03.13.2024

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Today’s Forecast

49º | 0% chance of precipitation
Sunrise 6:59 a.m. | Sunset 6:49 p.m.

Roads, bridges, and open spaces — oh my

$335 million for the Allston Multimodal Project

The Pike can see an average of 150,000 travelers daily east of the Allston interchange. | Photo by @saturdays.jpeg

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.

More updates + details

Events

Wednesday, March 13

Women’s Suffrage: Thinking Outside the Ballot Box | Wednesday, March 13 | 6-7 p.m. | Virtual | Free | Registration is required for this talk that will discuss methods suffragists used to build a movement in the 1920s.
St. Patrick’s Day Adult Night | Wednesday, March 13 | 7 p.m. | LEGO Discovery Center, 598 Assembly Row, Somerville | $20-$26 | Don’t forget to wear green while trying your hand at a themed LEGO building competition, a Kingdom Quest challenge, and photo opps.
“Little Women” | Wednesday, March 13 | 8:15 p.m. | The Brattle Theatre, 40 Brattle St., Cambridge | $13-$15 | Catch a screening of Greta Gerwig’s version of Louisa May Alcott’s beloved novel about the formidable March sisters.

Thursday, March 14

Creative Execution Workshop | Thursday, March 14 | 5-7 p.m. | Bolling Municipal Building, 2300 Washington St., Boston | Free, RSVP | Beat The Odds has partnered with the Dorchester Art Project for a educational session on the art and science of creative execution with Robert “Rob” Kelley-Morgan.
Women’s History Month Wine Tasting | Thursday, March 14 | 5-7 p.m. | BRIX Wine Shop - Financial District, 105 Broad St., Boston | Free | Raise a glass to Women’s History Month with a special wine tasting honoring the remarkable contributions of female winemakers and owners.

Friday, March 15

“The Cher Show” | Friday, March 15-Sunday, March 17 | Times vary | Boch Center, 270 Tremont St., Boston | $45-$120 | This performance combines 35 hits, six decades of stardom, two rock-star husbands, and plenty of sequins, all in one fabulous new musical.

Saturday, March 16

Bow Market Book Fair | Saturday, March 16 | 10 a.m.-11:45 p.m. | Bow Market, 1 Bow Market Way, Somerville | Free | Shop local and win books at this book fair hosted by Tiny Turns Paperie and All She Wrote Books.

Events calendar here

Click here to have your event featured.

News Notes

Announced

Patriots legend Rob Gronkowski was named the grand marshal for the 2024 Boston Marathon. The Boston Athletic Association announced that the four-time Super Bowl champion will also receive the 2024 Patriots’ Award. (Mass Live)

Development

The BPDA received two submissions to the request for proposals for over four acres, located near Harrison Avenue + Melnea Cass Boulevard. One group plans include 402 income-restricted units over five buildings, and a price tag of $254 million. The other proposal is for a project called Reed Square, which includes ~383 units for six buildings. (Boston Business Journal)

Transit

The MBTA removed 11 safety-related speed restrictions on the Green Line after critical track work was completed. The speed restriction, near Ayr Road and Beacon Street, in Brookline on the C branch was the oldest in the system at 900+ days old. (WCVB 5)

Travel

Boston is adding a third direct flight to the Middle East later this month — enter: Abu Dhabi. Logan International Airport will be Etihad’s fourth US destination from the United Arab Emirates city on Sunday, March 31. The 12-hour flights will take off on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays. (Boston Business Journal)

Stat

25%. That’s the percentage of young professionals that don’t plan to stay in the area, according to a survey. The people ages 20 to 30 living in Greater Boston intend to move elsewhere over the next five years due to career prospects and housing affordability. (NBC 10)

Ranked

Samuel Adams Boston Brewery is hopping up USA Today’s 10 best brewery tours in America list, coming in at No. 10. Tours of the Jamaica Plain brewery start at $10 and can be booked daily.

The Buy

The Buy 3.13.24 (Affiliate + Six & Main)

The perfect spring shoe for women, featuring a block heel that won’t get stuck in grassy areas. We love colors “Skyward Suede” and “Gold Leather” for special occassions.

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The Wrap

Jess Burton in a blue shirt and gold necklace

Today’s edition by:
Jessica

From the editor

Anyone who knows me, knows I have a passion for the environment + products that support reducing waste.

Allow me to introduce Six & Main’s new Boston-based brand — Seaav. This local brand makes all of their athleisure products out of recycled materials, and I have my eyes on the mesh leggings with pockets. My birthday is coming up at the end of the month, so maybe I’ll treat myself sooner than later.

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