Storrow Drive Lane Changes In Boston Raise Questions

BOSTON, MA — This morning commuters were met with a bit of a surprise on Storrow Drive. For those headed West toward Mass Ave from MGH, last week the lane configuration changed, reducing the lanes from three to two in an effort to ease traffic.

Now the right lane is closed pushing drivers to merge into the two left lanes. The left lane is both a travel and exit lane.

“These new pavement markings have increased roadway capacity and there is no longer a required lane switch in order to continue westbound on Storrow Drive. Instead, drivers exiting the tunnel can utilize all lanes, including the left travel lane which was previously an exit-only lane,” said Highway Administrator Jonathan Gulliver in a statement. “We encourage drivers to obey the new pavement markings and signage, recognize that there may be impacts as travelers become adjusted to the new traffic pattern, and devote their full attention to the road ahead when traveling throughout this area.”

MassDOT said it was monitoring traffic conditions at this location under this pilot program and will be evaluating results this week and making a decision regarding potential long-term changes.

This area is a convergence point for traffic coming from several regional routes including I-93, Route 1 and Route 1A. MassDOT’s traffic modeling indicates that these changes may be beneficial and improve traffic flow.

This test program is one part of a larger effort to re-examine pavement markings on roadways throughout the state and make updates to improve traffic flow and increase reliability, according to the organization.

This effort incorporates traffic modeling as well as driver feedback and data after temporary changes have been implemented.

They've also changed pavement markings at 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.

MassDOT reiterated that it's a pilot effort, but Tuesday morning at 6:30 a.m. there were a lot of break lights as drivers realized the change. Still, many didn't seem to heed the changes.

Others took to social media to beg MassDot to change it back:

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Photo by Jenna Fisher/Patch Staff