Local News
The closure is a “matter of necessity given the expected increase in foot traffic near” South Station, according to MassDOT.
Commuters fill the platform at South Station. Craig F. Walker / The Boston Globe, File
The planned closure of a two-block section of Summer Street on World Cup game days is causing strife between the Massachusetts Department of Transportation and the City of Boston.
At question is the closure of the street outside South Station, between its intersections with Atlantic Avenue and Dorchester Avenue.
With only a few weeks until the start of the World Cup, which will feature seven matches at Gillette Stadium (aka Boston Stadium), MassDOT sent a letter to the city on Friday, saying it plans to close the two blocks for safety.
MassDOT expects 20,000 people to be streaming into South Station to take trains to the matches, alongside regular commuters and those attending fan-related events.
The closure is a “matter of necessity given the expected increase in foot traffic near the station,” said the letter from interim MassDOT Secretary Phil Eng, who also serves as the MBTA’s general manager and CEO.
However, a spokesperson for the city said the move is an “inappropriate use of eminent domain” to bypass the permitting process for roadway closures.
The city urged MassDOT to withdraw its filing pending a review of the plans.
The spokesperson said that Boston has “extensive experience managing major events” and proposes alternative solutions to meet the World Cup’s safety and security needs while also maintaining access to the area for residents, visitors, and local commuters.
“Full closure of a major route into the City for multiple entire workdays should be undertaken only as a last resort,” the spokesperson said. “The City will continue working toward a resolution.”
According to the letter from MassDOT, the city has already agreed to close this portion of the street during the first match on June 13 and a second match on June 19. The closure will last about 10 hours on game days.
The closure will not include the intersection of Dorchester Avenue and Summer Street.
MassDOT also said that the closure comes at the recommendation of Massachusetts State Police and the MBTA’s public safety personnel.
The letter stated that MassDOT has the right to occupy the street under the state’s General Laws.
“MBTA officials will coordinate their activities with the City of Boston, Boston Police, and other public safety officials,” the letter said.
World Cup match dates:
- Saturday, June 13
- Tuesday, June 16
- Friday, June 19
- Tuesday, June 23
- Friday, June 26
- Monday, June 29
- Thursday, July 9
Beth Treffeisen is a general assignment reporter for Boston.com, focusing on local news, crime, and business in the New England region.
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