Record-breaking July 4th travel expected, prepare for traffic and high gas prices

A record number of people are expected to travel for the Fourth of July holiday, with peak travel expected between 4 p.m. and 8 p.m. on Friday. Route 3 southbound is expected to have the heaviest traffic. To facilitate travel, MassDOT has put non-emergency road construction on hold and will open the HOV lane on the Southeast Expressway. However, those returning after July 4 will face the start of the 8-week Sumner Tunnel closure, which is expected to impact travel throughout the region. MBTA will have modified schedules for subway, bus, and commuter rail services on July 4.