A possible tropical storm aside, this year’s Fourth of July Esplanade celebration will look similar to last year’s.
There will be checkpoints near the Clarendon and Berkeley footbridges and by the island/lagoon area. Among the items banned: alcohol, glass, cans, and bicycles, according to Col. Timothy Alben of the Massachusetts State Police.
“If we ever had to put into effect an evacuation, for example, if you’ve been here at night and see 600,000 people try to get over those bridges or get out of the restricted areas, it’s extremely difficult for people to do that," Alben said. "Bikes are just an added hazard.”
Esplanade visitors may bring tents, blankets, tarps, folding chairs, coolers that can be carried, clear bags and small purses. The Massachusetts Avenue and Longfellow Bridges will not be open viewing areas. And for those below, in boats? A slight change.
“The fireworks barge that you see out in the Charles is going to be moved slightly west, towards the Mass. Ave. bridge," Alben said. "We’ll make adjustments for boaters and so forth so they will be able to be out there and get a front row seat, if you will, but everything will be moved slightly west.”
Alben says boats may not anchor between Mass. Ave. and the barges. He says about 1,000 state and local police will be patrolling both sides of the river — same as last year. But they say there’s no reason to believe it’ll be anything but a safe celebration.
