New Two-Way Traffic on Pilgrim Road and Transit Shifts Headline Monday Commute
New Two-Way Traffic on Pilgrim Road and Transit Shifts Headline Monday Commute
Commuters in Boston are encountering a series of significant roadway and transit adjustments this morning, Monday, March 16, 2026. While the morning rush began with relatively typical volume, several long-term infrastructure projects in the Longwood Medical Area and ongoing MBTA signal upgrades are now actively impacting travel patterns across the city. Transit officials are urging travelers to stay alert to new signage as these permanent and temporary changes take effect.
Major Roadway Change in Longwood Medical Area
The most critical update for drivers this morning is located in the Longwood Medical Area (LMA). As of today, Pilgrim Road has officially transitioned to a permanent two-way traffic pattern between Francis Street and Deaconess Road. This change, aimed at improving accessibility to local medical facilities, marks a major departure from the long-standing one-way configuration. Drivers are urged to exercise caution and follow new directional signage, as traffic flow in this congested corridor adjusts to the new layout. Early reports indicate minor slowing as motorists adapt to the two-way lane markings.
Simultaneously, site preparation and deconstruction of the former Joslin Diabetes Center have begun to support the construction of the new Dana-Farber Cancer Institute inpatient hospital. This project has necessitated the relocation of several key transit stops. Commuters using MBTA bus routes 60 and 65, as well as various LMA shuttles, will find that the stops at Brookline Avenue and Joslin Place have been moved. These stops are now situated further down Brookline Avenue, adjacent to the Rosenberg Building. On-site staff and police details are present to assist pedestrians and manage the shift in traffic near the construction zone.
MBTA Service and Infrastructure Updates
Subway riders should take note of several alerts affecting the Red Line and Silver Line. While the Red Line is operating on a regular schedule this morning, signal modernization work continues near Columbia Junction. Commuters should prepare for nightly delays of up to 15 minutes on the Ashmont Branch starting at 8:00 PM throughout the week. For those using the Silver Line, construction at Courthouse station continues to impact station accessibility; multiple escalators remain out of service, and the South Station Pedal & Park facility is currently closed for improvements. Cyclists should instead utilize the temporary racks provided on Atlantic Avenue near the station entrance.
Bridge Closures and Local Detours
In Roslindale, the Canterbury Street Bridge remains closed to all vehicles following a recent structural inspection. MassDOT indicates the bridge will remain shuttered until further notice, with all traffic diverted through Hyde Park Avenue and Cummins Highway. Additionally, while the city has cleared the primary routes from yesterday’s St. Patrick's Day festivities, preparations are already underway for tomorrow's 250th Evacuation Day events. Drivers should expect parking restrictions and rolling roadblocks to begin early Tuesday morning in South Boston and near the Common. Commuters are advised to budget an additional 15 minutes for their morning travels to account for these shifts.