MassDOT issues travel advisory due to storm

BOSTON – The Massachusetts Department of Transportation is advising the public to use caution if traveling today as the National Weather Service is forecasting a wintery mix of snow and rain across the Commonwealth throughout the day. Snowfall could be heavy at times, especially across eastern areas. Snowfall is expected to end late this evening.

“This storm will be a classic wintery mix for much of Massachusetts and travelers may encounter variable conditions on their trip,” said Highway Administrator Jonathan Gulliver. “Motorists should reduce speeds, buckle up, and avoid traveling during these peak periods as much as possible.”

MassDOT’s snow and ice operations will be deployed throughout the Commonwealth as conditions necessitate. Highway Districts continually conduct preparation activities in advance of new weather systems and are able to pretreat roadways with brine and Magnesium Chloride when necessary. In the most severe storms, MassDOT’s Highway Division is able to deploy up to 700 personnel to perform snow and ice removal operations to utilize more than 15,000 lane miles of roadway throughout the Commonwealth.

MassDOT has approximately 3,900 pieces of state and vendor equipment available for snow and ice operations and this includes over 1,400 plow and spreader combos, 2,100 plows, and 460 front-end loaders.

MassDOT and cities and towns have changed their operating procedures to minimize the spread of COVID-19 and no crew shortages are expected.

The MBTA is advising customers to plan ahead and allow for additional travel time. T riders can get the latest service information by visiting the MBTA website and following the T on Twitter @MBTA as well as the Commuter Rail at @MBTA_CR where all service updates and the most up-to-date service information will be provided. Winter-related travel information is available at mbta.com/winter.

Customers are advised to use caution on station platforms and at bus stops, to wear warm clothing and face coverings.

MBTA emergency crews will be on standby throughout the storm to respond to instances of broken rail, issues affecting the power systems, potential switch problems, and any water-related issues that may occur.