So Where Should the Traffic Go?

So Where Should the Traffic Go?

Creatively solving the issue of traffic and how it should be managed, both during and after construction on Storrow Drive, is critical to the success of the project.

To date, four options for traffic mitigation during the construction process have been proposed by DCR. Of those four, DCR views only three as viable. Of those three one is the by-pass road on the Esplanade. To view DCR’s interim traffic proposals go to: http://www.mass.gov/dcr/storrowdrive.htm

Storrow Drive was built as a parkway in the 1950’s and today the road carries over 100,000 cars daily, functioning with a capacity equal to a significantly larger scaled highway.

The need to redesign the tunnel affords a unique opportunity to reconsider how Storrow Drive is currently used and how it should be used in the future with the potential of strengthening both the parkway quality of the road and its relationship to the park. No matter what scheme and interim plan is chosen, reducing the volume of traffic on Storrow Drive must be considered.

Keeping the option of a temporary roadway through the park alive will be a disincentive to completing the arduous and creative traffic planning that is necessary for a project of this complexity and importance. While we are working with our partners to explore how to develop alternative interim transportation proposals to those that have been proposed we implore the Commonwealth to do so as well.

Depending on what FINAL design alternative is chosen for the Storrow Drive project there will be different transportation alternatives available during the construction period. At the moment DCR has said that it favors rehabilitating the existing tunnel. It is the choice of this alternative that put the concept of a temporary roadway through a portion of the Esplanade back onto the table. A more visionary solution to the entire project must be found, one that enhances the Esplanade and strengthens the parkway character of Storrow Drive. To view the four families of design options studied for the project go to: http://www.mass.gov/dcr/storrowdrivehistory.htm

A comprehensive analysis of how to manage traffic during the construction of the Storrow Drive project, with the least amount of impact on the environment, is the responsibility of the Commonwealth’s transportation agencies. While complicated, it is not impossible to imagine that it can be figured out using sound engineering and innovative transportation planning techniques.

Solutions may include:

• Enhanced public transit
• New access to the Back Bay from the Turnpike
• Rerouting of traffic onto alternative routes
• Temporary road closure to all but emergency vehicles during the peak construction periods, estimated to be 6 - 8 months when work is being done on the tunnel roof
  
• Phased construction within the width of the existing Storrow roadway
  

Experience in other cities has shown that creative solutions for traffic management and water’s edge planning can lead to both an enhanced environment and sustained economic growth.