The Cost of a Trip between Blackstone, Massachusetts and Groton, Massachusetts in Today's Gas Prices

Traveling between Blackstone and Groton in Massachusetts can be an exciting road trip with various routes taken to reach the destination. However, one of the crucial factors that impact the decision of which route to take is the cost of a trip. Fuel prices fluctuate, and it has become essential to keep track of fuel prices to make informed decisions. This article explores the cost of a trip between Blackstone and Groton in today's gas prices and highlights the different possible routes, cost, and distance. Finally, it provides a recommendation and offers a concluding remark on the trip duration.

The Routes

The distance between Blackstone and Groton is approximately 48.6 miles, and several routes can be taken to reach the destination. Generally, there are three primary routes when considering traveling between Blackstone, Massachusetts, and Groton, Massachusetts. These routes include:

Route 1: Take MA-122 and I-190 N

Taking the MA-122 and I-190 N is perhaps one of the most common routes one can take between Blackstone and Groton. The route starts at Blackstone Valley Regional Vocational Technical High School and heads south on MA-122 towards Worcester. MA-122 bears right, leading to the ramp to I-190 N towards Leominster/Fitchburg and continues on this highway until the Exit 7 for MA-13 towards Groton. This route is projected to take approximately one hour.

Route 2: Take MA-375 E and I-495 N

This route starts from Blackstone Valley Regional Vocational Technical High School and takes a different direction from Route 1. It goes east on MA-375 E for approximately three miles before making a turn onto I-495 N via Exit 16A towards Lowell. Proceed on I-495 N until reaching Exit 31, bearing left at the fork and following signs for MA-119 W/Groton. This route is approximately 49 miles and estimated to take 54 minutes.

Route 3: Take MA-146 N

This route follows MA-146 N from Blackstone to Groton. From Blackstone Valley Regional Vocational Technical High School, turn North onto MA-146 N and continue for 27 miles. Then take exit 3 at Auburn, and turn onto I-290 E. After about eight miles, take exit 25B to merge onto MA-85 N/Marlborough St towards Hudson. Turn left onto MA-111 W/Common St follow it for another three miles before reaching Groton. This route is approximately 42 miles and estimated to take 48 minutes.

The Cost

The cost of fuel consumption is one of the determining factors when choosing a route for a trip. While fuel prices change daily, this article uses the average gas prices as of August 20, 2021, according to Gas Buddy for better analysis.

Route 1: MA-122 and I-190 N

According to Google Maps, this route from Blackstone to Groton is around 47 miles. Based on a Toyota Corolla's average mpg, 27 mpg city / 35 mpg highway, which consumes about 1.71 gallons to complete the trip. This implies that for the 47 miles' trip, it requires approximately 1.71 gallons of fuel. The average gas price in Massachusetts is roughly $3.05 per gallon, leading to a total fuel cost of approximately $5.21.

Route 2: MA-375 E and I-495 N

The total distance is around 49 miles, and based on a Toyota Corolla's fuel efficiency, it requires about 1.80 gallons for this trip to be completed. At the average gas price of $3.05 per gallon in Massachusetts, this route would consume approximately $5.49 worth of fuel.

Route 3: MA-146 N

For this route, according to Google Maps, the distance is approximately 42 miles. Based on a Toyota Corolla's average mpg, 27 mpg city / 35 mpg highway, which needs approximately 1.56-gallon fuel. The total fuel cost based on Massachusetts's average gas price is approximately $4.76.

Recommendation

Considering the cost and distance, route 3 (MA-146 N) stands out as the best route between Blackstone and Groton. This route is the shortest and the most fuel-efficient, which results in minimal fuel consumption and ultimately, a low fuel cost. Additionally, this route has less traffic than the other two routes and provides picturesque scenery, which adds to the fun of traveling.

Conclusion

Traveling between Blackstone and Groton can be an exciting road trip with different routes taken to reach the destination. Among the several routes that can be taken, Route 3 (MA-146 N) was recommended due to its short distance, minimal fuel consumption, and picturesque scenery. The trip duration can range between 48 minutes to one hour, depending on the chosen route's traffic and time of day. Therefore, when considering traveling between Blackstone and Groton, it is recommended to take Route 3 for a cost-effective and beautiful journey.