Salem Police Taking Steps to Ease October Traffic

Salem sees a large influx of vehicles into the city during the month of October, especially on the weekends. To help alleviate some of the traffic congestion, Salem police have announced they are taking the following efforts to help ease traffic issues on the weekends.

First, they will be closing Essex Street between Hawthorne Boulevard and New Liberty Street. Vehicles will be able to access the Museum Place Garage from the Brown Street side. A police officer will be on site to assist with access for residents and businesses.

Secondly, they are restricting vehicles from turning left from Essex Street onto Washington Street. Vehicles will only be allowed to turn right onto Washington Street towards New Derby Street. There will be large signs posted where Essex Street intersects with North and Summer Streets, as well as barricades and a detail officer in Town House Square. Vehicles turning from left onto Washington Street cause the traffic to back up heavily in both directions, according to police officials. In the past, they have totally closed this section of Essex Street to traffic, however to minimize the impact to local businesses they are making a change this year.

Finally, police will be posting a number of informational signs along routes to key parking areas around downtown to help guide visitors.

As always, the police department encourages visitors to make use of the MBTA’s Commuter Rail when traveling to Salem, if possible. There are large parking garages in Lynn and Beverly, and the Commuter Rail can be accessed from the subway system at North Station.

Although the above traffic changes are the only ones currently planned, the Salem Police Department will close any street or alter any traffic pattern without notice in the interest of public safety if needed. Be sure to follow the department on Twitter and Facebook for additional updates.