CRWA applauds federal funding, calls for health, resilience improvements to Allston Multimodal Project (PRESS RELEASE)
MARCH 12, 2024: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
BOSTON, MA– US Senator Ed Markey announced via his X (formerly Twitter) page today that the U.S. Department of Transportation has approved $335.4 million in federal funding for the Allston Multimodal Project. While his announcement did not specify the source, MassDOT had applied for funding from the US DOT Reconnecting Communities and Neighborhoods Grant Program.
Charles River Watershed Association (CRWA) has been a member of the Allston Multimodal Project Task Force since its inception in 2014. The group strongly supports increased mobility options and sustainability for those traveling to and through Boston. The addition of West Station and the improved pedestrian and cycling paths will be a boon for residents, commuters, and all travelers through the region.
CRWA has consistently voiced concern with the current design of the project which entails twelve lanes of roadway directly next to the Charles River in the “throat area” next to Boston University buildings, with a narrow pedestrian bridge on a boardwalk in the river.
CRWA has urged MassDOT to look at creative ways to reduce the roadway such as reducing the number of lanes on either the Mass Pike or Storrow Drive or both, reducing the width of the roadway lanes, or adding “zipper lanes” which adjust the number of lanes going east or west based on rush hour traffic.
CRWA is also concerned about the climate resilience impacts of the Allston Multimodal Project. An analysis carried out by CRWA in September 2022 found that out of the three design options under consideration at the time, the all-at-grade design carries the highest potential for future flooding, will treat the smallest percentage of impervious cover, will remove one acre of recreational water, and will result in the least amount of new parkland.
“Let’s build this project, but let’s build it right, with a 2024 mindset, not a 1950s highway mindset,” said Emily Norton, CRWA Executive Director. “Having twelve lanes of highway between Allston and the Charles River is not better access to the river, it will be better access to extreme heat, air pollution, and noise.”
Charles River Watershed Association’s mission is to protect, restore and enhance the Charles River and its watershed through science, advocacy, and the law. CRWA develops science-based strategies to increase resilience, protect public health, and promote environmental equity as we confront a changing climate.
Contact:
Carly Sherman
Communications Associate
Charles River Watershed Association
(617) 540-5650 x1074
