Storrow Drive Lane Change To Last Another Week, At Least: MassDOT

BOSTON, MA — When the lanes were repainted last week on Storrow Drive westbound, it left drivers confused and grumpy. MassDOT explained the lane changes - from three to two lanes around the bend that snakes along the Charles River near MGH - were just a test.

Now, MassDOT announced pilot program will continue through next week before a decision is made on next steps, and, contrary to some angry posts on Twitter from motorists who say otherwise, the changes seem to be helping traffic.

“We have seen incremental improvements each day of this pilot program, and this morning, our engineers reported that traffic conditions have settled and were the same as, and in some places, better than before this change was implemented,” said Highway Administrator Jonathan Gulliver in a news release.

The new traffic configuration lasts for about 800 feet of Storrow Drive westbound between Leverett and Charles Circle in Boston. Friday evening crews were working on improving signage so that drivers aren't taken by surprise when they pop up from under the bridge, according to a news release by MassDOT.

Previously >> Storrow Drive Lane Changes In Boston Raise Questions

This westbound section of Storrow Drive where I-93, Rt 1 and Rt 1A converge opened with new pavement markings on Nov. 30 in an effort by MassDOT to see if the markings would improve traffic flow. MassDOT’s traffic modeling indicated that the new pavement markings would ease congestion at the conversion.

If you are getting on Storrow Drive westbound from I-93 or the Sumner Tunnel, the left lane is no longer an "exit only" lane so drivers don't need to merge into the right lane to continue straight on Storrow Drive any more. In fact, that right lane has gone missing.

The decision to keep the markings as is comes after MassDOT consulted with the Department of Conservation and Recreation and the City of Boston, according to the agency.

So what can drivers do in the meantime to keep the road rage and frustration levels low?

MassDOT encourages the public to be mindful of potential traffic impacts. Those traveling through the area should reduce speed and use caution, according to the press release.

The lane change test is part of a larger effort by MassDOT to examine pavement markings on roadways throughout the state and make updates to improve traffic flow. Pavement markings have been updated near the I-93 southbound/Route 3 interchange in Braintree, the I-90 eastbound/I-95 interchange in Weston, the I-95 northbound/I-90 interchange in Newton, and on I-84 westbound in Sturbridge.

And yes, they are taking driver feedback.

Previously >> Storrow Drive Lane Changes In Boston Raise Questions

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Photo by Jenna Fisher/Patch Staff