Hazardous Travel Conditions and Cold Emergency: Snow and Transit Detours Impacting Boston This Saturday

Winter Weather and Cold Emergency Alert

Boston commuters and residents are advised to exercise extreme caution today, Saturday, February 7, 2026, as a cold weather emergency and winter storm impact the region. Mayor Wu has officially declared a cold emergency through Monday, February 9, to address dangerously low temperatures and wind chills that could reach -25 to -30 degrees. Additionally, snowfall of 3 to 4 inches is expected in eastern and central Massachusetts throughout the morning and afternoon. MassDOT has pre-treated major arteries and deployed snow removal crews, but roads are expected to remain slippery and hazardous through the evening.

MBTA Service Impacts and Detours

Public transit riders should prepare for significant delays and service modifications due to both the weather and ongoing maintenance:

• Bus Detours: Several bus routes are operating on snow routes or experiencing weather-related detours. Notably, Route 92 is detoured near Main Street in Charlestown, while Routes 119 and 121 are operating on designated snow routes in East Boston and Revere.
• Traffic Delays: Route 47 is currently reporting delays of up to 25 minutes due to heavy traffic and local road conditions.
• Station Access: Elevator maintenance continues to impact accessibility at major hubs. The elevator at Park Street (Copley & West platform to Boston Common) is currently unavailable, and the Lechmere elevator (Platform to North First Street lobby) remains out of service.
• Commuter Rail & Ferry: While no major rail shutdowns are scheduled for this specific Saturday, travelers using the Steamship Authority for Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket should note that change fees are being waived for today due to high winds and forecasted trip cancellations.

Major Roadwork and Bridge Closures

In addition to weather-related hazards, several infrastructure projects are affecting local traffic flow:

• Roslindale Bridge Closure: The Canterbury Street Bridge remains closed to all vehicular traffic following a recent inspection. Drivers must follow posted detours utilizing Hyde Park Avenue and Cummins Highway.
• Super Bowl Prep Restrictions: In anticipation of Super Bowl LX on Sunday, the Boston Police Department has begun implementing "No Stopping" restrictions in Kenmore Square and Brighton. Affected areas include portions of Beacon Street, Commonwealth Avenue, and Harvard Avenue.
• Sumner Tunnel: The Sumner Tunnel is open this weekend as the major restoration project is now substantially complete; however, drivers should watch for typical off-peak lane shifts.

Event-Related Congestion

Local events may cause localized delays this afternoon. The 16th annual "Some Like it Hot" Chili Cook-off in Harvard Square is expected to draw crowds to Brattle Plaza between 1:00 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. In Revere, the Winter Wonderland festival at Waterfront Square will increase traffic near Revere Beach through 5:00 p.m. Commuters are encouraged to allow for extra travel time and use public transit where possible to avoid icy road conditions.