense today with the sun's reflection off freshly fallen snow.  Make sure those sunglasses are at the ready for those sunny days after a snowstorm!

JC Monahan is forecasting an artic blast for later this week.  We are in for our share of breakdowns when that happens.

Well, Pats fans, look on the bright side.  Many people stayed up late to watch the game last night and slept late this morning, which meant a lighter morning rush for the rest of us.  Not that a relatively trouble-free commute makes the Colts win worth it, but at least it didn't snow today, right?  It wasn't horribly, terribly cold, right?  We didn't have one of those 'double the normal drivetime' kind of mornings, right? 

Those of us who watched the game last night and had to be at work early this morning were probably driving while tired and somewhat dejected, too.  My co-workers were definitely a bit sad without a Superbowl to look forward to. 

We had some of the usual delays on Route 93 South coming in from Route 128, and a disabled crane on the Expressway North near Columbia Road meant for heavy congestion from the Braintree Split, but that was about it. 

So, where were you this morning? Did you watch the game last night and go to work as usual today?  Or, did you pull the curtains closed, stay home, and tell your boss that you can't come in because the Colts won? 

I say that there is always next year for the Pats.  I also say that there is always tomorrow for the next slow morning commute!  We will definitely see heavier volume tomorrow morning, so get ready for that.  And when you drive in Tuesday, just think of what Ed Harding and Heather Unruh were saying this morning:  Spring training starts in a few weeks for our beloved Red Sox!  Think of the April delays along Storrow Drive through Kenmore Square and you're guaranteed to feel better.

Well, we certainly got a nice break this morning from the expected adverse weather.  We really did not encounter any major problems, which made for a far easier ride.  

The only problem we saw was on the lower end of Route 128.  We started off the morning with a multi-car crash on Route 128 North at Route 95 in Canton.  In fact, one of the four cars involved caught fire briefly after the crash, but the fire was extinguished quickly.   While that accident was blocking two lanes, another crash occurred in the backup at Route 138.  All told, when both crashes were cleared, we had residual delays from Route 28 in Randolph to Route 95. 

It's way better than snow and ice, however!  When is spring coming?

On snowy days, we get two kinds of complaints from callers into the SmarTraveler Operations Center.

Complaint #1 – “There are no plows out here, the roads are terrible.”

Complaint #2 – “I’m stuck in traffic behind these stupid plows, traffic is jammed.”

Either way, Mass Highway or the local DPW’s can’t win. People like to complain either way.

As we look at our first rush hour storm of the season, keep this in mind. The plows can’t move any faster than traffic can. If traffic is jammed, then the plows are stuck in the backup as well. It’s a lot easier for the plows to clear the road at times when there’s no traffic. They can plow faster and get much more done when the rest of us aren’t on the roads. If it snows during a rush hour, then the plows have to fight MUCH harder to keep up with the storm.

This morning's ride was relatively uneventful.  Compared to what we expect tomorrow, that is.   Friday morning should spell the beginning of the first snowstorm for most of us.  Motorists driving from north and west of Route 128 should expect some snow, mixed precipitation, and generally slippery conditions. 

Friday's commute always tends to be a bit lighter in the morning, though I don't see a lighter ride tomorrow.  Snowfall means longer drivetimes, slower speeds, spinouts and visibility issues.  It's been a long time since we've driven on snowy roadways, so here's a few things to keep in mind:

Pull the covers up over your head and stay home.  (Just kidding!)

Leave earlier than usual.  Highway travel will be slower than normal, and it will take longer to drive on secondary roads leading to the highways.

Expect any untreated road, bridge and ramp to be slippery.  Keep your speeds down and drive with caution.

Don't try to pass plows or sanders.  It's dangerous.  Let them do their job.

Leave room between your car and the one in front.  Don't forget, braking distances are longer in adverse weather.  Use care in changing lanes, too.

Keep a shovel and kitty litter in the trunk for traction in case you get stuck.  (Just don't let your cat see you taking the litter away.)

Check your windshield washer fluid and top it off.

Consider taking the MBTA - let someone else do the driving!

Pedestrians, be extra careful when crossing the street.  Make sure the drivers see you.  Again, stopping distances are longer on slick roads.

Stay safe and drive/walk with caution!

As expected, the bitter cold weather brought an increase in disabled vehicles this morning.   Autos have a hard time starting and running in this weather.  Batteries die, parts freeze, belts snap.  Even my car's heater seemed to blow lukewarm air this morning! 

Now that the freezing cold is here, it is a good idea to get your car checked for any potential problems.  Make sure your battery is in good working order, check your hoses, belts, tires, and fluid levels to ensure safer travel and to identify problems before you break down.  Also, keep a shovel and some ice melt or kitty litter in the trunk.  I also get into the habit of checking and filling my windshield washer tank every week.  Many accidents have been caused by temporary blindness from road spray and lack of washer fluid!

Solar glare played a role in slowing down many east and southbound routes this morning.  It's too bad the sun didn't warm the temperatures a little more! 

The MBTA also reported some minor delays due to disabled trains. 

How was your commute this morning?  Did you take some extra time to warm up the car?

Traffic volume was heavier this morning after yesterday's holiday.  The Massachusetts roadways were mainly wet, but ice was a problem well north of town and in New Hampshire.  We had some crashes, but nothing that appeared to be weather-related.  We kept our eyes on traffic coming from New Hampshire, but many schools there were opening one or two hours late, which made for lighter volume on Route 93, 95 and Route 3. 

Some commuters needed extra time to scrape the ice off their cars this morning.  I imagine pedestrians had some trouble navigating icy walkways, too.  There's nothing quite like slipping on an icy driveway at 6 AM to wake you up!  Some say it's better than coffee.

Tomorrow, we are going to be in for a very cold blast, and we are expecting many cold-weather related breakdowns.  Make sure that you are prepared in the event of a breakdown.   Have a warm blanket in your trunk and make sure your cell phone is fully charged before you head out the door. 

Today's traffic volume was very light, as expected.  Despite the heavy rain, traffic flowed pretty well.  Route 128 North looked like a typical Monday, however.  A four car accident at Highland Avenue in Needham backed up traffic to East Street.  At worst, it took commuters about 45 minutes to get through the congestion.  Once the crash was cleared, however, the backups eased within an hour or so. 

The ride from New Hampshire into Northern Massachusetts was a bit tricky, as sleet and freezing rain was reported.  However, motorists wisely kept their speeds down, and we did not report any accidents on Route 95, 93 or Route 3 on the NH/MA border.

Additionally, the connector tunnel opened on the Pike East this weekend.  The volume of traffic was very light today and we reported no issues.  Keep in mind that the exit from the Northbound Expressway to the Pike East (Exit 20) remains closed.  If you need to travel to the airport from the Expressway North, you must use Exit 18 for Mass. Ave.

We’ve all forgotten how to drive in the winter.

It happens every year. When the first snow falls, it’s like people in Massachusetts had never seen the stuff. As soon as the first flakes fly, people will be crashing into each other like bumper cars at the Topsfield Fair. I guarantee that within 5 minutes of the beginning of the first snowfall, we will be hearing state police across the region reporting a spat of crashes. Calls will be coming into our operations center about spinouts and collisions faster than police can respond.

I’ve been reporting on traffic with SmartRoute Systems for 15 years and for a time before that with Metro Networks. And it’s always been the same. During the first snowfall, people forget the caution and awareness that’s required to drive in winter weather. Speeds need to be reduced, greater separation is required between you and the next vehicle and you need to be much more aware of the other guy, because you know he’s forgotten.

The current weather forecast is calling for a rain-sleet-snow mix to end the weekend and take us into MLK Day. The good news is that it’s scheduled to occur during a holiday when overall volume will be down. The bad news is that when volume is low, people tend to driver faster and accidents are more severe when people drive faster.

Fortunately, we're generally quick to remember.   Massachusetts drivers are well experienced with driving in winter conditions.   But that first reminder can be rough.

This Friday morning, a lot of commuters had a nice break from the congestion we've seen this week.  Light volume was anticipated, and that's what we received.  Route 24 north was the single exception.  An early morning crash at Route 495 backed up traffic for six miles.  Once the crash was cleared, the backups quickly eased, however. 

As for me, I don't ski.  I fall down the mountain better than any professional I've seen, however.   I tried skiing once and nearly stabbed myself with my ski poles during one particularly uncoordinated, unanticipated, and frenzied fall.  I ended up in my own debris field of snow, ski poles, mittens and boots.  I then walked down the mountain red-faced, never to return again.  It's safer for everyone on the slopes if I stay here and report traffic!  I can't run quickly in those ski boots anyway.  The angry skiers that I've knocked over would surely catch up to me.

Looking toward Monday, the Martin Luther King holiday will mean a lighter flow of volume on all roadways.  Those who do need to travel that day should not have a lot of company on the highways.  Monday afternoon will see some returning NH traffic, so plan for that.

Well, we’re getting closer to real winter driving.   No snowstorms yet, but the cold is here.  The above average temperatures that we have enjoyed thus far were just a memory this morning.  Commuters needed extra time to warm up the car, and that cold steering wheel didn't invite the "two hands on the wheel" approach today.   As for me, I can't handle temperatures below 65 degrees, so I had the heater on high!  If it was socially acceptable to drive with a comforter around my shoulders, I would!

Thankfully, the temperatures had little effect on the commute.  We did not report any cold weather-related breakdowns today.  The volume of traffic was relatively light, but Route 3 north of town was a terribly long ride.  We had a southbound accident at Concord Road that backed up traffic to Route 110.  At worst, it was a 45 minute ride from 495 to 128.   A speed-limit ride should take no more than 10 to 12 minutes.

As we look toward the Martin Luther King Day holiday on Monday, we expect to see a light ride tomorrow morning but heavy afternoon traffic heading to ski country.

What about you?  Are you going away this weekend?  Where to?

This morning, the award for the longest delay goes to Route 1 north of town.   It backed up every early this morning due to problems near Route 99.  At worst, we reported a one hour drive from Topsfield to Boston, with jammed traffic from Route 95 to 99.  Route 128 also felt the effects and was slow approaching Route 1 in Peabody.

The Lowell Line of the Commuter Rail was running this morning after yesterday's track accident.  There were shuttle buses running periodically from Anderson RTC to North Station to handle overflow volume, but there were no major problems. 

Also, we had one breakdown at the top of the HOV lane near Savin Hill on the Expressway North.   The vehicle ran out of gas.  Oops.  Imagine running out of gas and stopping a line of cars in the HOV lane during morning rush!  

Have you ever run out of gas?  I have, but not as a driver, if that makes any difference!  Many years ago (when I was still in high school), a friend and I were driving back from the beach.  Her gas gauge was broken, and we ran out of gas on the way home.  We broke down on a hill at a busy intersection.  Suffice it to say we were not the most popular commuters that day.  In our infinite wisdom, we decided to push the vehicle.  I say "we" because the two of us got out of the car and started pushing, not thinking that it might be a good idea if the car was occupied by someone who could steer and brake.  The car started rolling, alright:  straight downhill.  We jumped into the car simultaneously and stopped the car before anything terrible happened, but it was a close call indeed.  Her father came and rescued us a short time later.  Talk about embarrassing!  Our egos were bruised, to say the least.  Yes, we have learned a lot since then, in case you are wondering!

So, make me feel better and tell me your stories of running out of gas.  I need the company!

I’m sitting on the Mystic Valley Parkway in Medford this morning. The light is green and the traffic is jammed on the other side of the intersection. I know there’s a good chance it will turn red before I get through. So I wait leaving the intersection free, as you’re supposed to do. It’s the law. The car behind me starts honking in annoyance. He sees that there’s space between me and the guy in front of me and he’s not happy about it. It is rush hour in Boston, after all.

As he’s leaning on his horn, some space opens up and I move through the intersection to the other side. There’s room for my car alone. Behind me “honker guy” and all the cars behind him move into the intersection. The light changes, as everyone knew it would, and now they’re all blocking the intersection.

Gridlock! Now, no one can move.

I can’t assume that all of the cars behind me intentionally blocked the intersection. Maybe they weren’t paying attention and made a mistake.

But, is there anyone that doesn’t know that blocking the intersection is illegal? Is there anyone who isn’t annoyed when it’s done to them?

Why do we do it? Should we be less bothered that it was done by mistake? Could that many people really have made the same mistake at the same time?

Now obviously there are times when we occasionally get stuck, make a mistake, and get caught. I’ve been there too. But you and I both know that most of the time people do this, the mistake is due to either inattention or rudeness. Neither is excusable.

We take it as a point of pride the Massachusetts drivers are bad. We talk about it at parties like we talk about the Red Sox, the Pats or the weather. People laugh it off as “awww, it’s just the way we drive in Boston”.

Why??

I called Fred Garber, the owner of Arlex Driving School in Arlington. He says it’s because enforcement is weak. “People are aware of the rules, but they know they can get away with it.”

Personally, I don’t disagree. I think police should enforce all laws. But I also know police have limited resources to do everything they need, including fighting bigger crimes.

Here’s our question: Do you block the intersection? Why? If not, why not, everybody else does?

Words of wisdom for today:  If you break down on the roadway, you better have a vehicle with keyless entry.  That feature would have helped a few people this morning.  In stark contrast to yesterday’s trying ride, we had a rather uneventful commute overall.  The roads were dry, and although the sun brought solar glare delays, we did not see the colossal backups that the rain brought yesterday.

However, we did have a few disabled vehicles.  Normally, this wouldn't have been much of an issue, but for the fact that the drivers locked themselves out of their car after it broke down.  We see this from time to time, and it stands to reason.  Your car breaks down suddenly, you pull over and rush out of the car to check under the hood, close your door and lock the keys inside.  Let’s hope these drivers had the presence of mind to bring their coffee and cell phone with them when they bolted from their vehicle!

One of my friends recently went to pick up her daughter from school.  She left her keys and her dog Rex inside the car and the doors unlocked.  Her dog is a very enthusiastic pooch, and in a burst of energy, Rex stepped on the power door lock switch, locking all of the car doors.  Efforts to make Rex unlock the doors brought nothing more than tail wagging and barking.  My friend used a coat hanger to get back in, no thanks to Rex! Something tells me Rex will be a back seat driver no more.

This morning’s commute spelled the end of the two-week “holiday” traffic mode. The light volume that commuters had enjoyed for the past few weeks is over now that everyone is back to work and school. Weatherwise, it was not the best day to have a resurgence of heavy traffic volume. Windswept rain made for visibility issues and slower speeds, which translated into backups and travel times that were double or triple the norm. As we always say at SmartRoutes, if you want a bad commute, just add water! As you know, stopping distances are greater on wet roads, thus we have more accidents if people don’t leave enough room between their car and the one in front. Accidents cause backups, backups cause longer drivetimes, etc.

Where was the worst traffic, you ask? Well, Route 93 takes the cake. All morning long, there were southbound delays that began in Methuen and ended at Sullivan Square. South of town, Route 128 was a tedious one hour ride from Braintree to the Pike. Really, every major roadway saw its share of problems, but better news came after 9:30 AM when all that volume started to ease off.