The Cost of a Trip between Braintree, Massachusetts and Acton, Massachusetts
Introduction
Planning a trip from Braintree to Acton in Massachusetts? One important factor to consider is the cost of transportation, particularly with respect to current gas prices. This article aims to provide you with a comprehensive breakdown of the different possible routes, outlining the distance and cost for each one. By the end, you will have a recommended route that not only saves you money but also ensures a smooth and enjoyable journey.
Routes and Costs
Route 1: Via I-95 North and I-90 West
This route covers a distance of approximately 44 miles between Braintree and Acton. To embark on this journey, start by taking I-95 North from Braintree and continue until you reach I-90 West. From there, follow I-90 West until you reach Acton. This route is commonly chosen due to its convenient access to major highways.
Considering the current gas prices in Massachusetts, which on average stand at $2.85 per gallon, and that the average fuel efficiency for a car is approximately 25 miles per gallon, we can calculate the approximate cost of this trip as follows:
Total Distance: 44 miles Fuel Efficiency: 25 miles per gallon Average Gas Price: $2.85 per gallon
Cost of Trip = (Total Distance ÷ Fuel Efficiency) × Average Gas Price Cost of Trip = (44 ÷ 25) × 2.85 Cost of Trip = 1.76 × 2.85 Cost of Trip ≈ $5.03
Route 2: Via I-93 North and MA-2 West
An alternative route to consider is taking I-93 North from Braintree and then switching to MA-2 West, which will take you all the way to Acton. This route covers a total distance of approximately 50 miles.
Using the same gas prices and average fuel efficiency mentioned earlier, we can calculate the cost of this trip as follows:
Total Distance: 50 miles Fuel Efficiency: 25 miles per gallon Average Gas Price: $2.85 per gallon
Cost of Trip = (Total Distance ÷ Fuel Efficiency) × Average Gas Price Cost of Trip = (50 ÷ 25) × 2.85 Cost of Trip = 2 × 2.85 Cost of Trip ≈ $5.70
Route 3: Via I-95 North and I-495 West
Another possible route is to take I-95 North from Braintree and then switch to I-495 West. This route covers a total distance of approximately 53 miles, making it slightly longer than the previous ones.
Calculating the cost of this trip using the same parameters:
Total Distance: 53 miles Fuel Efficiency: 25 miles per gallon Average Gas Price: $2.85 per gallon
Cost of Trip = (Total Distance ÷ Fuel Efficiency) × Average Gas Price Cost of Trip = (53 ÷ 25) × 2.85 Cost of Trip = 2.12 × 2.85 Cost of Trip ≈ $6.04
Recommended Route
After considering the different routes and their associated costs, it is recommended to take Route 1: Via I-95 North and I-90 West as the most cost-effective option. This route not only has the shortest distance of approximately 44 miles but also offers the advantage of convenient access to major highways, enhancing the overall efficiency and potentially saving you both time and money.
While the cost of the trip itself may seem relatively affordable, it is essential to remember that gas prices can fluctuate. It is recommended to check for updated gas prices before embarking on your journey to ensure the most accurate cost estimate.
Conclusion
In conclusion, a trip from Braintree to Acton in Massachusetts can be both affordable and efficient with careful route planning and consideration of current gas prices. Based on the calculations provided, taking Route 1 via I-95 North and I-90 West is the recommended option, covering a distance of approximately 44 miles and costing around $5.03 for fuel. The journey duration may vary depending on traffic conditions, but on average, it should take approximately 45-60 minutes. Happy travels!