URBAN RING PHASE 2
Boston, Brookline, Cambridge, Chelsea, Everett, Medford, Somerville,
Massachusetts
REVISED DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT I
DRAFf ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT (RDEIRIDEIS)
PREPARED PURSUANT TO:
National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, §102 (42 U.S.c. §4332); and Federal Transit
Law (49 U.S.c. §5301(e), §5323(b) and §5324(b); 49 U.S.c. §303 (formerly Department
of Transportation Act of 1966, §4(f)); National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, §106
(16 U.S.c. §47Of); Executive Order 11990 (Protection of Wetlands); Executive Order
11988 (Floodplain Management); Executive Order 12898 (Environmental Justice;))
and in Accordance with the Massachusetts Environmental Policy Act M. G.L. CH 30 Sec.
61,62-62H
by the
FEDERAL TRANSIT ADMINISTRATION
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
and the
COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS
EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF TRANSPORTATION AND PUBLIC WORKS (EOT)
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Mary eth ello
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Date of Approval for Circulation
Deputy Regional Administrator, Region I
Federal Transit Administration
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Wendy Stem
Undersecretary of Transportation
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Executive Office of Transportation and Public Works
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Date of Approval for Circulation
ABSTRACT
The Urban Ring is a proposed major new bus rapid transit (BRT) system that would run
in a roughly 25 mile circular "ring" through employment centers, residential
neighborhoods, and major educational and medical institutions in Boston, Brookline,
Cambridge, Chelsea, Everett, Medford and Somerville. The Urban Ring would provide
faster and more direct transit connections between points in the ring and between the
MBTA's existing rapid transit and commuter rail system and destinations in the ring. As
a result, the Urban Ring would improve transit access and capacity; reduce crowding in
the central subway system; and offer opportunities for transit-oriented development and
smart growth development. The document specifies a recommended alignment for the
Urban Ring, although it also recognizes the potential for refmements to the alignment in
response to more detailed technical analysis, changing corridor conditions, and ongoing
public and stakeholder involvement. The project features include: 1) surface busways,
bus lanes on existing roadways, and a 1.5 mile tunnel through the Fenway/Longwood
Medical and Academic Area; 2) High-frequency service in peak periods, ranging from
every 10 minutes to as often as every 3 minutes in heavy demand segments of the
corridor; 3) Widely-spaced, substantial and recognizable transit stations, rather than bus
stops; and 4) Advanced communications, including reduced delay for BRT vehicles at
traffic signals and real-time traveler information. Mitigation measures to reduce
anticipated impacts are detailed in the document.
The document is now available for public review and comment. A hearing will be held at
which time members of the public are invited and will have an opportunity to provide
comments. The hearing will be held:
Tuesday, January 6,2009
Leverett Saltonstall Building
Conference Rooms C & D
100 Cambridge Street
Boston, MA 02202
6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Comments on the document may be submitted in writing or may be made orally at
the public hearing. A 60-day comment period has been established. Comments
must be received no later than February 9, 2009. Written comments must be
addressed to:
NedCodd
Director of Program Development
Executive Office of Transportation
and Public Works
10 Park Plaza, Room 4150
Boston, MA 02116
617-973-7473
Secretary Ian A. Bowles
Executive Office of Energy and
Environmental Mfairs
Attn: MEPA Office, EOEA #12565
Richard Bourre, Assistant Director
100 Cambridge Street, Suite 900
Boston, MA 02114
Additional information concerning the document and how to comment on it can be
found at the Urban Ring website at www.theurbanring.com or by calling Ned Codd
at 617-973-7473.