Evacuation Day 250th Anniversary and South Boston Road Closures Today

Morning Commute Overview for March 17, 2026

Boston commuters should prepare for a busy Tuesday as the city celebrates both St. Patrick’s Day and the 250th anniversary of Evacuation Day. While the primary parade took place this past Sunday, today features a historic commemorative event that will trigger rolling road closures and significant parking restrictions in South Boston. Commuters using the Red Line should also be aware of specific accessibility disruptions at Broadway Station.

Evacuation Day 250th Anniversary Event

To honor the 250th anniversary of Henry Knox’s transport of cannons to Dorchester Heights, a commemorative rolling rally is scheduled for today, Tuesday, March 17. The event will impact traffic and parking along the following route:

• West Sixth Street
• Dorchester Street
• Telegraph Street
• Thomas Park (following the flow of traffic past G Street)

The Boston Transportation Department has implemented temporary parking restrictions along these streets for the duration of the event. Drivers are advised to avoid the Thomas Park area during the midday hours to prevent delays during the reenactment ceremonies.

MBTA Service Alerts and Accessibility

The MBTA is operating on a regular weekday schedule, but a major maintenance project is affecting accessibility. Broadway Station Elevator 868, which connects the lobby to the street, is currently out of service for a full equipment upgrade. This closure is expected to last through May. To assist passengers, the MBTA is providing a specialized shuttle bus service between Broadway and Andrew stations. Riders requiring elevator access should utilize Andrew Station and transfer to the shuttle.

Major Roadworks and Long-term Construction

Several infrastructure projects continue to affect major arteries this morning:

• Bowker Overpass & I-90: Stage 1A of the superstructure replacement project is active. Commuters on the Mass Pike (I-90) should expect periodic lane closures and rolling roadblocks near the Bowker Overpass. Nighttime closures are also in effect for Ipswich Street.
• Storrow Drive & Soldiers Field Road: DCR traffic advisories remain in place through Friday, March 20. Expect narrowed lanes and localized congestion during off-peak hours for ongoing maintenance.
• Canterbury Street Bridge: In Roslindale, the Canterbury Street Bridge remains closed to all vehicular traffic following a recent inspection. Detours are in place utilizing Hyde Park Avenue, Cummins Highway, and Brown Avenue.
• The Fellsway: Overnight roadworks continue on the Fellsway between 9:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m., which may impact early morning travelers returning to the city.

Given the combination of holiday festivities and construction, commuters are encouraged to use the Red or Blue Lines where possible and allow an additional 15-20 minutes for travel through South Boston and the Back Bay throughout the afternoon and evening hours.