First Night Traffic Advisory Issued For Back Bay

Article and info provided by Mayor Menino's Office:

Boston Transportation Commissioner Thomas J. Tinlin is advising drivers that parking and traffic restrictions will be implemented in Downtown Boston on Saturday, Dec. 31 due to the city’s annual First Night activities. The use of public transportation is strongly encouraged. Those who feel the need to drive in should plan to park in off-street lots and garages.

Public safety is Boston's first consideration. Cars parked in violation of any of the city's basic public safety regulations, such as, at hydrants, within 20 feet of an intersection, in crosswalks or at handicap ramps, will be subject to towing. In addition, in Boston's neighborhoods, visitors should be careful to avoid parking in spots reserved for residents and look for signs that indicate visitor parking areas.

Traffic detours will be in place due to the parade and fireworks. Boylston Street, from Dalton Street to Charles Street, will be closed to vehicular traffic from 4 PM to 8 PM, and Charles Street, from Boylston Street to Beacon Street, will be closed to vehicular traffic from 5 PM to 8 PM.

Temporary parking restrictions are outlined below.

“Tow Zone No Stopping Boston Police Special Event Thursday through Sunday” signs will be posted at the following locations:

Boylston Street

    South side (Copley Square side), from Dartmouth Street to the Copley Square fountain.

Blagden Street

    North side (Copley Square Library), near Dartmouth Street.

“Tow Zone No Stopping Saturday” signs will be posted at the following locations:

Arlington Street

    Both sides, from Beacon Street to Boylston Street

Atlantic Avenue

    East side, from East India Row to Commercial Street

    West side, from Commercial Wharf to Cross Street

Beacon Street

    South side (Public Garden side), from Charles Street to Arlington Street

    Both sides, from Charles Street to Walnut Street

Berkeley Street

    Both sides, from Boylston Street to Newbury Street

Boylston Street

    Both sides, from Dalton Street to Arlington Street (excluding the area on Boylston Street requested above)

    North side (Public Garden side), from Arlington Street to Charles Street

    Both sides, from Charles Street to Tremont Street

Cambridge Street

    Both sides, from Court Street to Sudbury Street

Central Street

    Both sides, from Old Atlantic Avenue to the Dead End

Charles Street

    West side (Public Garden side) from Boylston Street to Beacon Street

Clarendon Street

    Both sides, from Newbury Street to Boylston Street

Court Street

    Both sides, from Washington Street to Cambridge Street

Cross Street

    Both sides, from Atlantic Avenue to Hanover Street

Dartmouth Street

    Both sides, from Boylston Street to Newbury Street

Exeter Street

    Both sides, from Newbury Street to Boylston Street

Fairfield Street

    Both sides, from Boylston Street to Newbury Street

Gloucester Street

    Both sides, from Newbury Street to Boylston Street

Hereford Street

    Both sides, from Boylston Street to Newbury Street

Milk Street

    Both sides, from J.F.F. Surface Road to Old Atlantic Avenue

Old Atlantic Avenue

    Both sides, from Milk Street to State Street

Surface Road

    Both sides, from Sudbury Street to State Street

Drivers are urged to pay close attention to posted parking regulation signs over the next few days as further temporary restrictions may be necessary to accommodate production vehicles and equipment.