A project now underway will cut the number of vehicular travel lanes on William J. Day Boulevard in half— from four to two— to allow for “new bicycle and pedestrian accommodations and some additional parking,” according to the state agencies that oversee the roadway.

In a statement issued on Monday, the Department of Transportation (MassDOT) said that recent studies commissioned by the state “found that traffic volumes do not warrant the current four lane (two lanes in each direction) configuration for motor vehicle travel.” The project was initially scheduled for next year but was “accelerated” recently. 

Work on the South Boston artery will occur mainly overnight between the State Police barracks near Kosciuzsko Circle and Farragut Road. New parking spaces for vehicles will be provided along sections of Day Boulevard between I Street and O Street, and a left-turn lane will be added at the intersection with L Street. Existing parking along the corridor will be maintained. Work will also include upgraded traffic signals, signs, and sidewalk panels.