(Getty Images)
BOSTON (WBZ-AM) – Boston’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade is getting a modified route this year, due to the large quantities of snow left behind by Tuesday’s blizzard. Mayor Marty Walsh announced the changes on Wednesday to ensure the safety of participants and spectators.
The new route will begin at Broadway Station and end at Farragut Road.
"Our number one priority will always be to keep our residents safe at all times," said Mayor Walsh, in a statement. "The snow route has allowed for a safe and enjoyable celebration in other years when there has been heavy snow before the parade, and I commend the Public Works Department for working diligently to ensure that Broadway will be safe and accessible by Sunday."
The South Boston Allied Veterans War Council is not pleased with the decision to shorten the route.
"It needs to go past certain spots, one being Dorchester Heights and the Veterans Post," organizer Tim DeRoss told WBZ-TV.
He also said some elderly residents who live on the traditional route won't get to see the parade.
Walsh, meanwhile, told WBZ NewsRadio 1030's Nightside with Dan Rea that DPW crews would work over the next few days to get the shorter route cleared.
"This Saturday is St. Patrick's Day, you won't be able to be working out there on Saturday," he said. "You want to get the route clear so we can have a good, safe parade."
For some South Boston residents like Hector, who lives off South Broadway, the decision makes sense.
"I think it does, there's still a lot of snow," he said.
WBZ NewsRadio 1030's Ben Parker reports