Marathon Monday

The 113th running of the Boston Marathon will occur on Monday, April 20, 2009.  A major portion of the route, including the half-way point, runs through Wellesley, and will result in significant road closures as well as parking restrictions.  The following is a schedule of events designed to assist the resident and motorist who need to travel through Wellesley on Monday.

The marathon route enters Wellesley on Central Street (Route 135) at the Natick town line.  The route continues east on Central Street through Wellesley Square to Washington Street (Route 16) in Wellesley Square.  The route continues east on Washington Street to the Newton town line.

Monday Morning at 6AM:  There is NO PARKING anywhere on the marathon route (Rt. 135 from the Natick line to Wellesley Square, and on Rt. 16 from Wellesley Square to the Newton line.)  These areas will be well posted with no parking signs.  VIOLATORS PARKING ON THE ROUTE OR IN AREAS POSTED NO PARKING  WILL BE TOWED!

In addition, there are various other areas near the marathon route which will also be posted with no parking signs, including areas of Pond Road, Weston Road, Crest Road, Linden Street, Rice Street, Forest Street, Wareland Road., and River Street.  This is in order to keep the road open. 

Monday Morning at 8:45 AM:  Marathon route CLOSED.  Rt. 135 will be closed from the Natick line to Wellesley Square.  Rt. 16 will be closed from Wellesley Square to the Newton line.  Vehicular traffic on the route will be directed off.  Motorists will NOT be able to cross the route once it is closed.  THERE WILL BE NO EXCEPTIONS! 

Monday Afternoon between 2:00 and 2:30PM.  Projected (estimated) road re-opening time.  The route will be re-opened, starting in the west at the Natick line and proceed slowly east bound.  There will be significant delays in travel.  Parking restrictions will be lifted when the road is re-opened.

Please plan ahead!  In the past, citizens have parked on one side of the marathon route, forgetting that they cannot cross the route or exit  a parking lot on the route once the race has begun.  The only way to cross the route in Wellesley is by using Route 9, which crosses under the route at Washington Street.

Expect Delays!  Due to ramp closures in Wellesley Hills, both eastbound and westbound sections of Route 9 tend to back up.  Route 95/128 also backs up, especially in the Newton area due to the ramp closures there.

To stay aware of road closures and re-openings, check the front page of www.wellesleypolice.com  Up to the minute live information will be displayed in the 'Active Incident Ticker' including when the road re-opens.

Click HERE for further information regarding transportation on Marathon Monday from Smart Traveler

Click HERE for a link to the marathon route from the Boston Athletic Association.