Broadway (Revere)

Broadway (Revere). Broadway is a primary 2.1-mile (3.4 km) east-west arterial road in the city of Revere, Massachusetts. It serves as a major commercial corridor and vital transportation link, connecting central Revere to the Revere Beach shoreline and providing access to the neighboring community of Winthrop, Massachusetts. The roadway is maintained by the Massachusetts Department of Transportation and carries significant local and through traffic.

Route description

Beginning at a complex junction with Revere Beach Parkway and Squire Road near the Revere City Hall, Broadway travels eastward through densely developed urban neighborhoods. It passes key civic institutions like the Revere Police Department and commercial districts featuring a mix of local businesses and national retail chains. The route continues past Paul Revere School and through the historic Oak Island district, offering views of the Pines River and Belle Isle Inlet as it approaches the coastline. Its eastern terminus is at a rotary intersection with Winthrop Parkway and Shirley Street, providing direct access to the Revere Beach Reservation and the entrance to Winthrop, Massachusetts.

History

The path of Broadway likely originated as a colonial-era trail connecting early settlements in Chelsea and Rumney Marsh to the fishing and farming communities on Revere Beach. Its development accelerated in the late 19th century with the arrival of the Boston, Revere Beach and Lynn Railroad, which transformed Revere into a popular summer destination for residents of Boston. The construction of the Wonderland Greyhound Park in 1935 and the adjacent Wonderland station on the MBTA Blue Line further cemented Broadway's role as a major thoroughfare. Significant mid-20th century projects, including the building of the Revere Beach Parkway and the Shirley Avenue overpass, altered its traffic patterns and connectivity.

Major intersections

The entire route is in Revere, Suffolk County. {| class="wikitable" |- ! mi ! km ! Destinations ! Notes |- | 0.0 | 0.0 | Revere Beach Parkway / Squire Road – Chelsea, Lynn | Western terminus; access to Route 1A and Route 16 |- | 0.7 | 1.1 | Shirley Avenue – Revere Beach | Major north-south connector |- | 1.4 | 2.3 | Ocean Avenue / Lee Burbank Highway – Logan International Airport | Access to Route 1A north |- | 2.1 | 3.4 | Winthrop Parkway / Shirley Street – Winthrop, Revere Beach Reservation | Eastern terminus; rotary intersection |- |}

Public transportation

Broadway is a critical corridor for public transit, primarily served by the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority. The underground Wonderland station, the northern terminus of the MBTA Blue Line, is located just off Broadway, providing direct rail service to Downtown Boston and Logan International Airport. Multiple MBTA bus routes operate along Broadway, including key lines like the **116/117** (to Chelsea and Haymarket station), the **450** (to Salem or Wonderland station), and the **455** (to Wonderland station). These services connect residential areas in Revere and Winthrop to the regional rail network and major employment centers.