Image courtesy of MBTA via Boston Magazine
This morning the MBTA announced the Government Center T station will be closed for two years starting March 22. That raised some concern over access to Boston Calling, the three-day Memorial Day weekend music festival at City Hall Plaza.
But the fest’s organizers are saying that the reconstruction impact will be minimal.
“We knew about the closing last year, which is part of the reason we moved the entrance to Congress Street for the September festival — to get that established in advance of the construction,” says Brian Appel of CrashLine Productions. “We’re working with property management and city of Boston on the fencelines and timeframe for everything, but we do not anticipate any significant changes in layout or overall festival operations due to the construction.”
As was the case in September, those taking pubic transportation to Boston Calling will be directed to get off at nearby Haymarket.
This year’s Boston Calling is headlined by Death Cab For Cutie, Jack Johnson, and Modest Mouse. Last year, the fest celebrated two weekend events (in May and September) and drew nearly 20,000 fans to City Hall Plaza.
Meanwhile, the Government Center T station will re-open in 2016. Here’s more info from BostInno:
Improvements will include a new “head house” used as the station’s main entrance, new elevators, the addition of LED signage, an upgraded back-up electrical power supply system, and general interior aesthetic improvements.
Cambridge Street and a portion of City Hall Plaza near Government Center will also see construction work take place to provide better walking paths to the station.
Government Center’s location and the fact that it’s located on the Green Line (naturally) make the upcoming station closure troublesome for many. As of now, the T is recommending people plan to add 10 to 15 minutes to their commutes, if they normally stop at Government Center via the Green or Blue Line.
Shuttle buses will operate between Haymarket busway every 20 minutes from 5:20 a.m. to 12:20 a.m. seven days week. On Sundays, bus service will start at 6 a.m. Service will make stops at State Street Station, Government Center Station, Bowdoin Station, and then return to Haymarket. Good news, riders: it’s free.
[Disclaimer: The author of this post is Social Media Director for Boston Calling]