## Boston 4th of July: Road Closures and Free Public Transportation for Fireworks Spectators
As Boston prepares for its annual 4th of July fireworks display, residents and visitors should anticipate meaningful traffic disruptions and plan accordingly. City officials have announced a series of road closures begining Friday morning to facilitate the event setup and ensure public safety.
### Morning Road Closures (9:00 AM)
The first phase of closures commences at 9:00 AM with the complete shutdown of Storrow Drive westbound, stretching from the Leverett circle to Kenmore Square. This vital artery will be inaccessible to vehicular traffic for the duration of the day.additionally, the storrow Drive exit leading into the Tip O’neil Tunnel will be closed. Several key ramps will also be affected, including those at Berkeley Street, Charlesgate Eastbound, Bowker Overpass, and Charles Street Circle. Thes closures are necessary to manage traffic flow and create a secure perimeter for event preparations.
### Afternoon and Evening Road Closures (4:00 PM & 9:00 PM)
Further significant road closures will take effect at 4:00 PM.Both the Longfellow Bridge and the Massachusetts Avenue Bridge will be closed to all vehicle traffic. Simultaneously, Memorial Drive, the scenic roadway connecting these two bridges, will be completely shut down.
To prioritize public safety during the fireworks display, both the Longfellow and Massachusetts Avenue Bridges will also be closed to pedestrians and cyclists starting at 9:00 PM. Viewing the fireworks from these structures will be strictly prohibited. Authorities will reopen the bridges instantly following the conclusion of the fireworks show.According to the Boston Transportation Department, similar closures in previous years have reduced pedestrian incidents by approximately 15% .
### Free MBTA Service
To encourage alternative transportation and alleviate traffic congestion, the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) will provide complimentary service on all subway lines, buses, and ferries beginning at 8:30 PM. This free service will continue untill the end of regularly scheduled operations, offering a convenient and cost-effective way for attendees to reach and depart from the fireworks viewing areas.The MBTA anticipates a ridership increase of over 40% during this period .