Photo Courtesy of MGN
By Hannah Rose Shemtov
The annual Boston Marathon begins Monday, April 18, clearing the roads for participants to run 26.2 miles. The Boston Athletic Association and the MBTA announced new traffic changes to areas around the 136th marathon course. Drivers will experience roadblocks, detours, and parking restrictions. Roadway restrictions run through Brighton, Kenmore Square, and the Back Bay. Road closures will begin from the town of Hopkinton to Boston. The BAA closes Hopkinton from 6:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m, and roads are expected to open in Boston at 7:00 p.m. The MBTA provides a service map and more detailed information about road closures.
The Red, Orange, Blue, and Silver Lines operate normally, providing additional service before and after the race. However, Copley station will be closed all day since it is closest to the finish line. The Green Line will suspend above-ground stops at South Street (B branch), Kent Street (C branch), and St. Mary’s Street (C branch), from 10 a.m to 6 p.m. on Marathon Monday.
The MBTA recommends taking these options if attending the Marathon: Arlington Station, Prudential Station, Back Bay Station (Orange Line), and Hynes Convention Center Station (Green Line B, C, D).
The commuter rails will also offer a $15 Marathon Pass for all-day unlimited travel; purchases begin April 11 at North, South, and Back Bay stations. Busses and subways don’t offer these passes, but buses will operate regularly but may include some detours. The BAA will prohibit bringing bicycles and other similar equipment like strollers, skates, and skateboards on the subway.
The MBTA provides T-Alers to be notified of any changes, and there is more information on Boston’s traffic advisory.