DCR Traffic Advisory: Chickatawbut Road
WHAT: Starting on Saturday, October 17, 2020, the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) will indefinitely close Chickatawbut Road within Blue Hills Reservation in the Town of Milton between Route 28, Wood Road, and Wampatuck Road.
WHERE: Chickatawbut Road within Blue Hills Reservation in the Town of Milton between Route 28, Wood Road, and Wampatuck Road
WHEN: Starting Saturday, October 17, 2020 and continuing indefinitely
For more information contact:
Olivia Dorrance
Olivia.K.Dorrance@mass.gov
617-626-4967
Are they allowing more spaces at Houghton’s Pond? Can we park along along Unquity Road. On the grassy areas? Thanks for any info
The DCR has not announced any plans to increase parking.
This doesn’t create more space.. it decreases space pushing people to park at and to hike in one central location, the end of the road. How does this create more space? This literally makes NO sense.
What about parking? Seems that the skating rink is not a good option. Overcrowded on weekends and almost witnessed a fight over a spot. Not worth it. Is Houghton’s pond parking still open?
Yes, Houghton’s Pond is not affected by the closure of Cickatawbut. There is limited parking at the corner of Route 28 and Chickatawbut.
Thanks for all your questions. Here is the response from the Department of Conservation and Recreation:
This response makes it sound like there have been a lot of people using the park after hours, probably parking at the overlook or nearby spots, and the DCR nor assisting departments have any interest in policing that.
Don’t they close the road after hours anyway? If not, then that’s the solution to that problem. Close the road after hours!
Road closure is more than likely due to the last accident that just occurred there a few days ago where the person involved didn’t make it. Went over the side…prays for the family
Really, really sad.
Great questions everyone! We just received the notice on Friday afternoon. This week, we will follow-up on your questions to see if the DCR can provide additional information on the purpose and timing of the closure.
So frustrating. Just like everyone else I loathe the highway. My mom showed me this back road as a kid and I love love love taking this ride from the south shore back home to Boston. What a bummer.
Why ?
Sue,
Here’s the explanation from the DCR:
Blue Hills Reservation continues to be an extremely popular destination for visitors during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) has closed Chickatawbut Road in the Town of Milton to provide additional space for visitors of the park to recreate during operating hours. Additionally, the closure will assist the agency in monitoring the park, particularly during after hours, when entering the park is prohibited.
Why is it closed?
John,
The DCR has provided the below statement as an explanation:
Blue Hills Reservation continues to be an extremely popular destination for visitors during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) has closed Chickatawbut Road in the Town of Milton to provide additional space for visitors of the park to recreate during operating hours. Additionally, the closure will assist the agency in monitoring the park, particularly during after hours, when entering the park is prohibited.
This is nuts. I love driving that road. Why is no reason or end date given?
Tracy,
I’m not sure why they didn’t include a reason in the original press release. Here’s the explanation that they have provided us:
Blue Hills Reservation continues to be an extremely popular destination for visitors during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) has closed Chickatawbut Road in the Town of Milton to provide additional space for visitors of the park to recreate during operating hours. Additionally, the closure will assist the agency in monitoring the park, particularly during after hours, when entering the park is prohibited.
Why are you closing Chickatawbut Road within Blue Hills Reservation in the Town of Milton between Route 28, Wood Road, and Wampatuck Road
Cheryl,
This is a decision by the Department of Conservation and Recreation. Here’s their explanation:
Blue Hills Reservation continues to be an extremely popular destination for visitors during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) has closed Chickatawbut Road in the Town of Milton to provide additional space for visitors of the park to recreate during operating hours. Additionally, the closure will assist the agency in monitoring the park, particularly during after hours, when entering the park is prohibited.
Is there a logical reason for this? I drive this route every day to enjoy the peace of the woods vs the chaos of 128. My commute from Braintree to Hyde Park is so much more enjoyable especially with the leaves turning this time of year. Please explain why the road is being closed.
Mark,
Here’s the explanation from the DCR:
Blue Hills Reservation continues to be an extremely popular destination for visitors during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) has closed Chickatawbut Road in the Town of Milton to provide additional space for visitors of the park to recreate during operating hours. Additionally, the closure will assist the agency in monitoring the park, particularly during after hours, when entering the park is prohibited.
Why is the road closing?
Lisa, Thanks for your question. Here’s the response from the DCR:
Blue Hills Reservation continues to be an extremely popular destination for visitors during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) has closed Chickatawbut Road in the Town of Milton to provide additional space for visitors of the park to recreate during operating hours. Additionally, the closure will assist the agency in monitoring the park, particularly during after hours, when entering the park is prohibited.
I’m curious as to why? The traffic in Milton and QUINCY is already at a peak of capacity at rush hour and this is a pandemic. I’m sure this closing won’t relieve that issue, but compound it
DCR has said: Blue Hills Reservation continues to be an extremely popular destination for visitors during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) has closed Chickatawbut Road in the Town of Milton to provide additional space for visitors of the park to recreate during operating hours. Additionally, the closure will assist the agency in monitoring the park, particularly during after hours, when entering the park is prohibited.
Could you tell us what you are doing do we could project how long you will be closing this road, which is a very important road for many in this area.
Robert,
This is a decision by the state agency, the Department of Conservation and Recreation. The notice says that closure will be indefinite. Here’s the explanation that they have given:
Blue Hills Reservation continues to be an extremely popular destination for visitors during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) has closed Chickatawbut Road in the Town of Milton to provide additional space for visitors of the park to recreate during operating hours. Additionally, the closure will assist the agency in monitoring the park, particularly during after hours, when entering the park is prohibited.
Please close off park and ride in canton. Lots of old guys chasing people with pants around the knees
Why?
Best time of year, what is the reason?
Whyyyy