Jul 2, 2007 8:27 pm US/Eastern
Security Tightened At Esplanade For The Fourth
by Dawn Hasbrouck
BOSTON (WBZ) ―
In a matter of a few days, the Esplanade will be packed with Fourth of July spectators, and this year, officials are taking even more precautions to ensure everyone is safe.
"The adjustment we are talking about are occurring as a result of the events overseas in England and Scotland... relatively minor adjustments from what had been an already robust plan," said Kevin Burke, Secretary of Public Safety and Security.
Top security officials are reassuring the public that Wednesday will be the safest ever with 20 federal, state and city agencies working together. "Hundreds of troopers will be assigned -- both in uniform and plain clothes troopers at the event," said Col. Mark Delaney of the Massachusetts State Police Department.
Additional barriers will be put in place and fewer vehicles will be allowed in the area. And the usual restrictions will apply near the Hatch Shell oval: no sharp objects, no metal and no glassware. The public will also have no access to the closest bridges. "There'll be checkpoints, extra vigilance by the officers," said Delaney. "They have been instructed what to look for."
But officials say people should not change their plans. "The Esplanade is probably among the safest events that will occur anywhere in the country on the Fourth of July," said Burke.
People should also take note that Storrow Drive westbound will be closing at noon and the eastbound lanes will be shutdown at 7:30 a.m. Wednesday. All lanes will reopen at 5 a.m. on Thursday.
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