Traffic question - Mass Pike 495 to 128/95 (Boston, Newton: living in, malls, offices)

[hartford_renter]

Hi,

I had a question about the traffic on the mass pike between 495 intersection and 128/95 intersection. If my commute was between those two points in the morning and evening commute, how backed up is the traffic. I got the feeling that traffic was bad inside the 128/95 circle but outside it wasnt an issue, is this the case? I dont know where I would live but I might have to commute into Wellsley ma.

Thanks

[kmann-sherborn]

I used to commute on Rt 128 and found it pretty bad. My wife commuted for years along Rt 495 and although her commute was long it was rarely as congested.

[miu]

What about finding a place along Rte. 16? Many times I've traveled towards I-495 from Wellesley via that road.

[hartford_renter]

I was thinking of maybe living in Newton. Would that commute be OK? Mapquest says about 7 miles but it looks like back roads mostly.

[miu]

I'd also take Rte. 16 from Newton to Wellesley. Or use Rte. 9. But it would depend on where in Newton you lived and where in Wellesley you were working.

[holden125]

Originally Posted by miu

I'd also take Rte. 16 from Newton to Wellesley. Or use Rte. 9. But it would depend on where in Newton you lived and where in Wellesley you were working.

Agreed. Newton to Wellesley wouldn't be bad.

As for the Mass Pike, I think the OP has it backward. Traffic is pretty bad in the morning on the east- (Boston-) bound Pike between 495 and 128. My personal sense is that traffic is actually far worse just to the west of the Weston tolls at Exit 15 than east of them. I've breezed from Exits 16 (West Newton) and 17 (Newton Corner) into Boston while there's a backup for miles between Exits 13 and 15.

I imagine that, if you did come in from the west on the Pike, you'd be getting off at Exit 13 in Natick (unless the job is right near 128). That area, near Speen St, has a lot of traffic in the morning also because the Pike, Route 9 and Route 30 all converge there and there are many offices and malls nearby. If Newton or something to the west on 16 is an option, I'd recommend that instead of a commute to Exit 13 on the Pike.

[susanewood]

There's usually a backup at the 128 exit, but there are ways around it - Rt. 16, but that's also congested, and then there are tertiary roads connecting the areas, once you get to know them. I did the Franklin to Wellesley for 7 years via back back roads and it was a solid 45 minute drive. And that was years ago. Also - Pike eastbound = sun in the morning, westbound = sun in the evening. The pike seems to get plowed and has better snow management. I'd vote for back back roads.