Comment period open until May 31 for the MassDOT "Beyond mobility" plan

Thank you for your interest in Beyond Mobility, MassDOT's next Statewide Long Range Transportation Plan. This email provides an update on the plan progress and new information available on the Plan website.

 

Extension of Public Comment Period

Thank you for the comments you have provided on the Beyond Mobility plan so far. Since the start of the comment period, we have already received many comments. This feedback will be reviewed and incorporated into the final plan as appropriate.

 

Comment period open until May 31

With this update, we are sharing that the public comment period is being extended to 60 days and will now end on May 31^st, 2024. With this extension, we hope to provide you with more time to review the plan and provide feedback.

 

The press release on the extension of the comment period is available on the MassDOT website.  Secretary Tibbits-Nutt's quote in the press release states that “We have extended the public comment period from 30 to 60 days to make sure people have ample opportunity to review this incredibly comprehensive but very important document.”

 

The full Beyond Mobility plan and the executive summary are available for review on the plan website.

 

How to Provide Feedback

Comments on any part of the document will be accepted during the comment period through the online comment form. You may also email any comments to BeyondMobility@dot.state.ma.us.  

"Beyond Mobility is the next Statewide Long Range Transportation Plan. The plan is structured by six Priority Areas: Safety, Reliability, Supporting Clean Transportation, Destination Connectivity, Resiliency, and Travel Experience. These Priority Areas, informed directly by over 5,000 pieces of unique public feedback received as part of the development of the plan, serve as the backbone of Beyond Mobility.

 

Over 100 action items across these priorities have been identified within the plan for MassDOT and the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) to take to achieve a safer and more equitable, reliable, and resilient network.

For more information on Beyond Mobility please visit the Plan website. 

Shared from -> https://www.instagram.com/p/C6JnAcfNoap/

Massachusetts Department of Transportation: Beyond Mobility Update - Out for comments

Massachusetts Department of Transportation: Beyond Mobility Update - Out for comments Thank you for your interest in Beyond Mobility, MassDOT's next Statewide Long Range Transportation Plan. This email provides an update on the plan progress and new information available on the Plan website.   Announcement of Public Comment Period We are excited to announce that the full Beyond Mobility plan and the executive summary are now out for public comment and are available for review on the plan website . The 30-day public comment period will end on May 5th, 2024.   How to Provide Feedback Comments on any part of the document will be accepted during the comment period through the online comment form. You may also email any comments to BeyondMobility@dot.state.ma.us.     Plan Structure Beyond Mobility is structured by six Priority Areas: Safety, Reliability, Supporting Clean Transportation, Destination Connectivity, Resiliency, and Travel Experience. These Priority Areas, informed directly by over 5,000 pieces of unique public feedback received as part of the development of the plan, serve as the backbone of Beyond Mobility.   Over 100 action items across these priorities have been identified within the plan for MassDOT and the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) to take to achieve a safer and more equitable, reliable, and resilient network. The final Beyond Mobility plan contains the following seven chapters: Chapter 1: Introduction Chapter 2: Strategy & Approach Chapter 3: What We Heard (a summary of all public engagement findings) Chapter 4: Priority Areas (compilation of vision statements, values statements, problem statements, and key facts that serve as the basis for the plan's action items) Chapter 5: Action Items (a description of over 100 actions that are directly responsive to the plan's problem statements) Chapter 6: Performance-Based Planning (a description of outcomes-based performance measures recommended to be established in line with the plan) Chapter 7: Funding the Transportation System (a summary of funding resources available between now and 2050) The following appendices are also included and contain additional detail: Appendix A—Public Engagement Results Appendix B—Previous Plan Review Appendix C—Needs Assessment Appendix D—System Performance Report For more information on Beyond Mobility please visit the Plan website.

Franklin has 2 of the more than 400 Massachusetts bridges rated 'poor' by Feds

"More than 400 Massachusetts bridges, including the largest one in New England, are considered to be in such poor condition that they either need major work or to be replaced outright, according to state and federal data, underscoring the challenges the state faces keeping up with its aging infrastructure.

Franklin has 2 

In all, 450 of the more than 5,280 bridges tracked by the Federal Highway Administration — roughly 8.5 percent — are rated as poor, or, put more bluntly, are “at the end of their useful life,” according to state officials. State data show that 676 bridges in total are considered “structurally deficient,” meaning at least one major component has enough serious problems it needs to be repaired or replaced.

Either designation doesn’t inherently mean the spans are unsafe, transportation officials and experts say. But officials in Massachusetts and elsewhere are taking stock of their infrastructure and safety protocols after a cargo ship rammed into a pillar of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, causing it to collapse. Six construction workers are presumed dead."

Continue reading the article online (subscription maybe required)

https://www.bostonglobe.com/2024/03/29/metro/400-massachusetts-bridges-rated-poor/

Franklin Matters Map of the 2 bridges on the listing in past useful life condition

https://maps.app.goo.gl/UGYogWuUGzH9hWNPA

If I read the data table properly, while there are effectively 2 bridges for i495 to cross the MBTA railroad and Summer St, one north bound and one south bound, only one section of each of them is on the listing, not both.

Map view of i495 bridge south bound over MBTA railroad -> 

Map view of i495 bridge north bound over Summer St ->

MA College Students: Do you want to try your hand at the Digital billboard contest?

"Attention MA college students! #MassDOT is hosting its 2nd work zone safety billboard design contest.

Winning designs will receive a scholarship and be featured on billboards statewide during the 2024 construction season!"

Enter at: https://mass.gov/work-zone-billboard-contest-2024

Shared from -> https://www.instagram.com/p/C4x_CR5LxXi/?

MA College Students: Do you want to try your hand at the Digital billboard contest?

"It was a 1977 Pontiac"

The DPW shares an Elm Street Bridge update:

"Elm Street Bridge Update!!!  

So some folks wondering why bridge was closed and when it will reopen??? In layman's terms, the Elm Street bridge is a very old granite block bridge that was constructed in the late 1800s. MassDOT and Franklin Public Works keeps a keen I on it.  

When the Charles River raises to a certain level, as measured by the red and yellow marker on the side of the bridge (see photo below), we might recommend closure for safety as the velocity of the water in the river might undermine the footings of the bridge which could cause a bridge failure, i.e. the bridge could collapse!  

Before we reopen the bridge, the footings need to be inspected by the MassDOT dive team. They were out there today, even though the level of the Charles River has dropped by more then a foot, the velocity of water is still to swift for them to safely inspect. So we have to wait a little longer. 

Going out on limb here, but feeling pretty confident that the inspection will turn out positive. It is very well constructed old bridge that has seen a lot of floods over the years! As they say, they "don't build like that anymore"! 

On a side note, it was a 1977 Pontiac that made jump, not a 1978!"

"It was a 1977 Pontiac"

The update was shared from -> (click through for larger images of each photo) https://www.facebook.com/groups/1551606135109407/posts/3580143848922282/

And if you missed the original post to reference the Pontiac, the photo is shared here

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1551606135109407/posts/3578933692376631/

"Unless you own a 78 Pontiac Trans AM, I would seek an alternate route"

Trick or treat awareness, please walk safely, please drive safely today (everyday, but especially today!!)

via MassDOT: 

"Trick-or-treating is all about fun, but safety should always come first!

Drivers, be extra cautious, #slowdown, watch for ghouls and goblins, and don't drink & drive!

Trick-or-treaters, always use a crosswalk to cross & stay on the sidewalks if available!"

Shared from -> https://www.instagram.com/p/CzBqfnrRJqo/

Trick or treat awareness, please walk safely, please drive safely today (everyday, but especially today!!)

Reminder: Register to Participate in the Virtual Public Meeting for "Beyond Mobility" - Oct 20

We're excited to share with you what we're working on. MassDOT will be holding a Virtual Public Meeting for Beyond Mobility next Thursday, October 20th at 6:00 PM. 

At this meeting, the Beyond Mobility team will introduce the project and provide summary results from our first public survey which reflects on visions for the future of the transportation network in the Commonwealth. There will also be opportunities for participants to ask questions about the plan following the presentation. 

 

Registration in advance is required. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email with information about joining the meeting.

 

We look forward to seeing you at the meeting.

More Information and Register for the meeting here:

Register for Meeting

More info on "Beyond Mobility"

https://www.mass.gov/news/massdot-launches-statewide-long-range-transportation-plan-beyond-mobility

Register to Participate in the Virtual Public Meeting for "Beyond Mobility"

2 RMV inspection stickers changes starting Oct 1 (no printed report) and Nov 1 (change in sticker date for late inspections)

The Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) is announcing, effective November 1, 2022, motor vehicles passing required inspections will get a new sticker with the month the last sticker expired, valid for one year.  Any vehicle owner late in getting a vehicle inspected, beyond one year from the last inspection, will no longer get a sticker displaying the month the new inspection occurred. 

Vehicles with inspection stickers that expired last year will receive a January sticker of the current year the vehicle is being inspected, no matter the month the vehicle is inspected this year.  This change does not impact the requirements for newly purchased vehicles.  All newly purchased vehicles must be inspected within seven days of the vehicle registration date and will receive a sticker of the month in which it was inspected and is valid for one year.

“Safety of the Commonwealth’s roadways is the most important reason for motor vehicle inspections.  Vehicle inspections check tire treads, ensure all light signals are working and even check the front ball joints. It is the law that motor vehicles are inspected every year,” said Registrar of Motor Vehicles Colleen Ogilvie. “Vehicle owners are required to have the inspection done one year from the month the last inspection was done. We are asking all vehicle owners to place safety first and make sure to check your inspection date, and don’t be late.”

“Light-duty cars and trucks are equipped with emission control systems that reduce pollution to protect public health and the environment. It is important that these systems are tested annually to ensure proper emissions controls,” said Commissioner Martin Suuberg of the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP). “The change being implemented by the RMV will help ensure that all vehicles are inspected every year.”

The penalty for driving vehicles with an expired sticker, or driving an uninspected vehicle, may result in a moving violation and lead to additional fines, or suspension if unpaid, and even a surchargeable incident which increases the vehicle owner’s insurance costs.

There is no change for owners who get their vehicles inspected on time or before the due date. Owners will continue to receive the sticker with the number of the month in which the vehicle was inspected.

In addition, starting October 1, 2022, in an effort to reduce paper waste in the environment, vehicle owners will no longer receive a printed inspection report when a vehicle passes inspection.  Instead, owners can easily access and print a report by going online to Mass Vehicle Check or by using a cell phone and scanning the QR code on the poster displayed at the inspection site.  If a vehicle fails the inspection, the owner will be provided with a printed vehicle inspection report by the inspection station.

The Massachusetts Vehicle Check, a joint effort between the MassDEP and the RMV, is the vehicle emissions testing and safety inspection program for the Commonwealth. Vehicle owners can get an inspection at any of the 1,800 licensed inspection stations in Massachusetts.

For more information, please visit:  Vehicle inspections | Mass.gov.

Locate vehicle inspections stations  https://www.mavehiclecheck.com/apps/station-locator

Shared from https://www.mass.gov/news/motor-vehicle-inspection-stickers

2 RMV inspection stickers changes starting

MA Walk, Bike & Roll to School Day - May 4

"MA Walk, Bike & Roll to School Day is only ONE week away! Schools: “Gear” up for this event on Wednesday, May 4th (which also happens to be Star Wars Day) by registering here https://tinyurl.com/3m7xm75w" 

@MassDOT

MA Walk, Bike & Roll to School Day - May 4

MassDOT Safety reminds us that "Pedestrian safety is everyone's responsibility!"

MassDOT Safety (@MassDOTSafety) tweeted on Mon, Oct 04, 2021:

"October is #PedestrianSafetyMonth and we want to remind everyone how travel speed impacts crash injury severity. Pedestrian safety is everyone's responsibility!

#EveryoneIsAPedestrian
#VisionZero https://t.co/WZ453dimIK"

Shared from Twitter: https://twitter.com/MassDOTSafety/status/1445019668557832196?s=03

MassDOT Safety reminds us that "Pedestrian safety is everyone's responsibility!"

Mass. Transportation (@MassDOT) with reference points on shared streets and shared use paths

With our input sought for the Complete Streets Discussion tonight, here are a couple of pieces of background info on the program and its related programs. Agenda document with participation info for the discussion found here =>  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/09/complete-streets-public-discussion-sep.html

Reference 1

There are 846 miles of shared use paths in Massachusetts. Learn more about MassDOT's shared use path investments in the 2021 Bicycle and Pedestrian Update #SharedUsePaths https://t.co/PWmT5YCyWW

Shared from Twitter ->  https://t.co/mZC8EEkDmW

There are 846 miles of shared use paths in MA

Reference 2

The @MassDOT Shared Streets & Spaces program encourages planners and local leaders to rethink how we use pavement. Prioritizing space for dining, parks and visual arts promotes economic development and quality of life in communities all across MA. #BuildBackBetter #mapoli https://t.co/5QsShVsYPW

Shared from Twitter -> https://twitter.com/T4MASS/status/1440311515861565454?s=03

@MassDOT Shared Streets & Spaces program encourages planners and local leaders to rethink how we use pavement.

I-90 Exit Number Conversion Advisory

Dear Customer,

The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) is in the process of converting all exit numbers on freeways to a milepost-based numbering system, per Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) requirements. Currently, interstates and freeways in Massachusetts utilize a sequential exit numbering method. Construction began in the Fall of 2020 and is anticipated to be completed in the Summer of 2021.

This notice is to inform you that exit numbering conversion will begin on Interstate 90 on December 13, 2020. Construction details are as follows:

•       Corridor: Interstate 90 (Massachusetts Turnpike)
•       Location: Boston to West Stockbridge
•       Approximate start date: Dec. 13
•       Approximate construction duration: 4 weeks
•       Hours of operation: 8:00 PM - 5:00 AM

Please note that all work is weather dependent and construction dates may be adjusted accordingly. This work will not impact the tolls on this roadway.

For more information on the project and construction status, to leave a comment or sign up for project updates, please visit: https://www.newmassexits.com/

 

 

From the Franklin Matters archives  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/09/goodbye-exit-16-ext-17-hello-exit-41.html

Video overview https://youtu.be/7gG9-Pl-fUA

 

 

Goodbye exit 16, ext 17; hello exit 41, exit 43

"None of the three scenarios developed by MassDOT expect full crowds to return to public transit for at least several years"

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"The morning rush hour on Massachusetts highways is unlikely to return to pre-COVID crowds until at least 2024, and even more drivers may not return to the fray if economic recovery drags or if working from home remains common, according to new Department of Transportation projections.

That might come as good news to commuters who are enjoying this pandemic-inflicted stretch with fewer cars on the road, but it’s bad news for the MBTA, which attracts a significant chunk of its riders by offering an alternative to grinding congestion.

The new multi-year traffic and ridership models MassDOT developed and presented Monday prompted the MBTA to downgrade its already-strained financial outlook, placing even more pressure on decision-makers as they prepare to implement a package of service cuts almost guaranteed to be unpopular.

The new models, built using Moody’s Analytics economic forecasts, Bureau of Labor Statistics surveys and travel data, outline three potential scenarios for transportation trends in Massachusetts: one in which public behaviors gradually return to pre-COVID conditions, another in which telecommuting remains common even as more businesses resume physical operations, and a third in which the pandemic’s economic damage lingers."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)

https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20201020/morning-rush-hour-wont-return-to-pre-covid-levels-until-at-least-2024-that-is-bad-news-for-mbta?rssfeed=true

 

The three scenarios presentation doc

https://cdn.mbta.com/sites/default/files/2020-10/2020-10-19-fmcb-14-economic-scenario-planning-accessible.pdf

"None of the three scenarios developed by MassDOT expect full crowds to return to public transit for at least several years"

Commonwealth Magazine: "Pollack accepts upgraded at-grade throat proposal"

From CommonWealth Magazine we share an article of interest for Franklin:

"STATE TRANSPORTATION Secretary Stephanie Pollack embraced a new all at-grade proposal for the so-called throat section of the I-90 Allston interchange that locates a bike and pedestrian path and a tiny portion of Soldiers Field Road in the Charles River.

The latest at-grade proposal, backed by the city of Boston and the business group A Better City, cleared a major hurdle when Pollack approved it as one of three alternatives to be reviewed by state and federal regulators. One of the three alternatives will be selected as the preferred alternative in the coming weeks.

Backers of the at-grade approach say momentum is building for their design, largely because it doesn’t erect an elevated highway as a wall between BU and the river and provides a large bike and pedestrian path and a refurbished river bank.

“Both A Better City and the city of Boston see this as a victory,” said Rick Dimino, the president and CEO of A Better City. “We see no reason why it shouldn’t move forward as the preferred alternative.”

Continue reading the article online

https://commonwealthmagazine.org/transportation/pollack-accepts-upgraded-at-grade-throat-proposal/

 

Visit Mass DOT for additional info on the i90 Allston project  

https://www.mass.gov/allston-multimodal-project  or this update

https://www.mass.gov/service-details/recent-developments-and-next-steps-for-the-allston-multimodal-project

 

 

Picture shows elevated Massachusetts Turnpike between BU and Charles River with Soldiers Field Road at grade. (via Commonwealth Magazine)

Goodbye exit 16, exit 17; hello exit 41, exit 43

MA highway exit numbers change in October to meet Federal standard. Announced last year and guess what, it was delayed by the pandemic, but the change is coming in October.

 

"Amid constant changes in 2020 not even highway exit numbers are safe.

Massachusetts will begin to transition to mileage-based exit numbers in October, according to WCVB.

The change was announced last year as the state will drop its current sequential numbering in order to comply with a 2009 federal mandate.

Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Delaware are the only states that have yet to implement the change, and are at risk of losing federal funding if they do not comply."

Continue reading the article at MassLive: 

https://www.masslive.com/news/2020/09/massachusetts-highway-exit-numbers-to-change-in-october-to-reflect-mileage-based-denominations-to-meet-federal-mandate.html

The MA DOT page for the overall project including an interactive map of all the exit number changes   https://www.newmassexits.com/

Exit numbers for i495  https://www.newmassexits.com/i-495-corridor

MA DOT video explanation = https://youtu.be/7gG9-Pl-fUA 

 

 

 

Goodbye exit 16, ext 17; hello exit 41, exit 43

 

Commonwealth Magazine: "Business groups urge shifting aid from wealthier to poorer school districts" ; "MassDOT, Boston stick with auto-centric approach"

From CommonWealth Magazine we share two articles of interest for Franklin:  

"LESS THAN A year after Massachusetts enacted sweeping legislation to revamp its school funding formula to steer millions of dollars in new aid to low-income districts, a new report suggests the state should go even further in ensuring that support goes to the neediest districts.

Although the more than $5 billion of state funding to schools is largely directed to lower-income school districts, nearly $800 million is allocated without regard to need. A report released Monday by the Massachusetts Business Alliance for Education and Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce says the state should pull back on that funding and redeploy those dollars to low-income districts that continue to struggle to adequately fund schools.

“If ever there was a moment to promote equity in funding education, now is the time to do it,” said Ed Lambert, executive director of the business alliance. “For every dollar we send to communities that can afford to fund schools on their own we’re moving further, not closer, to equity.”

Lambert said uncertainties introduced by the pandemic about the state’s ability to meet its commitments to poorer districts under the funding measure passed last year make the case even more urgent for cutting the amount of aid distributed on a “need-blind” basis."

Continue reading the article online

https://commonwealthmagazine.org/education/business-groups-urge-shifting-aid-from-wealthier-to-poorer-school-districts/

"THIS IS A TALE of two transportation issues – a window on how we may be losing the opportunity moment provided by a generationally disruptive pattern break.

The pattern break, of course, is the COVID-19 pandemic. Every pattern break in history changes the ways we do things going forward. The example I give most often is the experience of 9/11. That pattern break changed forever the way we approach flying and aviation security, it changed the ways we enter public and private buildings, it changed the urban streetscape as barriers originally installed as ugly concrete blocks gave way to highly designed barriers that blend seamlessly into the architectural fabric of the urban landscape.

The COVID-19 pattern break will be as or more significant than the 9/11 break. The impacts of the pandemic reach into almost every aspect of our lives – how we work, how we use and enjoy public and private spaces, how we move from place to place, how we utilize essential services.  The list is nearly endless.

The pandemic won’t last forever – nothing does.  But its effects will stay with us for a long time, some perhaps permanently.  Each of us has been challenged to manage and deal with the realities of this harsh moment – the need to isolate from others, to wear masks outside the home, to significantly alter our desires and habits. But each of us also is being challenged to think about how to build a better future."

Continue reading the article online

https://commonwealthmagazine.org/transportation/doubling-down-on-the-past/ 

“I think 2025 is a very aggressive schedule"

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"State Department of Transportation officials have laid out the three-stage process it will likely take to start replacing the Bourne and Sagamore bridges, with the goal of starting construction on the same timeline as laid out by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. 

The multiyear process will include preliminary design, a 25% design and then handing it over to a design and building firm for the construction phase, department officials said in an interview with the Times on Tuesday. 

The department took the lead on replacing the two 85-year-old bridges last week after signing an agreement with the Corps, the owner of the existing bridges, that would hand over ownership of the newly constructed bridges to the state. 

The project was originally going to be done by the Corps, but the state is taking over because Massachusetts transportation officials said it was better suited to build two highway bridges. Replacing the bridges will be the largest construction project on Cape Cod in recent memory, and the state is currently embarking on the preliminary design phase."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200715/massdot-shoots-for-2025-construction-start-on-1b-project-to-replace-bourne-sagamore-bridges?rssfeed=true

The press release announcing the transfer of ownership from the Army Corp of Engineers to Mass DOT  https://www.mass.gov/news/memorandum-of-understanding-reached-between-massdot-and-the-us-army-corps-of-engineers

Further updates can be found on the Mass DOT page
https://www.mass.gov/cape-cod-canal-transportation-study

Further updates can be found on the Mass DOT page

In the News: MassDOT webinar released on i495/i90 interchange project

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"Plans for the long-awaited reconstruction of the Interstate 495-Mass Pike interchange eliminate weaving movements that have caused the junction to be susceptible to crashes and congestion for years. 

State transportation leaders and project officials posted a webinar Thursday outlining the 25% design details of the project, which includes seven new direct and semi-direct ramps connecting the two interstates. The designated ramps and lanes for each traffic maneuver will make getting off the highway and merging much safer, project officials said. 

“The reason for the project is that the I-90/495 interchange is identified as a high-crash and high-congestion location,” Ryan McNeill, a state Department of Transportation project manager, said during the webinar. “The enhancements that are discussed in this presentation will improve the safety and operational efficiency at the system interchange and address chronically deficient traffic conditions for the movement of people and goods within the project area.” 

New ramps will be widened to include shoulders and will have designated speeds of 45 mph, 10 mph faster than the existing ramps. The radius of the ramps will not be as tight. Tractor-trailers currently are required to go very slow entering Interstate 495 southbound due to the tight radius of the off-ramp."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200709/i-90495-reconstruction-aims-to-ease-traffic-reduce-bottlenecks-crashes

Additional info and to provide comments during this period
https://www.mass.gov/event/hopkintonwestborough-design-public-hearing-webinar-and-comment-period-2020-07-09t000000-0400


YouTube link = https://youtu.be/xJN9_LHpzi8

In the News: "State officials have estimated delays will be reduced by 91 percent with the preferred design"

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

Want to learn more about the upcoming Mass Pike-Interstate-495 interchange reconstruction?

The state Department of Transportation Thursday morning will post a pre-recorded webinar to present the design for the proposed Mass Pike-Interstate-495 interchange project. The webinar is scheduled to be posted at 9 a.m. The webinar can be found at www.mass.gov/massdot-highway-design-public-hearings.

The project team has completed 25% of the designs, according to the state Department of Transportation’s website.

“The purpose of this hearing webinar is to provide the public with the opportunity to become fully acquainted with the proposed I-495/I-90 Interchange Improvements project,” according to a posting on the DOT’s website. “All views and comments submitted in response to the webinar will be reviewed and considered to the maximum extent possible.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200707/state-dot-will-hold-pre-recorded-webinar-thursday-on-pikei-495-interchange-project

Handout for this webinar
https://www.mass.gov/doc/massdot-hearing-handout-hopkinton-westborough-070920/download
 

pre-recorded webinar to present the design for the proposed Mass Pike-Interstate-495 interchange project

In the News: "New design floated for Allston highway/transit megaproject"

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"In the wake of widespread pushback against earlier proposals, state transportation officials floated a new design Monday for a landmark Allston infrastructure project that they will consider alongside two other options as a key deadline approaches.

The more than $1 billion Allston Multimodal Project may represent the most significant highway work in Massachusetts in a generation, but planning for up to a decade of construction, accomplishing goals for four different modes of travel, and minimizing impacts on the hundreds of thousands of daily commuters that pass through the narrow stretch of land connecting Boston to the west has been fraught with difficult choices.

Deliberations have been underway for years about how best to balance the project’s goals of replacing the structurally deficient viaduct carrying the Turnpike, straightening a curved section of the road, allowing for construction of a commuter rail West Station and freeing space for pedestrians and neighborhoods.

Because the 12 lanes of crowded roadway, commuter rail tracks and walking paths are crammed into only 204 feet of space between Boston University and the river, construction will impose major disruptions on some if not all of the modes of travel through the area."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200622/new-design-floated-for-allston-highwaytransit-megaproject

Mass DOT materials for the Allston Multimodal Project
https://www.mass.gov/lists/allston-multimodal-project-2020-meeting-materials

Fact sheet for June 22 meeting
https://www.mass.gov/doc/allston-multimodal-project-fact-sheet/download

In the News: "New design floated for Allston highway/transit megaproject"