Littleton, MA. To I-91 south to I-90 west.

Once summer is over and if you don't travel on a weekend 90-84 shouldn't be too bad.

The way you want to go seems fine you avoid the backup by Sturbridge

Came back from ME a month ago via 495 to 90 and yes traffic was the pits. But once we got past 84 a lil bit, smooth sailing. This was on a Sat 3-4sh or so in the afternoon.

Did Rt 2 from Fitchburg to I-91 last summer. It had been 30 years since I drove Rt 2 and I was surprised that the worse parts I remembered had been fixed. Most of it is 2 lanes each way now. There's a short section of 2 lane, but it's in good shape.

From the south, take I-495 to Rt 117 to I-190 to Rt 2. From the north, just jump on Rt 2 or a more scenic trip out 2A.