Citing security concerns, city seeks to close Lansdowne during Red Sox games

BOSTON — The City of Boston is considering shutting down Lansdowne Street to cars alongside Fenway Park during Red Sox games, citing security reasons.

“We are concerned about having large numbers of people walking down there without having a barrier there,” Mayor Marty Walsh told Boston 25 News Tuesday.

The city cites recent terror attacks that involve trucks driving into crowds as one concern about security down Lansdowne Street.

Under the proposal, the road would be shut down to traffic during Red Sox games and organizations are already planning for the closure. According to a notice, some hospital employees have already been told their shuttle buses will no longer be able to access Lansdowne Street during Red Sox games because of the closure.

The shuttle typically services parking garages on Lansdowne, but will now rely on routes along Brookline Avenue and Boylston Street.

“No final determination has been made yet as far as closing Lansdowne down, but we are looking at closing it down for a period of time,” Walsh said.

The street, which sits below the Green Monster seats along the north side of Fenway Park, is open to traffic during the games, but sees heavy foot traffic to and from the bars, the entrances and the game day ticket sales window.

“We’re exploring it now, meeting with the Red Sox, meeting with Fenway and having these conversations,” said Walsh.

A city meeting Tuesday included some bar and business owners from the area. Some declined to comment on the possible closure.

Walsh reiterated the decision has not yet been finalized, but was being discussed in the meeting Tuesday with the Red Sox, Boston police, Fenway Park security and local businesses.

Cox Media Group