The Cost of a Trip Between Brockton and Southbridge Based on Current Gas Prices
Traveling from Brockton to Southbridge is not a long distance, but it is important to plan ahead to make sure you have the best route and that you are prepared for the cost of your trip. The cost of your trip varies based on gas prices and the route you choose. In this article, we will break down the different routes, highlight the cost and distance of each, and recommend the best route to make sure you maximize your time and minimize your expenses.
Route 1: MA-24 S and MA-20 W (66 miles)
Our first route option is to take MA-24 S and MA-20 W. According to Google Maps, the distance between Brockton and Southbridge is 66 miles via this route. From Brockton, start by taking MA-24 S for 45 miles. Then take exit 10A to merge onto MA-146 S and follow it for 4 miles. Next, take exit 7 for MA-20 W and follow it for 17 miles until you reach Southbridge.
Based on current gas prices (as of October 2021), the average price for regular gas in Massachusetts is $3.11 per gallon. Assuming your car gets an average of 25 miles per gallon, you would need 2.64 gallons of gas for this route. This means you would spend approximately $8.21 on gas for one-way travel. The round trip would cost approximately $16.42 on gas alone.
Route 2: I-90 W and Rt 131 S (67 miles)
Our second route option is to take I-90 W and Rt 131 S. According to Google Maps, the distance between Brockton and Southbridge is 67 miles via this route. From Brockton, start by taking I-90 W for 44 miles. Then take exit 9 for Rt 20 toward Sturbridge/Palmer and follow it for 7 miles. Next, turn right onto S Bridge St for 0.7 miles until you reach Southbridge.
Based on current gas prices, you would need approximately 2.67 gallons of gas for one-way travel on this route, which would cost approximately $8.31. A round trip on this route would cost approximately $16.62 on gas alone.
Route 3: I-495 S and I-90 W (71 miles)
Our third route option is to take I-495 S and I-90 W. According to Google Maps, the distance between Brockton and Southbridge is 71 miles via this route. From Brockton, start by taking I-495 S for 25 miles. Then take exit 23B to merge onto I-90 W and follow it for 41 miles. Finally, take exit 9 for US-20 toward Sturbridge/Worcester and follow it for 3 miles until you reach Southbridge.
Based on current gas prices, you would need approximately 2.84 gallons of gas for one-way travel on this route, which would cost approximately $8.84. A round trip on this route would cost approximately $17.68 on gas alone.
Recommendation
After considering the cost and distance of each route, we recommend Route 1 (MA-24 S and MA-20 W) as the best option for traveling from Brockton to Southbridge. This route is the shortest at 66 miles and it has the lowest cost for gas at approximately $8.21 for one-way travel and $16.42 for a round trip. Additionally, it has the fewest changes of highway or road, which means less need to check for directions. It also allows for a smooth drive and little traffic, making it a time saver.
Conclusion
In conclusion, a trip from Brockton to Southbridge via Route 1 will cost approximately $8.21 for one-way travel and $16.42 for a round trip based on current gas prices. While there are other route options, Route 1 is the most cost-efficient option. It is the shortest in distance and, as it has fewer changes of direction, it has less chance of delays. Traveling along Route 1 should take around 1 hour and 20 minutes but ultimately depends on the hour of the day. Take these facts and figures into account as you plan your next trip from Brockton to Southbridge, resulting in a more enjoyable trip that will only cost you approximately $16.42.