April 4, 2003

To help alleviate traffic congestion around the hospital — especially at the Cambridge Street entrance — the MGH embarked on a construction project to transform Parkman Street into a two-way road. Construction started last November after extensive discussions with the city of Boston and representatives from adjacent neighborhoods. This improvement will provide a second entrance into the campus, taking some of the traffic congestion away from North Grove Street.

Although roadwork met with several delays because of the severe winter weather, the construction project still is on track. For several months, a lane restriction along the length of the street was put in place to accommodate the construction. The north sidewalk was moved back to widen the street, and new lighting, landscaping and some utility relocation work was completed.

Temporary sidewalks now have been laid using asphalt, with plans for permanent concrete sidewalks to be put in place this spring. Before the official opening of the street, new signage will be positioned and road striping will be painted. The Boston Public Works Department will conduct a final inspection and approval before the street will be fully open for traffic.