The Cost of a Trip Between Auburn and Mendon, Massachusetts

Traveling between Auburn, Massachusetts and Mendon, Massachusetts can be an exciting adventure, but before hitting the road, it is essential to consider the cost of the trip, particularly with the volatile fuel prices. This article will provide a detailed analysis of the various routes you can take and highlight the cost and distance of each one.

Possible Routes

There are several routes to choose from when traveling between Auburn and Mendon, which include the following:

Route 1: via MA-146 N

This route is the most direct, and it is approximately 19.6 miles. It follows the MA-146 N highway all the way from Auburn to Mendon. The estimated travel time for this route is about 27 minutes without traffic. However, this travel time can vary depending on the time of day and day of the week.

Route 2: via I-90 E and MA-122A S

This route is a little bit longer than Route 1, with a total distance of approximately 24.1 miles. However, it offers the advantage of avoiding the heavy congestion on Route 146 and it is less likely to become congested. The estimated travel time for this route is about 34 minutes without traffic.

Route 3: via I-395 S and I-290 W

This route is the longest of the three, with a total distance of approximately 31.6 miles. However, it provides the opportunity to bypass Worcester, which can be congested during peak hours. The estimated travel time for this route is about 37 minutes without traffic.

Fuel Costs

The cost of fuel is a crucial factor to consider when planning a trip, as it directly affects the total expenditure for the journey. To calculate the fuel costs, we used the average fuel consumption rate by recent model cars in the U.S., which is 25 miles per gallon (MPG). Therefore, for a round trip of approximately 40 miles, it would consume 1.6 gallons of gas.

According to the United States Energy Information Administration, as of August 2021, the average cost of gasoline in Massachusetts was approximately $3.046 per gallon. Based on this average, the estimated fuel cost for the trip would be approximately $4.87 (1.6 gallons x $3.046).

Here's a breakdown of the fuel costs for each route:

Route 1

The estimated fuel cost for Route 1 would be approximately $3.88 (19.6 miles / 25 MPG x $3.046).

Route 2

The estimated fuel cost for Route 2 would be approximately $4.77 (24.1 miles / 25 MPG x $3.046).

Route 3

The estimated fuel cost for Route 3 would be approximately $6.25 (31.6 miles / 25 MPG x $3.046).

As demonstrated by the calculations above, the fuel costs for each route increase with the distance.

Conclusion

Based on the analysis above, it is clear that Route 1 offers the most direct route and the lowest fuel cost, making it the most economical option. Although Route 2 offers a less congested option, it is a longer distance and more expensive in terms of fuel costs. Route 3 provides an alternative route that bypasses Worcester, but it is the longest and most costly in fuel expenses.

In conclusion, if you are looking to save some money on fuel costs and get to Mendon as quickly as possible, Route 1 is the best option. It may be essential to consider other factors such as time of day, road condition, and traffic during the journey, but the cost analysis will be a helpful guide to consider when planning your trip.