North Station Area Mobility Action Plan Released

By Phil Orlandella

A long awaited North Station Area Mobility Action Plan dealing with possible major traffic conditions has been released by the City of Boston.

The plans for the area adjacent to the Bulfinch Triangle, North End, and West End has been developed with input from residents and the business community to deal with traffic conditions during major projects being developed in the area.

Working with the community, the Boston Transportation Department and the Boston Planning and Development Agency have put together 18 new projects in the area to improve transportation safety and access for all modes of travel.

The action plan implements many improvements over the next five years, as well as three longer-term projects, that will transform how people move around North Station, whether they walk, ride bikes, take public transportation or travel in personal vehicles.

“For over a year, residents and other community members from the West End, North End and Bulfinch Triangle neighborhoods have volunteered their time and effort to collaborate with BTD and BPDA on this important project,” Mayor Martin Walsh said.

“They have shared their vision and concerns and prioritized solutions at community meetings, pop-up sessions and online,” Mayor Walsh added.

Improvements being designed include safer pedestrian assess at Charles Circle, street direction changes, parking regulations in the Bulfinch Triangle, and pedestrian priority on Canal Street.

Included among the short-term action items are protected bike lanes on Cambridge Street, digitally coordinating traffic signals, a bus lane on North Washington Street, bike lanes and safer pedestrian crossings on Blossom Street, and programs to encourage residents and commuters to get around without driving.

Reportedly, Jay Walsh, Director of the Downtown North Association, and local North Station residents are supportive of the action plan.

Nearly 2,000 people an hour currently walk on Canal Street during the morning and evening rush hours with direct access to public transit according to the City.

            Improvements have apparently brought new housing to the area and stimulating the local economy, according to BPDA.