October Weekend Traffic Changes

The City of Salem sees a large influx of vehicles into the city during the month of October, especially on the weekends. To help alleviate some of the traffic congestion the Salem Police are taking the following efforts.

First, we will be closing Essex Street between Hawthorne Boulevard and New Liberty Street. Vehicles will be able to access the Museum Place Garage from the Brown Street side. A police officer will be on site to assist with access for residents and businesses.

Map of Essex Street Road Closure

Secondly, we are restricting vehicles from turning left from Essex Street onto Washington Street. Vehicles will only be allowed to turn right onto Washington Street towards New Derby Street. There will be large signs posted where Essex Street intersects with North and Summer Streets, as well as barricades and a detail officer in Town House Square. Vehicles turning from left onto Washington Street cause the traffic to back up heavily in both directions. In the past we have totally closed this section of Essex Street to traffic, however to minimize the impact to local businesses we are making a change this year.

Essex Street Restricted Turn

Finally, we will be posting a number of informational signs along routes to key parking areas around downtown to help guide visitors. 

Arrow locations

Route descriptions

As always we encourage visitors to make use of the MBTA's Commuter Rail when traveling to Salem if possible. There are large parking garages in Lynn and Beverly, and the Commuter Rail can be accessed from the subway system at North Station.

Although the above traffic changes are the only ones currently planned, the Salem Police Department will close any street or alter any traffic pattern without notice in the interest of public safety if needed. Be sure to follow us on Twitter and Facebook for additional updates.