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.

State Plan for Transportation

Get informed about the conversation happening on the State’s plan for transportation improvements for roads, bridges and public transportation (The Way Forward: A 21st Century Transportation Plan, link below).  With 45% of the State’s transportation budget devoted to debt payments including an $8.6 billion Big Dig and capital projects debt, and a $3-4 billion backlog in “State of Good Repair” projects, it’s clear that the financial need is great.  According to Secretary Davey, approximately 90% of the plan addresses so-called current state of good repair needs for roads, bridges, and transit; 10% addresses actual future expansion.  The State can no longer avoid acting in a comprehensive way to stabilize, maintain and modernize the transportation system. 

Massachusetts needs a transportation plan that is big enough to move our economy ahead, create jobs, and allow us to maintain our national and international competitiveness.  A wide variety of revenue measures will need to be considered by the Legislature in order to meet existing and growth needs for the future.  These discussions are expected to culminate in action by the Legislature by June, 2013.  For more information, click on the links below.

Actions with the Legislature: See how others are getting involved and the Metropolitan Area Planning Council's Call to Action

View a comparison of House and Senate Transportation Bills

View the State’s plan

Learn why the transportation system needs additional funding

View options for funding the state’s plan: Transportation Finance Research Collaborative and MassInc's Transit Report

Compare Massachusetts’ income and sales taxes with other States’ taxes

Hear multiple perspectives on the issue

Get involved! See T4MA's Maxed Out and Transportation Investment Act Fact Sheet

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, and we're working with the City on bike lane planning for Brookline Ave. For more information on walking or biking to the LMA, see CommuteWorks.