Dems the brakes: DNC will shut down I-93 – and North Station, too [Boston goes mental!]

The Boston Herald ^ | March 31, 2004 | Ellen J. Silberman and Robin Washington

[johnny7]

It's official - July's Democratic convention will bring a long-feared nightmare scenario for Hub commuters with shutdowns of North Station and the Central Artery. The two gateways to Boston for thousands of daily commuters from the north and northwest will be closed for security reasons at the FleetCenter convention where Sen. John F. Kerry [related, bio] will accept his party's nomination.

North Station will be closed the Friday before the four-day convention - which runs July 26-29 - and remain closed during the entire event, until Democratic delegates leave town, sources said. The seven-day shuttering will come just as T riders are being detoured onto buses because of a Green Line construction project. It was unclear last night what stations rail commuters will be directed to use once North Station is closed. Portions of Interstate 93 and the Central Artery will be closed periodically as well, throughout the convention. The Associated Press reported those closings will occur during evening rush hours. Southbound I-93 runs just feet from the FleetCenter. Boston Police Department honchos and U.S. Secret Service officials this morning will brief reporters on the transportation plan.

About 25,000 rail commuters use North Station daily, while up to 200,000 motorists use the new I-93 tunnel. Today's announcement represents the beginning of the campaign to publicize convention-related security and transportation changes so that residents can plan around the inconveniences. U.S. Rep. Michael Capuano (D-Somerville) has suggested that businesses take a week off in July to avoid convention-related inconveniences. While declining to specifically comment on the convention closure, Big Dig spokesman Sean O'Neill told the Herald recently Route 128 would take the bulk of any traffic shunted off I-93. ``Route 128 is the detour route for emergencies,'' he said. Yet that Woburn interchange is miles away from the FleetCenter, and drivers may clamor for the road to remain open all the way to Somerville where they could try their luck on secondary arteries, such as Routes 16 or 99. ``I would hope they would only close it at the bridge,'' said Ivan Sever of the National Motorists Association, who said Route 1A, leading to the Sumner and Williams tunnels, may prove a better alternative for many drivers. ``It doesn't make sense to go all the way around on 128 and the Pike if you're going from Reading to South Station,'' he said. Sever predicted the closure may not be as draconian as threatened. ``I think they'll do it for an afternoon or two when the big shots come in or when they leave. I don't think it'll be for days,'' he said.

The Herald reported in October that traffic would have to be detoured - at least when Secret Service protectees like presidential contender Kerry and former President Bill Clinton are in the arena. Neither city nor convention officials would comment on the security plan. But they have made clear that security will be exceptionally tight given the Democratic event is the first national nominating convention since the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001.

Because of the potential security risks and traffic disruptions, Republican Gov. Mitt Romney [related, bio] suggested earlier this month that the convention be moved to a nearly completed new convention center in South Boston. But Democrats dismissed Romney's comments as political posturing to make his rival party look bad.      

[verity]

Massholes at work!

[wingster]

They'll be digging a hole in the ground for corpuscled Ted soon enough. I'm still waiting for his head to explode during one of his tirades. It looks like a pumpkin.

In fact, Ted Kennedy plastic jack-o-lanterns for halloween would be a great business idea for someone!

[OldEagle]

"U.S. Rep. Michael Capuano (D-Somerville) has suggested that businesses take a week off in July to avoid convention-related inconveniences."

That's SO French.

[Fishface]

This couldn't have worked out more perfect. Kerry is worried about being labeled a Massachusetts Democrat, and the convention is being held in Boston. Kerry, Kennedy, Barney Frank...they will all be there celebrating their twisted liberal agenda for all the country to see.

It's perfect.

[Puddleglum]

They need to base the whole theme of the convention on that $17 billion dollar hole under the harbor. It needs to become the metaphor for the Democratic Party itself. Their motto should be "We'll put a hole in your idea of good government!" or something similar but catchier (consider this a challenge to all you creative Freepers!).

[wingster]

All they need now is a gay march in front of their locale.

[wingster]

The UN's been cryin' about a new building. Perhaps they should put it in Boston!

[Semper Paratus]

Sounds like an excellent time for that Maine vacation.

[Spotsy]

Have you noticed that the people who say that the terrorist threat has been exaggerated are the same people who are obsessed with their own security and protection?

[bondjamesbond]

U.S. Rep. Michael Capuano (D-Somerville) has suggested that businesses take a week off in July to avoid convention-related inconveniences.

Every now and then the mask slips, and you see what the Democrats really think about private enterprise and capitalism in general. To the Democrats, their little party is more important than the activities of an entire city for a week. It is more important that the priviledged class have an easy time getting about than 5 Million people get to earn a living that week.

Oh, I imagine they think that the "Greedy Bosses" should just pay all of those workers for taking the week off, so nobody really loses anything. Nobody who matters, anyway.

I've lived in a lot of Third World countries, and one common feature of these places is that they will close down the whole city when the "Big Man" is on the move. Nothing else matters except the safety and convenience of the rulers. You wind up sitting around on the side of the road for hours, waiting for the caravan of Mercedes limos to wisk by. These Democrats seem to be cut from the same cloth.

[Vermont Lt]

Just as an FYI, for those of you who are not familiar with the traffic patterns in and around Boston: This is going to be a disaster. The traffic going into the city from NH pretty much all comes down I-93; shutting it down will cause horrible overloads on the other interstate going around Boston--Rt95/128.

As an example, ten years ago it would take me an hour and a half to go about 20 miles--bumper to bumber. Literally, you would be driving two to three feet away from other cars--all going 50+ MPH with no room on any side.

For those of you on the west coast, think about the freeways of LA, but about five times worse. And then think about shutting down the PRIMARY freeway during the heavy tourist season. You see, there are OTHER things going on in New England during the middle of the summer!

Nightmare does not come close to describing what this mess is going to be like.

[EQAndyBuzz]

A point to note here.

No one will get to see what a mess Boston is. The media will totally black out any news outside of the convention. So no one will see the traffic as well as the boondoggle of the 20th century known as the "Big Dig."

The "Thank you Kerry and Kennedy" signs that we will put up will be portrayed by the media as true thank you's by the loyal constituents.

There is another reason this is being held in Boston. Not one conservative will waste his/her time putting up with this debacle for the sake of protesting socialism.

[Hemingway's Ghost]

I commute via train into the city from the north, and there's no way in hell I plan to go anywhere near the city while the Democrats are whooping it up at the Crypt. I cannot believe they're closing down North Station for an entire week because of this: what a podunk town Boston is sometimes.

[Wright is right!]

"The seven-day shuttering will come just as T riders are being detoured onto buses because of a Green Line construction project."

What was wrong with the Green Line? I took it all th' time when I lived there ...

Michael

[Hemingway's Ghost]

Nightmare does not come close to describing what this mess is going to be like.

Hell, the commute on the day of the Pats' victory celebration was a nightmare. This is going to be the biggest mistake Mumbles ever made.

[BluH2o]

... and remain closed during the entire event, until Democratic delegates leave town, sources said.

Delegates adjourn to Martha's Vineyard would be better way of putting it. Summer playground of the "Rats"!

[rod1]

Yep--we should help them along with the provential emphasisa theme.

the new slogan--John F. Kerry--the best the liberal Northeast has to offer. Stay home in Boston John, we don't need your "leadership" even across the border in NY. He is little more than a regional candidate.

[Final Authority]

If terrorism is a worry will Logan also be shut down? Many small busness jets fly in and out all day and one of these would make a big hole in the Fleet. By jet Hanscom is only a couple of minutes away too. Will ANG jets be patrolling as well? Who is paying for this security anyway? Oh, I forgot to look into the mirror.

[finnman69]

and I thought it ould be bad in NYC. LOL.