The Cost of Driving from Chelmsford, Massachusetts to West Brookfield, Massachusetts

Are you planning a road trip from Chelmsford to West Brookfield? Whether you're going for a leisurely getaway or visiting loved ones, it's always a good idea to know the cost of the journey. Gas prices and toll fees can quickly add up, so it's essential to plan ahead. In this blog post, we'll highlight different routes, their distances, estimated travel times, and the cost based on current gas prices. Let's get started!

Route 1: The Quickest Route

The quickest route from Chelmsford to West Brookfield is via I-495 South and I-90 West. This route covers a distance of 68.5 miles and generally takes about 1 hour and 20 minutes to complete, depending on traffic conditions. Here's a breakdown of the cost for this route:

Gas prices: As of today, the average gas price in Massachusetts is $2.85 per gallon.
Fuel consumption: Suppose your vehicle has an average fuel efficiency of 25 miles per gallon.
Total fuel needed: 68.5 miles ÷ 25 miles per gallon = 2.74 gallons.
Total fuel cost: 2.74 gallons x $2.85 per gallon = $7.81.

Additionally, you'll encounter tolls along this route. The Mass Pike tolls amount to $1.30 at Exit 11A, $1.90 at Exit 10A, and $1.90 at Exit 9. Therefore, the total toll cost for this trip is $5.10.

Route 2: The Scenic Drive

If you prefer a more scenic drive, you can take Route 9 from Chelmsford to West Brookfield. This route covers a distance of approximately 77 miles and takes about 1 hour and 45 minutes to complete. Let's calculate the cost:

Gas prices: We'll consider the same average gas price of $2.85 per gallon.
Fuel consumption: Suppose your vehicle's fuel efficiency remains at 25 miles per gallon.
Total fuel needed: 77 miles ÷ 25 miles per gallon = 3.08 gallons.
Total fuel cost: 3.08 gallons x $2.85 per gallon = $8.80.

While this route provides a picturesque journey, it does not involve any tolls, resulting in savings on toll fees.

Route 3: The Alternative

Another route option is taking I-95 South and I-90 West from Chelmsford to West Brookfield. This alternative route covers a distance of 81 miles and usually takes around 1 hour and 30 minutes to complete. Let's calculate the cost for this route:

Gas prices: Just like before, we'll consider the average gas price of $2.85 per gallon.
Fuel consumption: Assuming your vehicle's fuel efficiency remains at 25 miles per gallon.
Total fuel needed: 81 miles ÷ 25 miles per gallon = 3.24 gallons.
Total fuel cost: 3.24 gallons x $2.85 per gallon = $9.25.

As with Route 1, this alternative route also includes tolls. You'll encounter a $1.30 toll at Exit 32A and a $1.90 toll at Exit 24. Therefore, the total toll cost for this trip is $3.20.

Final Thoughts

When planning a trip, budgeting for expenses such as gas prices and toll fees helps avoid any surprises along the way. Based on the current gas prices and toll fees, here's a summary of the cost for each route:

Quickest Route: Distance: 68.5 miles; Time: 1 hour and 20 minutes; Cost: $7.81 (gas) + $5.10 (tolls) = $12.91.
Scenic Drive: Distance: 77 miles; Time: 1 hour and 45 minutes; Cost: $8.80 (gas) + $0 (tolls) = $8.80.
Alternative Route: Distance: 81 miles; Time: 1 hour and 30 minutes; Cost: $9.25 (gas) + $3.20 (tolls) = $12.45.

Remember, gas prices can fluctuate, so it's always a good idea to check for current prices before your trip. With this information in hand, you can plan your journey accordingly and enjoy a stress-free drive from Chelmsford to West Brookfield. Safe travels!