Mass Pike Lane Closures and Post-Storm Cleanup Impact Boston's Thursday Commute
Thursday Traffic Update: Morning Commute Overview
Commuters in Boston this morning are navigating a mix of post-storm cleanup and significant long-term construction projects on major arteries. While the extreme weather from earlier this week has subsided, the lingering effects of Winter Storm Hernando continue to impact parking availability and specific transit routes. Drivers should expect a generally steady flow on the major highways, though specific lane closures on the Mass Pike will cause localized bottlenecking during peak hours.
Mass Pike and Major Highway Construction
The most significant impact for drivers today is on I-90 (Massachusetts Turnpike). MassDOT has confirmed the following restrictions within the city limits:
- Eastbound: The right lane is closed between the Fenway Park area and the Prudential Tunnel. This work is expected to cause slowing for those heading into the city from the western suburbs.
- Westbound: A mirroring right-lane closure is in effect from the Prudential Tunnel back toward Fenway. This project is part of a long-term maintenance schedule slated to continue for the next several weeks, so daily commuters should prepare for consistent delays in this stretch.
On I-93, traffic is moving at typical weekday speeds for a Thursday morning. However, motorists are advised to use caution as snow removal crews are still active on shoulders and on-ramps. Watch for salt trucks and remaining snow banks that may narrow lanes in residential neighborhoods.
MBTA Service Alerts and Maintenance
The MBTA is operating on a regular weekday schedule today, but several service changes are in effect due to both planned maintenance and lingering mechanical issues:
- Silver Line (SL1, SL2, SL3): Starting at 8:30 PM tonight and continuing through the end of service, Silver Line buses will operate at street level between Silver Line Way and South Station. Underground service is suspended for maintenance; riders should look for accessible surface stops on Summer Street and Seaport Boulevard.
- Orange Line: Commuters should budget an extra 10 minutes of travel time due to a signal problem reported near Wellington station.
- Bus Detours and Stop Moves: Route 101 is experiencing detours related to ongoing storm cleanup. Additionally, Routes 70, 77, and 96 have temporary stop closures or moves in Cambridge and Medford due to local construction. Specifically, the inbound stop at Green St @ Magazine St for Route 70 is closed from 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
Winter Weather Lingering Effects
While the skies remain mostly clear today, the MBTA has warned of reduced parking capacity at many commuter rail and subway stations as snow clearing operations are expected to last several more days. Additionally, the MBTA Board of Directors is scheduled to meet at 10:00 AM today; those planning to attend the hybrid meeting in person at the MBTA headquarters should allow extra time for travel due to the various local bus detours currently in effect.