The Bay State will receive $335.4 million in federal funds for the proposed realignment of the Massachusetts Turnpike in Allston, aka the transportation alignment project called the Allston Multimodal Project.
Last year, BU, Harvard, and the City of Boston pledged $300 million toward the project. The state is still expected to pay for most of the nearly $2 billion estimated cost — moving the road work forward after a decade of planning + conversation.
The massive reconfiguration will bring the eight elevated lanes of I-90 to ground level, next to Soldiers Field Road along the Charles River. The plan is to replace the aging viaduct between Cambridge Street and the BU Bridge, creating a straighter Pike at ground level while also shrinking down the ramps.
In addition to replacing the I-90 infrastructure, the proposal also includes construction of a MBTA West Station along the commuter rail’s Worcester Line, new waterfront access, a new bicycle and pedestrian bridge, and open up four acres of parks.
These improvements to I-90 and this area hope to ensure its efficient operation in the future.
Need an abridged version of these improvements? Here are some possibilities for the Commonwealth’s roadway network.
- Improved livability, connectivity, and open space for residents of the Allston neighborhood.
- Improved regional mobility and roadway safety with the straightening of I-90.
- Replacing the aging Allston Viaduct.
- Creating a new open space along the Charles River.
- Enhanced bicycle and pedestrian connections.
- Significant transit enhancements with the new West Station and Commuter Rail layover facility.
- Removing the elevated bridge structure allows for an improved gateway into the city and enhanced neighborhood views.
- Allows for pedestrian + bicycle connection from Agganis Way to Charles River.
The decades long project is currently engaged in the federal environmental permitting process. Mass DOT expects this work to continue into 2024.
