fbpx

Pedestrians At Best: Newbury Street to be closed off to vehicular traffic on 3 days this summer

A chance to walk freely up, down, and across Newbury Street without the danger of getting hit by a car is returning this summer.

According to Boston Magazine, the “Open Newbury Street” program — where vehicular traffic is closed to the shopping and dining corridor that runs parallel to Boylston Street in Boston’s Back Bay — will take place July 23, August 13, and September 10. City Hall has confirmed the dates, according to BoMag, and an official announcement is expected as soon as this afternoon.

“Open Newbury Street” was launched last summer as an experiment to show off the strip and make it more friendly to foot traffic, and it seems to have been a success. On those three dates, Newbury Street will officially be car-free from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Parking will be restricted starting at 8 a.m. to make way for spring-heeled shoppers.

“This special day will create an opportunity for people to wander around Newbury Street and discover new places to shop and dine,” writes newburystboston.com, a website that promotes Newbury Street business. “While many already know the shops and brands on Newbury Street, this new perspective allows shoppers to discover aspects of the street for the first time… A car-free Newbury Street creates the opportunity for businesses to promote their brand and attract new customers. This can be done by creating special experiences within stores or utilizing new space on the street to promote your business.”

Newburystboston.com adds that it will ask businesses to promote the designated days by using #OpenNewbury on social media.

Featured photo via newburystboston.com