Focus Areas

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