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!