August 1 , 2003

Parkman Street project creates a second gateway to MGH

The last week of June marked the initiation of two-way vehicle traffic on Parkman Street, helping to alleviate traffic congestion around the hospital. This construction project, which provided a second access point to the main campus, was led by the MGH in conjunction with the Boston Transportation Department and the Beacon Hill and West End communities. Patients and visitors now have easier access to the MGH campus, the valet service at the Wang Ambulatory Care Center's circular driveway and the Parkman Street Garage.

Seventy percent of the traffic entering the main campus drives up Cambridge Street from Charles Circle, and then takes a left onto North Grove Street. Patients and visitors often spend time waiting in queue on Cambridge Street for the next green light that would allow them to turn. They now are encouraged to proceed to the next traffic light, take a left onto Blossom, and then another left onto Parkman Street (see map below).

The six-month project to widen Parkman Street entailed sidewalk upgrades, improvements to ramps, new signage and extensive relocation of utilities.