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Travel Tips and Information During The Democratic National Convention

July 23, 2004

Travel Tips and Information During The Democratic National Convention
July 23, 2004 – The Democratic National Convention will take place next week, July 26 – July 30, in Boston. The United States Department of Homeland Security has declared the event a National Special Security Event. Hence, road closures and long delays will have a major impact on travel throughout the surrounding areas.

United Airlines, the official carrier for the convention, has released the following tips and reminders to those traveling to or from Boston during the convention:

  • Travel time – Allow extra travel time to ensure you arrive at Boston’s Logan International Airport on time. For security purposes, most main artery roads into and out of Boston will be closed to traffic during convention hours from Monday, July 26, to Friday, July 30. Given the number of road closings, long delays are expected.
  • Internet resources – Visit http://www.boston04.com/ and http://www.dems2004.org/ to find more information about the convention and travel issues.

The city of Boston has released the following traffic information:

  • The greatest impact will be felt on I-93, which, due to its proximity to the FleetCenter, will be closed in the afternoon and evening hours during the Convention.
  • If you are traveling on I-93 toward Boston from the north, restrictions will begin at Route I-95, and all southbound traffic will be diverted off of I-93 at exit 32 (Route 60).
  • If you are traveling on I-93 toward Boston from the south, restrictions will begin at the Braintree split, and all traffic will be diverted off of I-93 at exit 20 (the Mass Turnpike).
  • Other major roads that will be closed during the afternoon and evening hours are: Route 1 and the Tobin Bridge inbound to Boston, the Sumner Tunnel, the Leverett Connector, and portions of Storrow Drive and Memorial Drive. Additionally, there will be lane restrictions on the Mass Turnpike eastbound from Allston to East Boston.
  • MBTA service will also be affected. North Station will be closed from the evening of Friday, July 23rd through Friday, July 30th. Commuter rail passengers on trains normally destined for North Station will be bused into the city from various points north. Additionally, Orange Line and Green Line trains will not stop at North Station. The T will provide increased rush hour train and bus service throughout the city during the entire week of the Convention. Please visithttp://www.mbta.com/for route specific information.
  • Given the number of road closings, long delays are expected. Area businesses are being urged to allow their employees to use flex-time, telecommuting, staggered shifts and other measures in an effort to reduce traffic to and from the city.

For more travel information related to the Democratic National Convention, visit http://www.boston04.com/.

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