Click here for the larger [1] Study Area Map 11×17.

The Massachusetts Turnpike Authority held a public meeting at Boston City Hall with interested government officials and community members to hear about a study on building ramps on I-90. If you were not already aware of, Chinatown is adjacent to both I-90 and I-93 and any new ramps would have an impact on the neighborhood. The project is called the Mass Turnpike - Boston Ramps Study. A fact sheet was given that explained purpose and process.

Purpose
The purpose of the project is to conduct a study what will evaluate and address transportation issues related to the connectivity between Interstate 90 (the Massachusetts Turnpike) between Commonwealth Avenue and Interstate 93 (the South Bay Interchange) in the City of Boston and the existing city street network to help improve access to the Back Bay, Fenway, South End, Chinatown and Longwood Medical Area neighborhoods. 

Background
In 1997, the Massachusetts Turnpike Authority in conjunction with the Boston Transportation Department and the Boston Redevelopment Authority conducted the “Boston Extension Ramps Feasibility Study.” This previous study developed and analyzed eight (8) new ramp alternatives along I-90 to provide improved access between Back Bay and Logan Airport and the South Boston Waterfront. This study will re-examine the most feasible of those alternatives in a more comprehensive study that will examine the operations, environmental effects, business considerations, and possible right-of-way-impacts.

Process
The Office of Transportation Planning (Planning) will be responsible for all study activities in coordination with an established Working Group that will include but not be limited to the Executive Office of Transportation and Public Works, Planning, the Massachusetts Turnpike Authority (Turnpike), and the Boston Transportation Department. A larger Study Advisory Group (SAG) will also be formed as part of the public participation process that will include but not be limited to: the Working Group, the Boston Metropolitan Planning Organization, the Boston Redevelopment Authority, federal and other state agencies, legislators, local elected officials, and interested organizations… This study is expected to take approximately 18 months from initiation to completion.

(Taken from fact sheet handed out at meeting.)

The next steps will be to begin gathering more information on existing conditions, convene  the next SAG meeting, and coordinate a public meeting. Meetings at neighborhoods are available if there is interest. (Any Chinatown folks interested in coordinating a space and inviting the MTA to make their presentation?) For more information contact:

Mark Berger, AICP
Manager of Data Services
Executive Office of Transportation
10 Park Plaza, Suite 4150
Boston, MA 02116
[2] mark.berger@state.ma.us