Highways & Roads

In 2014, MassDOT began the process of redesigning and implementing changes in the I-90 interchange and viaduct in Allston.  In 2018, the toll booths were removed and replaced by all-electronic tolling gantries along the Turnpike including in Allston.  The removal of the toll booths allows the interchange ramps to be reconfigured that will open up opportunities for open space and future development in the former interchange and rail yard area.  Currently, MassDOT is beginning to prepare a Final Environmental Impact Report for Massachusetts and a federal Draft Environmental Impact Statement.  In addition to changes in the ramps, the multimodal project will replace the existing viaduct along the Charles River, replace the Worcester commuter rail and Grand Junction tracks, and add West Station along these rail lines.

Why It’s Important

The Allston interchange serves up to 147,000 vehicles each day but is becoming structurally deficient. Replacing the viaduct will help ensure the safety of motorists and enable the free flow traffic into and out of the city. Converting to electronic tolling will improve safety and efficiency by allowing motorists to maintain their speed through the interchange rather than slowing or stopping to pay a toll.

A Better City’s Role

A Better City serves on a 50-member I-90 Multimodal Project Task Force along with Allston residents, business organizations, advocacy groups, and institutions abutting the interchange and viaduct.  Since 2015, A Better City has developed and advocated for adoption of an At-Grade solution to replace the existing Turnpike viaduct.  This solution is easier to build, less costly to build and maintain, provides safer driving conditions, removes the barrier of the viaduct allowing improved connections from the neighborhood to the river, and provides for direct access to the Charles River along an enhanced new living shoreline.  The concept enjoys overwhelming support of the neighborhood stakeholders, advocacy groups, elected officials, and the City of Boston and adjacent municipalities. 

RECENT WORK & Key DoCUMENTS

October 15, 2020 | ACTION ALERT: I-90 ALLSTON MULTIMODAL PROJECT
October 14, 2020 | A LETTER TO SECRETARY POLLACK: I-90 ALLSTON MULTIMODAL PROJECT
OCTOBER 9, 2020 | A BETTER CITY CONVERSATIONS: I-90 ALLSTON PROJECT: RIVERFRONT ANALYSIS + DESIGN EXPLORATION WITH CBT AND PERKINS&WILL 
OCTOBER 8, 2020 | MASSDOT SEEKS PUBLIC FEEDBACK ON THROAT ALTERNATIVES, INCLUDING MODIFIED ALL AT-GRADE
SEPTEMBER 23, 2020 | REBUILDING IN 1950S-ERA STYLE WOULD BE A MISSED OPPORTUNITY
SEPTEMBER 21, 2020 | JOINT MEETING OF THE MASSDOT BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND FISCAL MANAGEMENT CONTROL BOARD
APRIL 25, 2019 | ALLSTON I-90 STATUS REPORT: TWO IMPORTANT MEETINGS
OCTOBER 22, 2018 | ALLSTON I-90 STATUS REPORT

A BETTER CITY CONVERSATIONS: I-90 ALLSTON PROJECT

KEY CO-SIGNERS & Supporters

Senator Ed Markey
Representative Ayanna Pressley
Boston Mayor Marty Walsh
Boston City Council
Boston University
Cambridge City Manager Louis DePasquale
Cambridge City Council
Town of Brookline
19 Boston and MetroWest-area legislators
11 Worcester-area legislators

The Commonwealth Avenue deck over the Mass Turnpike near BU Bridge is now 50 years old and is deteriorating. In 2017 MassDOT will begin replacing the deck using accelerated techniques.

Why It’s Important

This section of Commonwealth Avenue is heavily trafficked by motorists, the Green Line, bicyclists and pedestrians. The project will make the bridge safer, more reliable and more economical to maintain while accommodating pedestrian, transit, bicycle and wheelchair traffic in compliance with current standards.

A Better City’s Role

A Better City is reviewing design and construction methods, focusing on ways to minimize disruptions during the project. We are also advocating for improvements to traffic circulation and intersections in the area surrounding the project.

Begun in 2013, the Longfellow Bridge Rehabilitation Project is designed to address structural deficiencies, upgrade capacity and bring the bridge up to modern standards. Rehabilitation will include better access for pedestrians, bicyclist and drivers, as well as better connections to meet accessibility guidelines. The middle span of the bridge which supports existing Red Line service will also be reconstructed. Repairs and modifications are designed to preserve the historic character of the bridge and its iconic salt-and-pepper towers while complying with environmental standards.

Why It’s Important

The Longfellow Bridge is a vital link between Boston, Cambridge and the Charles River Esplanade, providing mobility for hundreds of thousands of transit commuters, bicyclists, pedestrians and motorists every day.

A Better City’s Role

In 2010, A Better City served on MassDOT's Longfellow Bridge Task Force and helped to prepare recommendations on the use of the bridge for motorists, bicyclists and pedestrians. The task force also studied the relationship of the modified bridge design to the approaches at each end of the bridge, and to the Esplanade open space along the Charles River. A number of design recommendations brought forward by A Better City were adopted in the final design of the project. A Better City continues to closely monitor construction and traffic management plans for this project.

The old Northern Avenue swing bridge connecting Boston’s Seaport District to the Financial District is structurally unsound and was closed to motorists and pedestrians in December 2014. With the announcement that GE plans to relocate its headquarters to the Seaport District, the City of Boston has committed as much as $100 million to reopen the bridge.

Why It’s Important

The Seaport District is experiencing rapid growth as new businesses and residents relocate to this prime neighborhood. Over the next two decades, transit trips are expected to increase by 64 percent and car traffic by 27 percent. Reopening the bridge to bicyclists and pedestrians and to limited vehicle use will help to relieve congestion in the Seaport.

A Better City’s Role

A Better City participated in an advisory group that reviewed bridge options early in 2015. Recently a jury was established to review design ideas for the bridge’s construction, and A Better City’s President & CEO, Richard Dimino, was asked to serve on this panel. As the City explores options for reopening the bridge, A Better City will continue to contribute to the decision-making process.