BOSTON, MA (WBZ NewsRadio) -- Security will be tight at the Boston Marathon once again.
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Boston Police Commissioner William Gross, Mayor Marty Walsh and other marathon organizers outlined a comprehensive safety plan to cover the marathon itself as well as other associated events Friday.
Nearly 30,000 people will run in this year’s 123rd Boston marathon, and hundreds of thousands of spectators will come out to cheer them on.
Gross said local, state and federal law-enforcement agencies are working together to keep everyone safe.
The Boston Police Department will have a large presence during the race, with rooftop observation teams, plainclothes officers, and SWAT and Hazmat teams along the course.
You will see uniformed officers, there will be plain-clothes officers as well as undercover officers,” he said “it’s important to note that our neighborhoods will be fully staffed with police,”
There will be security checkpoints for spectators, and all bags will be searched.
Those headed to the race are encouraged to leave bags at home or use a clear bag to make the lines move faster.
No public drinking of alcohol or smoking of any kind will be allowed. And police are reminding the public, if you see something say something.
Officials are asking that no one fly drones.
“They are against FAA policy,” said Gross.
This year marks the sixth anniversary of the Boston Marathon bombing.
Boston Police Commissioner William Gross says there are no threats to the race, but as always the department will remain vigilant.
Boston Mayor Marty Walsh advised spectators to take public transportation.
He also outlined several parking restrictions and road closures taking place over the weekend and on Marathon Monday.
Sections of both Huntington Avenue and Newbury Street will be pedestrian-only.
Traffic leading into the Marathon routes east of Massachusetts Avenue will be closed at 8 a.m., with routes west of Mass Ave closed at 9 a.m.
Gross said the closures and restrictions would be in effect until around 5:45 p.m. Monday.
WBZ NewsRadio1030’s Shari Small (@ShariSmallNews) reports