Lowell, MA → Portland, ME
88 mi · 1h 46m (driving)
Current Risk
Low Risk
Clear conditions along your route
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Lowell
37°
Portland
39°
Trip Briefing
1 segment · 88 mi · 1h 46m
Weather
☁️ Overcast
37°F, wind 8 mph
Incidents
1
1 critical
Rest Stops
13
Restrooms, Truck svc, Picnic
Cameras
12 live
Rest stops in this segment:
- ● Rest Area 🪑
- ● Rest Area 🚻
- ● Salem Rest Area and Welcome Center 🚻
Hazards Ahead
1 road closure may affect your route · 11 construction zones on route
11 Construction Zones on Route
Rockingham Blvd eastbound: Long Term Construction Project: Salem, Exit 1 Fly-over bridge to Mall Entrance, Bridge preservation work. Project #44650.
NH-125 northbound: Long Term Construction Project: Plaistow, NH-125 from the MA S/L to Old County Rd. Traffic signal upgrade along the corridor. Project #40645.
I-95 northbound: Long Term Construction Project: Seabrook - Hampton, I-95, construction of median guardrail, from NH/MA state line north 3.8 miles to the Taylor River. Project #45207
NH-1A northbound: Long Term Construction Project: Seabrook - Hampton, NH-1A, Hampton River Bridge (Neil R. Underwood Bridge) replacement project. Bridge #234/025. Proj (#15904). https://www.dot.nh.gov/projects-plans-and-programs/project-center/seabrook-hampton-15904
Squamscott Rd northbound: Long Term Construction Project: Stratham, Squamscott Rd, culvert replacement of two 18-inch culverts conveying normal tidal flows, with 8 feet wide by 7 feet high concrete box culverts. Road will be closed to thru traffic. Detour in place. Project #43001.
US-1 northbound: Long Term Construction Project: North Hampton, US-1 bridge over the Little River, Culvert replacement project #43938. https://www.dot.nh.gov/projects-plans-and-programs/project-center/north-hampton-43938
+ 5 more zones along the route — see map for full list
Traffic Cameras
See recent road conditions along your route
Images are snapshots updated periodically by state DOTs. Timestamps shown in images indicate when each photo was captured.
Your Route
Via I-93 North → I-495 North → I-95 (Blue Star Turnpike) → I-295 North → US-1A
Cameras shown are along this computed route
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93 NS MM 0.9
NH · NB
93 NN MM 0.9
NH · NB
95 SN, MM 1.0
NH · NB
95N MM 4.0 CCTV
NH · NB
95 SN, MM 5.6
NH · NB
95 SS, MM 10.0
NH · NB
95 N, MM 13.4
ME · NB
95 NN 13.4 CCTV AX T
ME · NB
95 SN MM 15.2
ME · NB
95 High Level BRG NE
ME · NB
I-295 Mile 05 NB (Portland)
ME · NB
Live traffic on this route
Cameras, crashes and closures right now on the highways this drive uses.
Rest Stops Along Your Route
13 stops available
Swipe to see moreShowing 1-2 of 13
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⚡ Recent Weather Events on This Route
Premium users received alerts for these conditions:
- 🌧️Nov 11: Rain advisory for afternoon departures
- ❄️Nov 9: Snow expected at higher elevations - consider earlier departure
- 🌫️Nov 6: Dense fog warning for morning travel
Don't miss the next alert →
Driving from Lowell, MA to Portland, ME covers 88 miles in roughly 1h 46m of drive time, crossing state lines. We track 12 live traffic cameras, 13 rest areas and 1 reported incident along this corridor so you can plan around them. A trip this short usually fits in a single morning or afternoon — check the live conditions just before you head out.
7-Day Driving Outlook
Today
Nov 13
42° / 37°
No precip
Tomorrow
Nov 14
44° / 31°
No precip
Sun
Nov 15
47° / 34°
No precip
Mon
Nov 16
47° / 35°
No precip
Tue
Nov 17
54° / 33°
No precip
Wed
Nov 18
58° / 39°
No precip
Thu
Nov 19
60° / 38°
No precip
🗓️ Weekend Outlook
Saturday
Good to Go☁️ Overcast at origin, ☁️ Overcast at destination
Sunday
Good to Go⛅ Partly cloudy at origin, ⛅ Partly cloudy at destination
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Current Conditions
Lowell, MA
37°F
Wind: 8 mph
Portland, ME
39°F
Wind: 12 mph
Weather data updated in real-time
Driving from Lowell, MA to Portland, ME
The 88-mile drive from Lowell, Massachusetts to Portland, Maine takes approximately 1h 46m under normal conditions. Weather along this route can vary significantly, especially along coastal regions where fog and marine weather can impact visibility. Route Outlook helps you find the safest time to travel by showing you weather conditions at every point along your route, timed to when you'll actually be there.
This short route crosses state lines from Massachusetts into Maine, connecting Lowell and Portland. At under 100 miles, it's a manageable day trip, but weather conditions can still change between your origin and destination — especially across elevation changes or near large bodies of water.
Common Weather Hazards on This Route
- Winter storms and heavy snowfall (November through April)
- Black ice on mountain passes and bridges
Seasonal Driving Considerations
Coastal weather on this route can shift quickly. Marine fog is common during morning hours, especially in spring and fall, reducing visibility to near zero. Hurricane season (June through November) can bring extended road closures and dangerous conditions. During fair weather, coastal routes offer scenic driving — but always verify conditions with live traffic cameras before heading out.
Best Time to Drive Lowell to Portland
For shorter trips like this 88-mile drive, morning departures typically offer the best conditions with lighter traffic and better visibility. Avoid rush hour periods (7-9 AM and 4-7 PM) if possible.
Driving Strategy
At 88 miles, the Lowell to Portland drive is short enough to complete in a single stretch. Still, check conditions along the route before you leave — a quick glance at live traffic cameras can confirm road visibility and surface conditions. If bad weather is forecasted for a narrow window, adjusting your departure by even an hour can make a significant difference in safety.
Pro Tip
Use Route Outlook's departure optimizer to find the best time to leave. Our 4D trajectory engine considers weather at each point along your route at the exact time you'll be there — not just at your destination. It also integrates live data from traffic cameras, DOT 511 feeds, and road weather sensors.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the drive from Lowell to Portland?
The drive is approximately 88 miles and takes about 1h 46m under normal traffic and weather conditions. Severe weather can add significant time to your trip.
What's the best day to drive this route?
Based on current forecasts, Tuesday, Nov 17 looks ideal. Clear conditions expected along the entire route
Is it safe to drive from Lowell to Portland today?
Current conditions show low risk along this route. Conditions look favorable for travel. Always stay alert and adjust speed for changing conditions.
Are there rest areas on the Lowell to Portland route?
Yes, there are 13 rest areas along this route. Facilities include restrooms, parking, and in some cases picnic areas and vending machines. Rest stops are spaced throughout the drive, so you'll never be too far from a break.
Can I see live traffic cameras on this route?
Yes, Route Outlook shows 12 live traffic cameras along this route, sourced from state DOT feeds. You can check road visibility, traffic flow, and pavement conditions in real time before and during your drive.
What highways does this route use?
This route primarily uses I-93 North, I-495 North, I-95 (Blue Star Turnpike), I-295 North. Conditions can vary between highway segments, so check live camera feeds and road condition reports for each stretch before departing.
Are there any road closures on this route right now?
There is currently 1 active incident along this route that may affect your drive. Check the incident details above for specific locations and expected durations.
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