Halloween Road Closures Set For Salem Amid Coronavirus Crisis

SALEM, MA — While all large outdoor events are canceled in Salem due to the coronavirus health crisis, the city is preparing for at least some Halloween crowds to descend upon the holiday's unofficial hometown with it falling on a Saturday this year.

The city announced on Thursday that it will proceed with a series of road closures downtown starting no later than 4 p.m. on Oct. 31.

Road closures include: Essex Street at Crombie Street and Barton Square to Union Street, Washington Street from New Derby Street to Bridge Street, Federal Street from St. Peter’s Street to North Street, Charter Street, Central Street, Front Street, and Lafayette Street from New Derby Street to Front Street.

Officials said to expect traffic impacts on Route 114 and Route 1A throughout the day.

There are no current plans to close roads in the days leading up to Halloween, but there will be no on-street parking allowed from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Essex Street from Hawthorne Boulevard to New Liberty Street, and Essex Street from Barton Square to Washington Street on Saturdays and Sundays.

Salem police will monitor pedestrian and vehicle traffic, and can close roadways at any point if they deem it necessary.

Road closure decisions are subject to change.

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