Welcome
Public Meeting #5
November 21, 2011
Today’s Agenda
Open House
Project Overview, Schedule & Budget
THE CONCEPTUAL ALTERNATIVES:
AT-GRADE & SINGLE BRIDGE
The Alternatives and Perspectives
MEASURES OF EVALUATION
Methodology and Evaluation
TRAFFIC, TRAFFIC, TRAFFIC
Summary of the Findings and The Simulations
Next Steps
Accelerated Bridge Program Opportunity
•
•
•
Current Bridge Condition
Available Funding
Schedule and Opportunity
PLANNING
STUDY
2011
DESIGN
2012
DEMOLITION AND CONSTRUCTION
2013
2014
2015
Community Involvement Throughout Project
Select Alternative
Design Review
Construction Staging & Traffic Management
Phasing
Meetings
2016
The Partnership
MassDOT – Highway and Transit
Department of Conservation & Recreation (DCR)
City of Boston
Consultant Team
Working Advisory Group (WAG)
Planning & Design Process
Public Process – Objectives & Schedule
Planning Study Schedule
PUBLIC MEETINGS
1
2
EXISTING
CONDITIONS
APR
3
SELECTION CRITERIA &
INITIAL CONCEPTS
MAY
CONCEPT
DEVELOPMENT
JUN
5
4
JUL
ALTERNATIVES
EVALUATION
AUG
SEP
Working Group Meetings = 20
6
Draft
ALTERNATIVES
OCT
NOV
DEC
Planning Study Meeting Schedule
Meeting 1 Project Purpose, Goals and Existing
Conditions
Meeting 2 Issues & Opportunities, Evaluation
Criteria, 2035 Traffic Projections,
Framework for Design Elements
Meeting 3 Development of Design Concepts,
Refinement of Evaluation Criteria
Meeting 4 Develop Draft Alternatives, Finalize
Evaluation Criteria (MOEs)
Meeting 5 Conceptual Alternatives, Applied MOEs
and Traffic Analysis
Meeting 6 Recommended Alternative and Next Steps
Visualizing the Future
Perspectives
View 1
Arborway Yard towards Courthouse
VIEW 1
EXISTING
View 1
Arborway Yard towards Courthouse
AT GRADE
BRIDGE
View 2
Southwest Corridor Park towards Forest Hills Station
VIEW 2
EXISTING
View 2
Southwest Corridor Park towards Forest Hills Station
AT GRADE
BRIDGE
View 3
New Washington Street corridor looking east
VIEW 3
EXISTING
View 3
New Washington Street corridor looking east
AT GRADE
BRIDGE
View 4
South Street towards Arnold Arboretum
VIEW 4
EXISTING
View 4
South Street towards Arnold Arboretum
AT GRADE
BRIDGE
View 5
New Washington Street Corridor – Easterly
between Hyde Park Avenue and Shea
VIEW 5
EXISTING
View 5
New Washington Street Corridor – Easterly
between Hyde Park Avenue and Shea
AT GRADE
BRIDGE
View 6
Corner of Morton and Hyde Park Avenue –
Northwest toward SW Corridor Park
VIEW 6
EXISTING
View 6
Corner of Morton and Hyde Park Avenue –
Northwest toward SW Corridor Park
AT GRADE
BRIDGE
Livability:
Objectives and Experience
Changing Looking-Out to ….
Today, the orientation is
looking away from the
corridor.
With the removal of the Casey
Overpass we face a choice:
Replace it with an at-grade
solution or put back a bridge.
Look at some local Boston
examples where elevated
infrastructure was removed
and the transformation that
has occurred.
Two urban design concepts
that are common to examples.
…. Looking-In
The opportunity is here
to change that and to
create a center for Forest
Hills.
Object versus Space
Change the focus from
the viaduct to the
surrounding area.
City Square, Charlestown
The elevated Orange Line and
the approach to the Mystic
Bridge discouraged
redevelopment in City Square.
City Square, Charlestown
Removing the elevated
created the opportunity for
redevelopment around City
Square.
City Square, Charlestown
Today, City Square is an inviting and
welcoming asset to the neighborhood.
It did not happen all at once and is still
going on.
Central Artery – Downtown Boston
One of the lessdesirable locations in
the downtown.
Central Artery – Downtown Boston
Properties abutting the
artery corridor are
reorienting toward it and
activating its edges.
Central Artery – Downtown Boston
Properties abutting the
artery corridor are
reorienting toward it and
activating its edges.
Spaces that were once
considered left over, are
now programmed with
active uses.
Washington Street, South End
The aging infrastructure
was a blight to the
neighborhood.
Washington Street, South End
Removal of the elevated
Orange Line created the
opportunity for
redevelopment.
With the object in the
center gone, the edges
became what defined the
space…
… And helped create a
vibrant street life.
Forest Hills
Like some of the examples shown – the elevated
infrastructure in Forest Hills is going
The elevated Orange Line and Commuter Rail tracks
have been relocated.
The last elevated structure – the Casey Overpass – is
coming down.
We have seen some example of how the effects of
bridges over public spaces can be mitigated, but…
No one says,
“Let’s put a bridge in that
space to improve it.”
Spaces under bridges are
not inherently places people
flock to.
They are places people pass
through but do not
congregate in.
An at-grade solution will provide the opportunity for a
transformation process similar to what we have seen in other
locations.
With a bridge alternative that transformation is unlikely to
ever happen.
The Conceptual Alternatives
At-Grade and Single Bridge
At-Grade Conceptual Alternative
DESIGNER GENERAL’S WARNING: THE DESIGN SHOWN
HERE IS PRELIMINARY AND CONCEPTUAL, DESPITE THE
HARD LINE FINISHED STYLE RESULTING FROM THE
SOFTWARE PROGRAMS USED
The Experience - New Washington Street
Relocated Orange
Line Head house
Olmsted tree line
boulevard
Off street bike lanes connect
to and cross at intersections
Area for community
gathering
Bus #39 remains
at current location
passenger loading
at intersection
On street bike lanes
Area for crossings – approx 20’
wide for bikes and pedestrians
Landscaped median
allows for minimal
plantings in this section
At-Grade Alternative – To further explore in 25% design
Examine adding flexibility for Bus
#39 by using Plaza area in front of
Forest Hills station
DESIGNER GENERAL’S WARNING: THE DESIGN SHOWN
HERE IS PRELIMINARY AND CONCEPTUAL, DESPITE THE
HARD LINE FINISHED STYLE RESULTING FROM THE
SOFTWARE PROGRAMS USED
At-Grade Alternative – To further explore in 25% design
Allocation of uses for taxi and drop
off areas (space preserved)
DESIGNER GENERAL’S WARNING: THE DESIGN SHOWN
HERE IS PRELIMINARY AND CONCEPTUAL, DESPITE THE
HARD LINE FINISHED STYLE RESULTING FROM THE
SOFTWARE PROGRAMS USED
At-Grade Alternative – To further explore in 25% design
Landscaping & Lighting Treatments
DESIGNER GENERAL’S WARNING: THE DESIGN SHOWN
HERE IS PRELIMINARY AND CONCEPTUAL, DESPITE THE
HARD LINE FINISHED STYLE RESULTING FROM THE
SOFTWARE PROGRAMS USED
At-Grade Alternative – To further explore in 25% design
Non-Peak Hour Treatments
(e.g., signalization)
Signalization, right turn lanes
(pedestrian and transit), and
detailed intersection geometry
DESIGNER GENERAL’S WARNING: THE DESIGN SHOWN
HERE IS PRELIMINARY AND CONCEPTUAL, DESPITE THE
HARD LINE FINISHED STYLE RESULTING FROM THE
SOFTWARE PROGRAMS USED
At-Grade Alternative – To further explore in 25% design
Bike accommodations on
Washington Street –
northern side of Ukraine
DESIGNER GENERAL’S WARNING: THE DESIGN SHOWN
HERE IS PRELIMINARY AND CONCEPTUAL, DESPITE THE
HARD LINE FINISHED STYLE RESULTING FROM THE
SOFTWARE PROGRAMS USED
At-Grade Alternative – To further explore in 25% design
Treatment of Asticou
and Forest Hills Street
DESIGNER GENERAL’S WARNING: THE DESIGN SHOWN
HERE IS PRELIMINARY AND CONCEPTUAL, DESPITE THE
HARD LINE FINISHED STYLE RESULTING FROM THE
SOFTWARE PROGRAMS USED
Interchangeable with
Shea Circle design
Bridge Conceptual Alternative
DESIGNER GENERAL’S WARNING: THE DESIGN SHOWN
HERE IS PRELIMINARY AND CONCEPTUAL, DESPITE THE
HARD LINE FINISHED STYLE RESULTING FROM THE
SOFTWARE PROGRAMS USED
The Experience - New Washington Street
Bus #39 remains
at current location
passenger loading
at intersection
Regional vehicular
traffic located above
Area for community
gathering
Off street Bike lanes
connect to and cross
at intersections
On street bike lanes
Usable contiguous
open space
connections
Area for crossings – approx 20’
wide for bikes and pedestrians
Bridge Alternative – To further explore in 25% design:
Design of piers, under
bridge area, and lighting
DESIGNER GENERAL’S WARNING: THE DESIGN SHOWN
HERE IS PRELIMINARY AND CONCEPTUAL, DESPITE THE
HARD LINE FINISHED STYLE RESULTING FROM THE
SOFTWARE PROGRAMS USED
Bridge Alternative – To further explore in 25% design:
Examine adding flexibility
for Bus #39 by using Plaza
area in front of station
DESIGNER GENERAL’S WARNING: THE DESIGN SHOWN
HERE IS PRELIMINARY AND CONCEPTUAL, DESPITE THE
HARD LINE FINISHED STYLE RESULTING FROM THE
SOFTWARE PROGRAMS USED
Bridge Alternative – To further explore in 25% design:
Landscaping and
lighting treatments
DESIGNER GENERAL’S WARNING: THE DESIGN SHOWN
HERE IS PRELIMINARY AND CONCEPTUAL, DESPITE THE
HARD LINE FINISHED STYLE RESULTING FROM THE
SOFTWARE PROGRAMS USED
Bridge Alternative – To further explore in 25% design:
Treatment of Forest Hills Road
Signalization,and
rightintersection
turn lanes
Signalization
(pedestrian
and transit), and
turning
movements
detailed intersection geometry
DESIGNER GENERAL’S WARNING: THE DESIGN SHOWN
HERE IS PRELIMINARY AND CONCEPTUAL, DESPITE THE
HARD LINE FINISHED STYLE RESULTING FROM THE
SOFTWARE PROGRAMS USED
Measures of Evaluation (MOEs)
Livability & Mobility
The Evaluation
The Evolution of the MOEs
1. Approach taken to Casey’s MOEs
a. All modes, livability objectives, new measures
2. WAG integral to the formation and evolution of
the MOEs
a.
Principles (fatal flaw), Goals, Objectives and Measures
3. MOEs used throughout the process and to
evaluate alternatives on their own merits
a. MOEs shaped the alternatives (i.e., surface streets redesigned for all alternatives – rendering some MOEs
obsolete)
MOEs – The Distribution
MOEs
Mobility Livability
Goals
3
3
Objectives
9
7
Measures
16
15
Applied to Existing Conditions and
both Conceptual Alternatives
The MOEs – Existing Conditions
Mobility Goals
Total Score = -10
1. Convoluted and Confusing
Street network
2. Complicated connections for
Bikes and Pedestrians
3. Limited visible connections
to businesses, resources
and neighborhoods
4. No coherent, systematic
organization of access for
modes and users
The MOEs – Existing Conditions
Livability Goals
Total Score = -10
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Haphazard integration of open
space and historical resources
Emerald Necklace Interrupted
No “There” there for
community connections or
activities to center upon.
Outward focused
Obstructed visible connections
to Boston’s historic open
space resources
Unclear order and use of space
The MOEs – Bridge Conditions
Mobility Goals
Total Score = 3
1.
2.
3.
4.
Better organized roadways,
intersections, pedestrian and
bike crossings and circulation
North/south connections
improved through intersection
treatments
Limited off-street bike
improvements and connections
(only east/west direction)
MBTA bus operations not
addressed – no change from
today
The MOEs – Bridge Conditions
Livability Goals
Total Score = 0
1.
2.
3.
4.
Improved plantings and
landscape treatments along
the New Washington Street
Corridor
Barrier to open space historic
resources modified for select
areas
Emerald Necklace not restored
as southwest to northeast
views obstructed
Limited areas to create a focal
point for activities
The MOEs – At-Grade Conditions
Mobility Goals
Total Score = 7
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Better organized roadways and
intersections
Less congestions and conflicts for
vehicles, pedestrians and bikes
Improved pedestrian and bike
crossings and circulation both
east/west and north/south
Improved use of MBTA bus
operations and staging areas
(Upper Busway)
Focal Areas created for simplified
crossings and access to historic
open space resources
The MOEs – At-Grade Conditions
Livability Goals
Total Score = 13
1.
2.
3.
4.
Better organized open space
network creating
opportunities for gateways
and recognition of historic
resources
Emerald Necklace Restored
View sheds restored – visual
access to open space,
neighborhood, business, and
recreational resources
Increased landscaping and
areas for activities
Traffic, Traffic, Traffic
Traffic Design Goals
•Improve Safety
•Improve Pedestrian and Bicycle Accommodations
•Enhance Transit Connections
•Provide Acceptable Vehicular Traffic Operations
Urban Design Goals
•Place Making Opportunities
•Landscaping
•View Corridors
Top 5 Areas of Concern Today
Top 5 Areas of Concern Today
Shea Circle
• Too many entry/conflict points
• Hostile to pedestrians and bikes
• Above average crash rates
Shea Circle
• Treatment independent of the selected
alternative
• Number of entry points reduced
• Additional Improvements are compatible
with both alternatives
DRAFT
WORK IN PROGRESS
BRIDGE ALTERNATIVE (STREET VIEW)
Shea Circle
• Treatment independent of the selected
alternative
• Number of entry points reduced
• Additional Improvements are compatible
with both alternatives
DRAFT
WORK IN PROGRESS
BRIDGE
ALTERNATIVE
(STREET VIEW)
AT-GRADE
ALTERNATIVE
Top 5 Areas of Concern Today
South/Arborway/New Washington
• Confusing intersection geometry
• Closely spaced signals
• Signal coordination difficulties
South/Arborway/New Washington
• Intersection geometry improved
• Pedestrian accommodations improved
DRAFT
WORK IN PROGRESS
BRIDGE ALTERNATIVE (STREET VIEW)
South/Arborway/New Washington
• Intersection geometry
improved
• Pedestrian accommodations
improved
• At-Grade provides additional
enhancements:
• Improvements along
South/Washington Street
• Relocated bus access
DRAFT
WORK IN PROGRESS
BRIDGE
AT-GRADE
ALTERNATIVE
ALTERNATIVE
(STREET VIEW)
Top 5 Areas of Concern Today
New Washington-Mid Block
• Closely spaced signals
• Pedestrian signal complicates operation
• Pick-up/drop-off congestion
New Washington-Mid Block
• Mid block pedestrian crossing relocated
DRAFT
WORK IN PROGRESS
BRIDGE ALTERNATIVE (STREET VIEW)
New Washington - Mid Block
• Mid block pedestrian crossing relocated
• At-Grade provides additional enhancements:
• Relocated head house
• Enhanced connection to Southwest Corridor
DRAFT
WORK IN PROGRESS
AT-GRADE
ALTERNATIVE
BRIDGE
ALTERNATIVE
(STREET VIEW)
Top 5 Areas of Concern Today
Hyde Park/New Washington
• Confusing intersection geometry
• Missing pedestrian connections
• No bicycle accommodations
Hyde Park/New Washington
• Intersection geometry improved
• Pedestrian accommodations improved
DRAFT
WORK IN PROGRESS
BRIDGE ALTERNATIVE (STREET VIEW)
Hyde Park/New Washington
• Intersection geometry improved
• Pedestrian accommodations improved
DRAFT
WORK IN PROGRESS
BRIDGE
AT-GRADE
ALTERNATIVE
ALTERNATIVE
(STREET VIEW)
Top 5 Areas of Concern Today
Asticou/Washington
• Pick-up/drop-off and taxi activity
• No bicycle accommodations
• Busway/South St signal
Asticou/Washington
• No alteration with Bridge Alternative
DRAFT
WORK IN PROGRESS
BRIDGE ALTERNATIVE (STREET VIEW)
Asticou/Washington
• At-Grade provides additional
enhancements:
• Improvements along Washington
Street
• Improved curb side loading areas
• Relocated bus facility
DRAFT
WORK IN PROGRESS
BRIDGE
ALTERNATIVE
(STREET VIEW)
AT-GRADE
ALTERNATIVE
Overview of Existing Traffic Operations
Existing Surface Roadways:
•Confusing and Congested
•Poor Pedestrian and Bicycle Accommodations
•Limited Curbside Loading/Unloading
•Closely Spaced Intersections Difficult to Manage
•Significant Queuing through Adjacent Intersections
•Multiple Conflict Points in Shea Circle
Traffic Count Locations
INTERSECTIONS
TRAFFIC SIGNALS
Defining the Peak Periods
Casey Overpass and New Washington Street
Combined Hourly Volumes (east-west)
3500
3000
2500
2000
1500
1000
500
0
12:00 1:00 2:00 3:00 4:00 5:00 6:00 7:00 8:00 9:00 10:00 11:00 12:00 1:00 2:00 3:00 4:00 5:00 6:00 7:00 8:00 9:00 10:00 11:00
AM AM AM AM AM AM AM AM AM AM AM AM PM PM PM PM PM PM PM PM PM PM PM PM
2035 Volume Projections
CTPS regional model
• Multi-modal model
• Regional model
• Calibrated based on current counts
BRA local development parcels
• 8 local development parcels
• Traffic volumes and distribution per BTD
standards
2035 Traffic Analysis
• Based on Peak Hour for original alternatives
(single-bridge and at-grade bow tie) – Worst Case
• Not adjusted for:
–
–
–
–
Median widths
Non-peak design changes
Bow-tie location adjustments
Signalization refinements
All modes are accommodated better in the future
Comparison Today with
Bridge and At-Grade Alternatives
Similarities
Differences
• Overall Traffic Capacity
• Roadway Geometry
• North-South connections
• Specific Travel Times
• South/Washington
Intersections are the critical
link
• Specific Turn Restrictions
• Pedestrian and Bicycle
Enhancements
• Travel times for bus routes
on New Washington St (16,
21, 31) are comparable
• Traffic Volumes on Surface
• South Street and Washington
Corridor Improvements
• MBTA Facility Enhancements
How can traffic operations be similar?
• North-south traffic volumes unchanged between
alternatives
• At-grade offers additional improvements to critical northsouth link on South Street
• Removal of Bridge only adds east-west through traffic to
surface streets (additional thru lanes provided at-grade)
• All turning movements happen at grade regardless
Urban Facilities Capacity Analysis
Analysis includes: pedestrians, transit, bicycles
and vehicles
Focus is New Washington Street corridor
Analysis Does not include amenities off-road or
on other streets
Minimal LOS differences between at-grade and
bridge alternative
CTPS Regional Traffic Model
• Model runs for At-Grade and Bridge
Alternatives
• Initial results show no significant changes to:
• Traffic Volumes
• Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT)
• Vehicle Hours Traveled (VHT)
• Air Quality/Emissions
Screenline for Travel Patterns
CTPS Key Findings
• Both build scenarios allow the same
magnitude of traffic to move through this
area
• Both build scenarios cater to the same
markets
• Both build scenarios result in similar travel
times for trips
Detailed LOS and Queue Analyses
• Traffic Operations Improved for both
alternatives over existing conditions (see
Technical Memoranda)
• Acceptable traffic operations provided for
both alternatives
• Queues managed within available
storage area
• Operations comparable for at-grade and
bridge alternatives
Travel Time Comparison
• Travel times for existing based on
current volumes and presented for
comparison only
• Travel times for alternatives based
on 2035 volumes and in depth
analysis
• Travel times are for peak hours
Peak Hour Travel Time Results
• Both alternatives improve overall travel times within
the project limits
• Overall travel times for the alternatives are
comparable
• At-grade improves travel time for many moves,
particularly north-south
• At-grade increases travel time for affected left-turns
and east-west regional traffic (30-90 seconds)
• Regional delays offset local travel time increases
East West
Regional Travel
• Regional travel times relatively unchanged for
overall trip
• Any in-bound delays at grade on New Washington
are offset by existing delays at Murray Circle
• In fact, the new design of New Washington may
“meter” the travel times, providing more
systematic processing of traffic
Local Diversions (cut-through)
• Concerns on cut through focused on east/west
travel.
• The At-Grade Alternative increases east/west
travel by only 30 to 90 seconds.
• The travel times along alternate routes
(potential cut-through routes) are greater than
the proposed at-grade network
*
Local Travel Time and Delay:
Casey Overpass/New Washington
*
Inbound
Local Travel Time and Delay:
Neighborhood cut-through
Future Traffic Conditions: Summary
Improved over existing conditions and
minimal difference between the alternatives for:
• Pedestrian/Bike/Transit Operations
• Overall Vehicle Capacity
• No Added or Diverted Traffic
• Overall Travel Times Remain Constant
Traffic is not a differentiator
between alternatives
Traffic Simulations
• Performed using VISSIM
• Based on 2035 Peak Hour Traffic
Volumes
• Extensive effort involved
• High degree of confidence in results
• Preparation needed to start early in
alternative development process
Next Steps
1. Recommended
Alternative
2. 25% Design
Planning Study Meeting Schedule
Meeting 1 Project Purpose, Goals and Existing
Conditions
Meeting 2 Issues & Opportunities, Evaluation
Criteria, 2035 Traffic Projections,
Framework for Design Elements
Meeting 3 Development of Design Concepts,
Refinement of Evaluation Criteria
Meeting 4 Develop Draft Alternatives, Finalize
Evaluation Criteria (MOEs)
Meeting 5 Conceptual Alternatives, Applied MOEs
and Traffic Analysis
Meeting 6 Recommended Alternative and Next Steps
Meeting Planning Study Schedule
Public Meeting #6: Wednesday,
December 14, 2011
English High School
Questions?
Comments!