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Significant Street Changes Announced For South Boston

BOSTON (CBS) – Traffic in South Boston will look a bit different as of Saturday night.

In an effort to improve driving around the city, Boston Mayor Marty Walsh announced that a South Boston Emergency Transportation Reconfiguration (ETR) will go into effect Saturday at 10 p.m. and will last until April 1.

Map: South Boston Street Changes

Even numbered streets will be open only to westbound traffic while odd numbered streets will be eastbound as a result of the ETR.

Main roads will remain two-way streets, while streets that are currently one way streets will maintain their original direction, Walsh said.

"Boston has seen unprecedented levels of snow over the past few weeks, totaling nearly 80 inches, and more is expected," Walsh said. "Boston's Public Works Department has been working around the clock to remove snow from the neighborhoods, however this emergency reconfiguration will help assure the safety of residents and drivers, and improve access to roadways for public safety officials."

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Do not enter signs and barricades are being placed around the city on Saturday. In addition, Walsh said city employees were scheduled to discuss the changes with neighborhoods on Saturday morning.

The Boston Police Department will increase their presence in the area in order to help with the new program.

"As the Police Commissioner and a lifelong resident of South Boston, I support the Mayor in implementing this temporary traffic reconfiguration," Boston Police Commissioner William Evans said. "Public safety is my first priority and this plan will assist my department in delivering effective services."

Residents can visit the MBTA website for updates on how the ETR will impact bus routes in South Boston.

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