Boston Traffic Advisories: Weekend of Nov. 19

There are some great events in town this weekend and, as usual, drivers who aren't participating are going to want to know how to avoid them.

First, the annual tree lighting at Faneuil Hall is Saturday, from 3-10 p.m. Nearby Clinton Street will be closed to traffic from approximately 6-9 p.m.

The city expects large crowds of pedestrian throughout the area, and drivers are encouraged to detour around the vicinity of Faneuil Hall whenever possible.

“Tow Zone No Stopping Boston Police Special Event Saturday Noon to Midnight” parking restrictions will be in effect as follows:

• Chatham Street, both sides, from Merchants Row to Commercial Street
• Commercial Street, both sides, from Chatham Street to State Street
• State Street, odd side, from Surface Road to McKinley Square.

The Camp Harbor View 5K will begin at 9 a.m. and streets along the race route will be closed from approximately 8-10 a.m., with BPD re-opening streets sooner if possible.

An estimated 2,000 runners will gather on Charles Street, between Boylston and Beacon Streets, and proceed on Charles Street, left to Beacon Street, left to Arlington Street, right onto Commonwealth Avenue outbound, under the Massachusetts Avenue underpass, left onto Charlesgate West, left onto Commonwealth Avenue inbound, under the Massachusetts Avenue underpass, left onto Arlington Street, right onto Beacon Street, right onto Charles Street.

“Tow Zone No Stopping Boston Police Special Event Saturday” parking restrictions will be in effect as follows:

• Beacon Street, both sides, from Charles to Arlington Streets,
• Charles Street, both sides, from Boylston Street to Beacon Street.

Have fun and, if you have to drive, do so safely.

The city encourages using the MBTA and its Hubway bike system if you plan on attending either event.

Photo of this tree of Christmas Past by Daniel Lobo, Flickr/Creative Commons