Driving in any major metropolitan city is challenging for anyone, even the most experienced drivers. However, driving in Boston comes with its own set of unique difficulties. Road characteristics like rotaries, storrowing, and high numbers of pedestrians and cyclists make it difficult to drive in Boston, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the city’s layout.
Check out the information below to learn more about why it’s difficult to drive in Boston, its specific challenges, and why they are relevant when moving to a new home in the area.
Why is it Difficult to Drive in Boston?
Boston roads have many unique features that make driving difficult in the city. Boston has tight streets and traffic like other cities, which can be frustrating. However, Boston also has other restrictions and layouts that are rare in other cities. Here are three key characteristics that make navigating Boston roads and neighborhoods difficult.
Rotaries and Roundabouts
Boston has historically used rotaries as a way to regulate traffic. Rotaries are circular road layouts with multiple lanes – less regulated than roundabouts. Rotaries are known for being chaotic, as speeds are higher and entry into a rotary is less controlled. As of 2017, Boston is making the switch to roundabouts. However, there are still rotaries across the state of Massachusetts and Boston. Furthermore, while roundabouts are more controlled than rotaries, they still are challenging for most drivers.
Storrowing
Storrowing is a road condition across Boston that impacts large trucks. Storrowing is when trucks drive under bridges along Storrow drive that are not high enough to accommodate the truck’s height; this causes a collision between the truck and the bridge. This is common in Boston, so it can be difficult to navigate city routes if you’re unfamiliar with the area, especially along Storrow drive.
Driving in Boston – Pedestrians
Due to its heavy traffic, Boston is a city where many people walk as a form of transportation, which can help reduce the number of vehicles on the road. For drivers, however, this is another obstacle to overcome. Drivers need to be aware of their surroundings to avoid collisions with pedestrians or bikers, which are everywhere!
What Does Driving in Boston Have to Do with Moving?
Driving is usually unavoidable when it comes to moving, and someone has to drive the vehicles transporting your belongings from one home to another; this can be especially true if you’re moving from out of state, as navigating all the unique components of Boston roads can be challenging. It’s even more difficult if you are trying to maneuver a U-Haul or large truck through the city without experience.
Driving in rotaries or roundabouts is even more stressful in a large vehicle, and it can be harder to see pedestrians. Therefore, it’s important to have an experienced driver to help you move.
Hire a Moving Company to Help with Your Move
It’s ultimately best to enlist the help of local movers in Boston when planning to move to the city. Not only can moving companies safely pack and transport your belongings, but they also alleviate the need for you to drive the city yourself in a rental truck!
Eagle Lines is a Boston moving company. We provide professional, careful movers to ensure your belongings arrive safely at your new home.
Contact us to learn more about our moving services today!
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