DECEMBER 2002 TRANSREPORT TRANSPORTATION NEWS FROM THE METROPOLITAN PLANNING ORGANIZATION

Momentum Building on the Central Artery/Tunnel Project Several recent events highlight the sense The selection of Boston as host city for The East Boston park will be located on of momentum building on the Central the 2004 Democratic national conven- an 18-acre parcel, formerly a park-and-fly Artery/Tunnel project. The first was the tion means an opportunity to show off lot, running along Bremen Street for four announcement of a series of weekly the project. Said Turnpike blocks between Route 1A, Porter Street, countdown briefings that will take place Chairman Matthew Amorello in congrat- and Prescott Street. The $20 million at 3:00 P.M. on Wednesdays at the park, which is scheduled for com- project’s headquarters at 185 pletion in 2005, will feature paths Kneeland Street from now until for pedestrians and bicyclists, play- the opening of the I-90 grounds, a performance area, com- (MassPike) connector to the Ted munity garden centers, and a Williams Tunnel and Logan Air- water fountain with a spray pool. port. In the first briefing of the It will also feature a six-foot-high series, which was held on Novem- bust of Donald McKay, the leg- ber 20, project officials outlined endary East Boston builder of clip- the work remaining to be done per ships. The park will have a before the connector opens. YMCA inside its borders that will The installation of safety railings be constructed in a restored 1909 and signs is 98 percent complete railroad engine house. Pedestrian for the new road, which will carry paths will link the park to Airport traffic in both directions between Station on the Blue Line, and the I-90 and the Ted Williams Tunnel park itself will be part of the East Boston Greenway, a major park- via a new tunnel under the rail- I-90 connection to the Ted Williams Tunnel road tracks at South Station and way system that will link several the Fort Point Channel. At a state of 99 ulating Mayor Thomas Menino and Sen- East Boston parks. percent completion for the I-90 connec- ator Edward Kennedy on Boston’s selec- Last but not least, the Wallace Floyd tor are: the new tunnel roadways and tion, “By the summer of 2004, interstate Group and Gustafson Partners were viaducts, the ventilation buildings and traffic will be moving under the city on selected to design two North End parks vent fans, the electrical work, and the I-93 northbound and southbound, as well that will frame and installation of devices for the Integrated as on I-90 to and from Logan Airport. reconnect the North End to downtown. Project Control System. What the delegates will see is the dis- The parks will be 1.5 and 1.4 acres, mantling of the elevated artery and the This highly sophisticated system will respectively, and will cost a total of beginning of the construction of the sur- $8 million to design and construct. allow highway operators and engineers to face artery and parks.” respond immediately to traffic jams, colli- INSIDE THIS ISSUE sions, and other emergencies, and will While plans for the surface artery park system are not yet finalized, work on also monitor the air quality in the tun- MPO activities update ...... 2 nels and trigger a fan system to remove other parks that are part of the Central Airport Monitor usage ...... 2 unhealthy gases if necessary. The testing Artery/Tunnel project moved forward of this system is the largest remaining last month with a groundbreaking for the Motorist Advantage program ...... 3 task in completing the I-90 connector. in East Boston and New on-ramp in Canton ...... 3 the selection of a design team for two The progress of this testing will deter- T Capital Investment Program . . . . 3 mine the connector’s opening date. parks in the North End. Meeting calendar ...... 4

The members of the Boston Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO): Executive Office of Transportation and Construction • City of Boston • City of Everett • City of Newton • City of Peabody • Federal Highway Administration • Federal Transit Administration • Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority • Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority Advisory Board • Massachusetts Highway Department • Massachusetts Port Authority • Massachusetts Turnpike Authority • Metropolitan Area Planning Council • Regional Transportation Advisory Council • Town of Bedford • Town of Framingham • Town of Hopkinton BOSTON METROPOLITAN PLANNING ORGANIZATION ACTIVITIES “Airport Monitor” Logs Over 95,000 Users TRANSPORTATION PLANNING AND PROGRAM- MING COMMITTEE ACTION ITEMS Since its launch on the Massachusetts The Boston MPO’s Transportation Planning and Program- Port Authority (Massport) Web site in ming Committee held public meetings on its draft project- mid-August, selection criteria for the Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) throughout “Airport Moni- November. Meetings were held in all eight subregions of the MPO and were well tor,” a system attended. Meetings will continue through mid-December, and the feedback will be that displays live used in creating the final criteria that will be applied in the development of the next radar images of TIP. the air traffic over the Greater The committee also met on November 21 and approved two work programs: one for Boston area, has assessing the possible restoration of tolls at the West Newton interchange on the logged more than Massachusetts Turnpike, and another for updating the Boston-region population and 95,000 individual user sessions. The sys- employment forecasts for the upcoming 2003–25 Transportation Plan. In addition, tem gives users direct access to informa- the status of TIP projects in fiscal years 2001, 2002, and 2003 was presented to the tion once available only to airlines and committee, and a Central Transportation Planning Staff report was submitted for air-traffic controllers. It color codes the approval. The report, Traffic Congestion in the SouthWest Advisory Planning Subregion, planes as Logan arrivals, Logan depar- may be downloaded starting in early December from the MPO Web site at tures, and non-Logan flights. The system www.bostonmpo.org, or requested by calling CTPS project manager Seth Asante at works on a 10-minute delay as a (617) 973-7100 or e-mailing him at [email protected]. post–September 11 security measure. REGIONAL TRANSPORTATION ADVISORY COUNCIL UPDATE “For people living near Logan Airport, The Regional Transportation Advisory Council discussed the MPO’s draft TIP- the activity in the sky above plays a very project-selection criteria at its November meeting and produced recommendations on central role in their quality of life, and them for the Transportation Planning and Programming Committee. they want to stay informed,” said Boston The December 11 Advisory Council meeting will focus on TEA-21 reauthorization Mayor Thomas M. Menino. “I applaud and the work of the state’s task force articulating Massachusetts’s transportation Massport not only for recognizing the needs. The next field trip, which will be held in the new year, will be to the MBTA’s need for such a system but for imple- Fairmount Line upgrade project. menting and maintaining it so effec- ACCESS ADVISORY COMMITTEE TO THE MBTA UPDATE tively.” Nearly 80 people attended the twenty-fifth-anniversary dinner that was held by the The Airport Monitor page of Massport’s Access Advisory Committee to the MBTA (AACT) at the Holiday Inn in Brookline Web site offers other kinds of informa- on November 21. Members of the disability community, MBTA staff, and RIDE ser- tion as well, such as an explanation of vice providers participated how Logan’s airfield works and a simpli- in the event, which included fied glossary of technical terminology speeches from current associated with noise monitoring. There general manager Michael is also an on-line noise complaint form, Mulhern, former general an alternative to Massport’s Noise Com- manager Robert Prince, plaint Line ([617] 561-3333). RIDE manager Robert Rizzo, “This innovative system opens the door MBTA consultant and for- for more open and honest dialogue mer AACT chairman Ben between Massport, the airlines, the FAA Haynes, and current AACT [Federal Aviation Administration], and chairman James Oliver. Said nearby airport neighbors,” said Craig Oliver, “Together with the Coy, Massport’s CEO. “While we are still MBTA we have accom- looking at ways to improve the site, the plished much over the years, high number of local residents accessing and access to the MBTA system is much greater than it was when we began. . . . the site clearly shows it is meeting a need While much has been done, still more needs to be done. Improvements to RIDE ser- for more information.” vice need to be made to guarantee safe, reliable, and on-time performance. The MBTA’s auditory and visual announcement systems need to be enhanced, and access To further enhance both community to the Green Line still needs to be implemented. These are just a few of the items on involvement in the area of noise issues our agenda as we continue into our next twenty-five years.” Airport Monitor cont. on p. 4

TRANSREPORT 2DECEMBER 2002 Program Will Orient Drivers to New Roadways Created New On-Ramp to I-95 by Artery Project Opens in Canton The Massachusetts Turnpike Authority daily basis directly to a subscriber’s per- On November 20, state and local officials has created a multifaceted outreach pro- sonal computer, at no charge. gathered in Canton for a ribbon cutting gram to help motorists navigate the new The program’s booklet, glove compart- ceremony to officially open the new on- roadways that will open as additional ment–sized, will contain maps of the new ramp to I-95 southbound from Dedham portions of the Central Artery/ highway connections and Street eastbound. The on-ramp project Tunnel project are completed. explanatory text. This free The Motorist Advantage Pro- booklet will be available at gram will include an e-mail MassPike service plazas and visi- service, a booklet, a video, tor centers, FAST LANE cus- radio announcements, Web tomer service centers, and toll- site postings, and press brief- booths. The video will survey ings. the overall highway system and “As the construction of the its management. Public service Central Artery project starts to come to a announcements on radio will alert close, and as we begin to open new motorists during drive times to changes Ribbon cutting for new on-ramp in Canton pieces of the completed roadway and tun- in highway configurations. included the widening of a section of nels to the public, we need to provide The Central Artery project’s Web site, Dedham Street to create a deceleration timely and direct information on traffic www.bigdig.com, and the Turnpike’s, lane and the widening of a section of changes to those driving the new www.masspike.com, will provide I-95 to create an acceleration lane. The highway,” said Turnpike Author- up-to-date traffic information. new ramp itself is approximately 2,000 ity Chairman Matthew J. They also offer e-Traveler Ser- feet long. Amorello. “Driving through vice registration. Press brief- the underground tunnels or ings on traffic changes will The ramp will help alleviate traffic con- through unfamiliar inter- take place weekly at the Cen- gestion in Canton, Westwood, and Nor- changes like those in South tral Artery office at 185 Knee- wood in the area of the University Boston and South Bay will land Street. Avenue commuter rail/Amtrak station by present drivers with new decisions providing easier access to I-95. Only “The more information we can get into on how to get where they need to go. right turns onto the ramp from Dedham the hands and heads of drivers, the bet- This service is designed to help them Street are allowed, because allowing left ter,” Amorello said. “Any business that make informed choices as they navigate turns would have led to traffic backups at has the capability to communicate the new highways of the Central Artery the intersection. and to help them complete their trips directly with customers is a step ahead, The $1.3 million ramp was 90 percent surely and safely.” and that’s where we want our patrons to be.” paid for with federal Interstate Mainte- The Motorist Advantage Program’s nance funds and 10 percent with state e-mail service, called e-Traveler Service, funds. The project contractor was P. A. delivers timely traffic information on a Landers, Inc., of Hanover, Mass.

MBTA Seeks Public Input on Draft Capital Investment Program On November 19 the MBTA released its and will end on December 20. Written and assistive listening devices will be pro- draft Capital Investment Program (CIP) comments may be sent to the MBTA vided. For more details, see the calendar for fiscal years 2003–08. In addition Budget Department, 10 on page 4. to providing an understanding of the Park Plaza, Room 3910, Copies of the draft CIP may be down- capital expenditures planned by the Boston, MA 02116. In loaded from the MBTA’s Web site at Authority through FY 2008, it out- addition, the MBTA www.mbta.com/insidethet/capital.asp or lines the projected needs for capital will hold five public obtained by contacting the MBTA’s Bud- investment further into the future. A hearings in December get Department at the address above. new CIP is developed annually. to solicit comments. The MBTA is seeking public com- The meeting locations ment on the draft CIP. The public are accessible to per- comment period began on November 19 sons with disabilities,

TRANSREPORT 3DECEMBER 2002 Airport Monitor cont. from p. 2 MEETING CALENDAR and the usefulness of Airport Monitor, The public is welcome to attend the following Wednesday, December 4 Massport has established a Massport transportation-related meetings. A photo ID is usu- Boston MPO TIP Criteria 10:00 A.M. Website Technical Working Group com- ally required for access to meeting locations. Workshop Hosted by the Inner posed of individuals who have shown a AT THE STATE TRANSPORTATION Core Committee BUILDING, 10 PARK PLAZA, MAPC, 60 Temple Place, Boston particular interest in this technology. BOSTON MBTA Community Meeting: 6:00 P.M. The members represent a cross section of Thursday, December 5 Draft FY 2003–08 Capital Boston MPO Transportation 10:00 A.M. Investment Program Greater Boston area neighborhoods and Planning and Programming Morgan Memorial Goodwill Industries community groups. The working group Committee Work Session 1010 Harrison Avenue, Roxbury MPO Conference Room, Suite 2150 will assist in developing additional MBTA Community Meeting: 6:30 P.M. Wednesday, December 11 Maverick Station Reconstruction enhancements to Airport Monitor and Regional Transportation 3:00 P.M. Umana Barnes/Harborside gathering residents’ input. Advisory Council Community Center Conference Room 1 312 Border Street, East Boston The Web address of Airport Monitor is Thursday, December 12 Thursday, December 5 MBTA Community Meeting: 5:00 P.M. Central Artery/Tunnel Project: 6:00 P.M. www.massport.com/logan/airpo_noise_ Draft FY 2003–08 Capital Charles River Park Community airmo.html. Investment Program Meeting: Contract C19E1 Update Conference Center, Second Floor West End Community Room Wednesday, December 18 150 Staniford Street, Boston Boston MPO Environmental 10:00 A.M. Monday, December 9 Justice Committee MBTA Community Meeting: 6:00 P.M. MPO Conference Room, Suite 2150 Draft FY 2003–08 Capital Access Advisory Committee 1:00 P.M. Investment Program TRANSREPORT to the MBTA (AACT) Framingham Town Hall Conference Room 2 Memorial Building PRODUCED BY THE CENTRAL TRANSPORTATION Thursday, December 19 150 Concord Street, Framingham PLANNING STAFF Boston MPO Transportation 10:00 A.M. Tuesday, December 10 Editors Copyediting Planning and Programming MBTA Community Meeting: 6:00 P.M. Committee Draft FY 2003–08 Capital Jonathan Church Leland N. Morrison MPO Conference Room, Suite 2150 Investment Program Mary Ellen Sullivan Call (617) 222-5179 for date Quincy City Hall Annex Graphics Photography MBTA Board of Directors 1:00 P.M. 1305 Hancock Street, Quincy Kate Parker Carol Gautreau Bent Conference Room 2/3 Wednesday, December 18 PUBLISHED BY THE BOSTON METROPOLITAN AT OTHER BOSTON-AREA LOCATIONS Boston MPO TIP Criteria 2:30 P.M. Workshop Hosted by the MetroWest PLANNING ORGANIZATION Tuesday, December 3 Growth Management Committee James H. Scanlan, Chairman Boston MPO TIP Criteria 11:00 A.M. Framingham Town Hall Dennis A. DiZoglio, Chairman; Barbara G. Lucas, Workshop Hosted by the South Memorial Building Vice Chairman; Transportation Planning and Shore Coalition 150 Concord Street, Framingham Programming Committee Hingham Town Hall 210 Central Street, Hingham MBTA Community Meeting: 7:00 P.M. Arborway Restoration MBTA Community Meeting: 6:00 P.M. TRANSREPORT is available in accessible formats Draft FY 2003–08 Capital State Health Laboratory Investment Program 305 South Street, Jamaica Plain to people with disabilities. Contact the Central Salem City Hall Annex Meeting dates and times are subject to change: please Transportation Planning Staff Certification 120 Washington Street, Salem call (617) 973-7119 for confirmation. Additional Activities Group at (617) 973-7119 (voice), transportation meetings open to the public are listed (617) 973-7089 (TTY), (617) 973-8855 (fax), or on the Boston MPO Web site: www.bostonmpo.org. [email protected].

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TRANSREPORT is published monthly by the Boston Metropolitan Planning Organization to disseminate information on current transportation projects and issues in the Boston region. Comments and requests to be added to or deleted from the mailing list are welcomed and should be sent either to TRANSREPORT Editor, CTPS, 10 Park Plaza, Suite 2150, Boston, MA 02116, or to [email protected]. TRANSREPORT is free. The preparation of this newsletter is financed in part by grants from the Federal Highway Administra- tion and Federal Transit Administration.