Double-Parked Car Triggers Massive Gridlock in Downtown Boston
A single driver's decision to double-park on a narrow street paralyzed traffic in Boston's busy downtown area, highlighting the city's ongoing congestion challenges.
A white car double-parked on a narrow road in Downtown Boston on Monday evening caused significant traffic gridlock, leaving numerous vehicles stranded. The car was parked parallel to a FedEx truck on a tight stretch of road, blocking the path for other drivers.
Video footage from the scene showed a truck, which was advertising cat allergens, struggling to make a turn due to the obstruction. A long line of cars was visible behind the truck, with many drivers expressing their frustration by honking.
Boston has been identified as one of the most congested cities in the United States. According to transportation data from INRIX, the city ranked sixth most congested in the US and 12th globally in 2025. Average driving speeds in Downtown Boston were reported to be as low as 13 mph.
The incident prompted varied reactions from Boston residents who viewed the video online. Some blamed the driver of the white car, while others pointed fingers at the FedEx truck or the cars waiting behind it. Online commenters debated whether the issue was caused by the driver's poor parking, the truck's maneuvering, or the city's infrastructure, including the presence of bike lanes.
The city's traffic problems are partly attributed to its road network, much of which predates the invention of automobiles. In an effort to alleviate similar congestion, Boston is reportedly considering adopting a congestion pricing model, similar to the system implemented in New York City.
Brian Kane, executive director of the MBTA Advisory Board, told WBUR that the city is "looking very closely at what New York City is doing with congestion pricing." Congestion pricing, as implemented in Manhattan, involves charging drivers a fee to enter certain areas during peak times.