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Readers say this is Massachusetts’ most stressful commute — and it’s not I-93 North
Despite a national ranking targeting the Zakim Bridge/I-93 North stretch, Boston.com readers say another commute is even worse.
Commuting in Massachusetts can test anyone’s patience, especially on the region’s busiest roads. After a recent study named the Zakim Bridge/I-93 North in Boston the most stressful commute in the state, we asked readers whether they agreed — and if not, which route they think is truly the most soul-crushing.
Out of more than 150 readers who responded, nearly half pointed to the Southeast Expressway. I-95/Route 128 in Waltham received 18% of the vote, while the Zakim Bridge/I-93 North in Boston drew only 13%. Another 20% picked other routes entirely.
Which route on your commute is the most soul-crushing?
Zakim Bridge/I-93 North in Boston
13%
Southeast Expressway
49%
I-95/Route 128 in Waltham
18%
Other
20%
For many readers, the biggest problem with the Southeast Expressway is its seeming lack of an off hour. Paula of Whitman described it as “jammed up both directions regardless of the time of day,” while Paul W. of Quincy simply called it “outdated.”
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Some readers captured the misery of the route more vividly. Christine of Hingham wrote that her friends “can run the 15 miles faster than I can drive to work,” while Pete F. of Duxbury joked that AC/DC’s “Highway to Hell” may as well have been written about the expressway.
For readers who chose I-95/Route 128 in Waltham, the frustration came from density and unpredictability. Many described the road as “packed in tight,” with speeding cars and sudden slowdowns. Wayne of Tewksbury said years of doing that commute were enough to make him avoid it even on weekends.
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The Zakim Bridge and I-93 North, which topped the original study, also drew frustration. Alicia H. of Marblehead called the stretch “completely evil,” and Ann F. of Wilmington said an 18-mile ride can take 90 minutes on the stretch.
Responses may be lightly edited for grammar and clarity.
Which route on your commute is the most soul-crushing?
Southeast Expressway
“It is outdated.” — Paul W., Quincy
“Jammed up both directions regardless of the time of day.” — Paula, Whitman
“The Southeast Expressway is like walking thorough jello. It moves ten time slower that it should.” — Boston.com reader
“Worst accidents, worst etiquette, worst drivers, worst traffic.” — A Boston.com reader
“I have friends who can run the 15 miles faster than I can drive to work.” — Christine, Hingham
“When AC/DC wrote the song ‘Highway to Hell,’ its inspiration was the ‘expressway.’” — Pete F., Duxbury
I-95/Route 128 in Waltham
“Packed in tight. Too many cars going too fast, with sudden slow downs in the mix.” — Dennis
“I did the commute to/from the Waltham area from north of the area for over 20 of my 30+ working years. I never want to do it again. I even avoid it on the weekends since I fear it will still be bad.” — Wayne, Tewksbury
Zakim Bridge/I-93 North in Boston
“Completely evil and that tunnel under Boston is the PITS!!!! I never drive into town anymore — always take the train — they’ve messed up area around Boston Garden too with bike lanes for barely existing bikes.” — Alicia H., Marblehead
“An 18-mile ride takes 90 minutes on I-93.” — Ann F., Wilmington
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