Longfellow Bridge Closed to Fireworks Spectators July 4th
Take note if, like me, you enjoy spending the Fourth of July on the Longfellow Bridge that connects East Cambridge and Beacon Hill, watching the fireworks over the Charles along with hundreds of other spectators.
Urgent safety considerations forced state officials to take action this week when a Thursday inspection revealed a steel beam supporting one sidewalk requires immediate work. That discovery is in addition to previously known problems with deteriorated railroad ties, which urged MBTA officials to have Red Line subway conductors slow down substantially as they ride over the bridge on their normal route until replacements are completed.
As a result of these combined pressing problems, Longfellow Bridge will close several times this summer to allow repairs that will increase its stability. The west side of the bridge already underwent such drastic action on Friday, and the entire bridge will on July 4th.
Vehicles usually aren’t allowed to cross Longfellow Bridge on that day — the Red Line T carries on as always, however — but pedestrians won’t be able to either this year. Since Independence Day is a time when thousands arrive at the bridge from all over to enjoy the festivities and to get the best look possible at impressive fireworks displays, the changes are definitely going to put a crimp in people’s holiday plans.
The following disruptions in access to the Longfellow Bridge are currently in effect or scheduled for later:
- June 7: West sidewalk closed indefinitely to foot traffic; Pedestrians should detour to east sidewalk
- June 14–15: Red Line service completely shut down
- June 21–22: Red Line service completely shut down
- July 4: No pedestrian or vehicle traffic; Red Line service available
Watch the video after the jump to get a better idea of the effects these developments are having on travelers who use the Longfellow Bridge.
3 Comments
[...] out at you. Unfortunately since it’s at least 50% not safe for walking anymore it will be closed for the 4th, but hey, any decent contractor will tell you you can’t get rich by ignoring the Law of [...]
[...] area won’t get to enjoy the traditional free Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular from the Longfellow Bridge, a prime vantage point. But that doesn’t mean the celebration will be any less dazzling, [...]
[...] didn’t go to check out the display in person myself since the Longfellow Bridge, my favorite perch, was closed to observers. That didn’t stop me from watching on television [...]