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Leverett Connector, Storrow Motorists To See Closures

Leverett Connector To Close In Both Directions Next Week

POSTED: 2:25 pm EDT July 22, 2004
UPDATED: 7:58 pm EDT July 22, 2004

If you will be trying to make your way through Boston or going home at the end of the workday during the Democratic National Convention next week, several important routes will be closed to traffic.

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In part three of NewsCenter 5's look at driving in and around the DNC, Jorge Quiroga took a closer look at what the commute will be like for drivers on the Leverett Connector and Storrow Drive.

The closures will not affect the morning commute and the Leverett Connector, Storrow Drive and Memorial Drive in Cambridge will remain open in both directions. But late afternoon from July 26 to 29, that will all change.

"If we leave this area open, it may be very congested. We want to leave it open for emergency vehicles," said Mariellen Burns, of Boston 2004, the convention's host committee, of the Leverett Circle area.

Because of the circle's proximity to the Fleet Center and Massachusetts General Hospital, the road closings are expected to have a significant domino effect.

"The Leverett Connector is going to be closed in both directions as we move into the evening hours," said Burns. "We will start restrictions after 4 p.m., but we are not hoping to do the closures until later. The restrictions will include some of the on ramps."

Since the Leverett Connector will be closed in both directions, Storrow Drive eastbound will be closed miles at Western Avenue near the Doubletree Hotel and diverted onto the Massachusetts Turnpike.

"Western Avenue affords you access to I-90 east and west," said Burns. "If you are going to the airport and that's why you're coming on Storrow Drive, you can still get there using the Pike. If you are heading into Boston, you can still get there using the Pike."

Burns said motorists also have the option of reversing direction and getting onto Memorial Drive to get closer to the city.

But don't plan on escaping Boston's traffic hassles by going to the other side of the Charles River.

Memorial Drive eastbound will be closed from the Boston University Bridge to the Museum of Science, with traffic being diverted over the bridge into Boston.

Burns said the closing of nearly 40 miles of roads in and around Boston is part of the security plan for the convention in a post-Sept. 11 reality.

"This is four evenings the last week of July, and everyone really needs to keep that in mind, I know its a huge inconvenience, but if its about protecting the way we do things in this country then I think it's worth it," she said.

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