In this busy area, which is also a through-route to downtown and crosstown destinations, continuous improvements to the transportation network are essential to keep the LMA accessible, with patients’ needs paramount. MASCO area planning completes studies and makes physical improvements for the benefit of pedestrians, cyclists, transit riders and those who drive to the area. We work with the MBTA to advocate for service improvements and represent the LMA at state and city transportation forums. We also run the LMA’s transportation management association, CommuteWorks.

New Commuter Rail Platforms and Service

Additional transit services are essential as LMA employees continue to shift from driving to public transportation. MASCO has completed planning and design studies and advocated for new commuter rail platforms and services at Yawkey and Ruggles Stations, the nearest stations to Longwood for commuters. As a result, the developer of Fenway Center is building a new Yawkey Station in 2012. MASCO teamed with LMA institutions, area businesses, community groups and state and city officials. To secure state economic stimulus funding for the station. The MBTA is completing the next phase of planning for Ruggles Station in their current capital program.

Muddy River Daylighting

The Army Corps of Engineers, the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation and the Boston Parks and Recreation Department are working together to restore this missing link of the Emerald Necklace when this section of the Muddy River is “daylighted” – exposed to sunlight for the first time in 7 decades. Reinstating the original depth and width of the river, rebuilding the riverbanks to their intended size with native, non-invasive species and enlarging the culverts beneath Brookline Avenue will reduce severe flooding and enable the ecosystem to better withstand heavy rainfalls.

Existing Conditions
End Conditions

Click on the links below to see presentations made at a public meeting on November 3, 2011:
http://www.nae.usace.army.mil/projects/muddyRiver/VHB20111103.pdf
http://www.nae.usace.army.mil/projects/muddyRiver/tmp20111103.pdf

Traffic Signal Improvements
MASCO developed a multi-year plan for signal corridor improvements on Longwood and Brookline Avenues, Ruggles Street, the Fenway, Boylston Street and Melnea Cass Boulevard. We studied signal timing at more than 30 intersections in these key corridors to or in the LMA, and with the approval of public agencies, invested in physical improvements. In 2010, public agencies have partnered to complete a third phase of this work using state stimulus funding.

Study to Improve Bus Service

MASCO completed a study of existing bus services to the LMA to find out if there are better routes, times and stops to serve LMA commuters. Funded by MASCO, this project was a collaboration between MASCO, MassDOT, the MBTA and the city; the results will be used to improve service and reduce traffic congestion.

Urban Ring
MASCO has completed over $750,000 in privately-funded studies to match publicly funded evaluations of a future crosstown transit service to significantly improve access to the LMA. Envisioned to provide new commuter rail connections for those traveling from the suburbs and new fast bus connections for city commuters, the route would link Roxbury and Dorchester, Boston Medical Center, Northeastern University and the LMA to Harvard, biotechnology facilities in Kendall Square and residents of Cambridge, Somerville, Everett and Chelsea. MASCO has partnered with other organizations in the city to advocate for this new service and secure public funding to advance planning studies.

Pedestrian and Bicyclist Accommodations
Pedestrian and bicycle studies are underway as part of ongoing efforts to make the LMA more bike- and pedestrian-friendly. We have mapped bicycle parking locations, identified shortages and worked with members and the city to create more than 500 new bike parking spaces in the last two years. For more information on walking or biking to the LMA, see CommuteWorks.