Commuters in Quincy faced a morning of frustration today as disabled vehicles and a problematic pothole caused significant delays on I-93 Northbound. The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) announced via X account that the high-occupancy vehicle (HOV) lane near Exit 8 was shut down as crews worked to clear the obstructions and repair the roadway.

 

Disabled vehicles and pothole in #Quincy on I-93-NB at Exit 8. The HOV Lane is currently Closed. Expect delays. Crews on scene.

— Mass. Transportation (@MassDOT) March 29, 2024

 

The unplanned closures contributed to a traffic snarl, with vehicles backed up for miles. According to MassDOT, the affected lane was closed to facilitate the safe removal of the vehicles and to address the sizable pothole that had developed in the area. The combination of incidents, seemed particularly unfortunate timing for the morning rush hour, leading to longer commute times for many drivers.

The transportation department has not specified a timeframe for when the HOV lane would reopen but has assured motorists that efforts were underway to resolve the issue as quickly as possible. Meanwhile, traffic advisories were issued, recommending alternative routes for those looking to avoid the gridlock. This situation underscores the ongoing challenges faced by aging infrastructure in the region and the impact they have on daily commutes.

Local authorities are urging drivers to exercise caution when navigating through the area, and remain patient as the cleanup and repair works proceed. For many, the situation was a reminder of the delicate balance between transportation efficiency and the maintenance demands of an ever-busy freeway system. Further updates are expected as the efforts to restore normal traffic flow, progress.