The following materials were presented at the Casey Overpass Project’s Working Advisory
Group meeting on March 16, 2011.
The purpose was to solicit comment and suggestions from the Working Advisory Group on the
boards that will be presented at the Open House portion of the public meeting on April 6, 2011.
The Open House is scheduled from 5:30 to 6:30.
The maps and graphics were projected large enough to be seen by the group for comment and
were organized into four stations: Project Overview, Existing Conditions, Local & Regional Traffic,
and Imagine the Possibilities. The final maps and graphics will be available for full viewing on
April 6th.
PROJECT OVERVIEW
CASEY OVERPASS PROJECT
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PROJECT AREA
OR
ET
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Arnold
Arboretum
ET
W
AS
HI
AY
W
NG
ARB
SOUTH STREET
The Casey Overpass is located in a corridor that is part
of the Emerald Necklace and known as the Arborway,
designed by Frederick Law Olmsted in the 1890’s.
The surrounding area includes significant residential
neighborhoods, some of Boston’s largest open spaces,
and important transportation facilities. The Casey
Overpass, that currently dominates the area, needs to be
replaced. This creates an opportunity for positive change
in the neighborhood in terms of mobility and livability.
HI
LL
S
ST
Arborway
Yards
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R
FO
CASEY OVERPASS
Forest Hills
Station
SHEA
CIRCLE
KA
VEN
M O R TO N S T R E E
T
HY
DE
PA R
ING
WA
SH
400 Feet
UK
RA
WA I N E
Y
Courthouse
UE
STRE
T
E
E
TO N
R
T
S
SOUTH
T
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State Labs
Franklin Park
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Forest Hills
Cemetery
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A
ACCELERATED
BRIDGE
PROGRAM
(ABP)
TIME
LINE
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The historic $3 billion Patrick-Murray Accelerated Bridge Program represents a monumental investment in
Massachusetts bridges. This program will greatly reduce the number of structurally deficient bridges in the state
system, while creating thousands of construction jobs on bridge projects.
To complete this program MassDOT will rely on the use of innovative and accelerated project development and
construction techniques. As a result, projects will be completed on-time, on-budget and with minimum disruption to
people and to commerce.
Since 2008, the number of structurally deficient bridges has dropped from 543 to 482, a decline of over 11 percent.
Over the course of the eight year program, more than 200 bridges are planned to be replaced or repaired.
PLANNING
STUDY
2011
CONSTRUCTION
DESIGN
2012
2013
2014
2015
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2016
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PLANNING
&
CONCEPT
DESIGN
STUDY
TIME
LINE
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The schedule for the Casey Overpass Study includes five
public meetings at critical points in the study.
PUBLIC
MEETINGS
1
2
EXISTING
CONDITIONS
MAR
APR
3
SELECTION CRITERIA &
INITIAL CONCEPTS
MAY
4
5
IDENTIFICATION OF
PREFERRED ALTERNATIVE
CONCEPT DEVELOPMENT &
ALTERNATIVES EVALUATION
JUN
JUL
AUG
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SEP
EXISTING CONDITIONS
CASEY OVERPASS PROJECT
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EXISTING CONDITIONS
REDEVELOPMENT
RE
ST
NG
TO
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Com
mu
HI
W
AS
ter
Ra
STREET
il P
latf
o
rm
SOUTH
Residences
ARBORW
AY
The right-of-way containing the Casey Overpass is
around 200 feet wide in most locations. Important
buildings and features lining the edge of the corridor
have been identified to be kept free of impacts. The
removal of the Overpass creates an opportunity to
reconnect Arnold Arboretum with Franklin Park and the
Forest Hills Cemetery.
ET
SOUTHWEST
CORRIDOR
PARK
ARNOLD
ARBORETUM
ARBORWAY YARDS
Electrical
Substation
Residences
MBTA Arborway facilities
and driveways
Viaduct Meets Grade
MBTA Tunnel
Document depth with MBTA
SURFACE
PARKING
H
STR
MBTA Forest Hills
Station and bus
driveways
(except Route 39)
Ventilation
S Stacks
EET
OR
TO
N
Municipal
Courthouse
ST
RE
Church
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Multi-Family
Housing
FIXED ASSETS*
Buildings and features along the
edge of the corridor that need to
remain free from impacts
EXISTING
BUILDINGS
OPEN SPACE*
Designated parks, landscaped
areas or other publicly accessible
open space
PROPOSED
DEVELOPMENT**
FOREST HILLS
Approximate configuration of
AVAILABLE
ROW* parcels in the Public ROW or
CEMETERY
otherwise available for use
*Verify with MassDOT
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**Verify with City of Boston
ST
E
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FRANKLIN
PARK
KEY
NU
K A
VE
PA
R
S
RE
HI
S
L
L
ET
E
RED PARC
E VE EL LOP S
ME
NT
g
MB
TA
Par
k in
DE
400 feet
HY
300
FITZGERALD LOT
PLANNED
REDEVELOPMENT
ORCH
STR
TON
ING
WAS
H
200
M
ARD H
ILL RO
AD
Verify as fixed location with MBTA
100
SURFACE
PARKING
FO
MB
TA
Tun
T
Verify ability to shift location
with MBTA
EET
T
U
O
Viaduct Meets Grade
nel
Route 39 Bus Turn-a-round
Orange Line Platform
Headhouse
0
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Development identified in public
documents
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2010 Centre & South Street
Streetscape & Transportation
Action Plan
STREET
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RECENT
PROJECTS
IN
THE
FOREST
HILLS
AREA
R
D
Jamaica Pond
Based on the 2004 Arborway Master Plan, this study looked at specific improvements for the Arborway between Murray Circle and Kelly Circle.
CENTRE
Recommendations
• For the area near Forest Hills the study referenced the 2008 Forest Hills
Improvement Initiative: Transportation Action Plan
2007 Arborway Traffic Review
Final report due to be released in the spring of 2011
2008 Forest Hills Improvement
Initiative: Transportation
Action Plan
Issues & Recommendations
•
Separate local from regional traffic
•
Provide conventional intersection layout for improved traffic patterns
•
Improve local access to Arborway
•
Provide fewer/safer pedestrian crossings
•
Provide direct connections to local streets
Southwest
Corridor
2004 Arborway Master Plan
RE
ET
Recommendations
• Short-Term Recommendations (13 intersections were studied)
o
Recommendations for the majority of intersections studied
consist primarily of adjustments to pavement markings and crosswalks
and recommendations for improved signage.
o
At the two intersections on New Washington Street (at
Washington and South Streets), additional recommendations include
signal coordination and slight modifications to the roadway geometry.
o
At Washington Street, right turn slip lane on the northwest
corner may be eliminated due to relatively light volume, creating an
opportunity to increase green space at this corner.
•
At South Street, reverse bus lane entrance and exit to allow cars to pass
while busses queue under the Arborway.
• Long-Term Recommendations
o One way roadway loop around T-station (Ukraine Way, Hyde Park Avenue,
Washington Street, South Street and New Washington Street)
o Roadway realignment of New Washington Street – shifted toward Casey
Overpass.
o Casey Overpass: Aesthetic improvements to the structure.
o Removal of the Casey Overpass (This alternative was suggested but not
studied in detail in this report – Alternatives should be explored that
minimize the impact to the Forest Hills Area).
A
SH
IN
G
TO
N
ST
Recommendations
•
Maintain existing structure. Recommendation to provide improvements
to the existing Casey Overpass and provide landscape enhancements in
the remaining green space adjacent to the viaduct.
•
Due to the heavy traffic demand and local traffic access requirements,
no significant changes to roadway design and traffic circulation are
proposed for Forest Hills.
•
Two options for continuous shared-use bike/ped path:
o
Approach from Arnold Arboretum on western side of Arborway,
one option passes underneath the Casey viaduct and parallels
New Washington Street and Arborway Westbound Surface Road
to connect to Circuit Drive in Franklin Park; second option follows
surface roadway south of Casey Overpass to connect to Shea
Circle and Circuit Drive. [The preferred alternative is the first
alternative – this provides a better connection to Southwest
Corridor Park and also avoids the courthouse south of the Overpass].
•
Replace large rotary at Shea Circle (just east of Casey Overpass) with a
signalized intersection that provides an improved gateway to Franklin
Park, and signal-protected crossings to Franklin Park
W
SOU
TH STREET
Key Issues Identified:
• Automobiles: Area very auto dependent; other modes of transportation
have been designed around the auto, instead of the reverse.
• Bicycles: Forest Hills is a critical connection for regional circulation, yet few
accommodations are provided along the corridor around the station.
• Pedestrians: Without signal coordination, drivers may become frustrated
having to stop frequently in the corridor. This frustration may lead to
drivers disregarding the rules of the road, ultimately jeopardizing the
crossing pedestrian
Key Issues Identified:
•
Accepted that the current level of motor vehicle traffic must be accommodated – NOT diverted to other roadways.
•
If Casey Overpass is removed, surface roadways would have to be
widened to 7 or 8 lanes to accommodate the additional traffic loads –
undesirable from an urban design standpoint.
•
Balance three elements – landscape, ped/bike access, and vehicle traffic.
Franklin Park
2008 Forest Hills Improvement
Initiative: Use & Design
Guidelines
Recommendations
• General for all parcels: Promote a high quality and accessible pedestrian
environment in and around the building(s) that promotes walking to
nearby uses, activities and public transit.
• Arborway Yards Parcel: Focus active uses at southern end to reinforce
connections under Casey Overpass.
• Fitzgerald Parking Lot: Focus active uses at corner to reinforce connections
under Casey Overpass. Reinforce Emerald Necklace connection along
Arborway with large landscaped pathway.
2001 MOU between City of
Boston & MBTA
Arnold
Arboretum
Recommendations
•
M
Key Issues Identified:
•
To improve Traffic Patterns which includes better pedestrian and bicycle
connections.
•
To create a vibrant mixed use district.
•
To provide community orientation which includes the creation of public
spaces for public gatherings and markets, artist exhibits, and locally owned
retail and service businesses.
•
Provide Green/Sustainable Development which includes transit-oriented,
neighborhood scaled development that reduces building and transportation
based pollution and carbon emissions.
•
Increase access to Green Space Assets by better connections and new landscaping.
O
RT
O
N
ST
RE
ET
2008 Structural Condition
Investigation & Traffic Study
RE
ST
N
TO
G
IN
SH
A
W
HYDE P
A R K AV
ENUE
ET
Forest Hills
Cemetery
Recommendations
•
Arborway should remain in a grade-separated configuration, maintaining
existing geometry and traffic operations.
•
Replace the viaduct with a new Overpass to approximately the same lines
and grades as the existing structure.
Key Issues Identified:
•
Arguments for maintaining Overpass of similar profile and alignment as
existing structure:
o
Although elevated rail lines under Casey Overpass has been
removed to below surface streets, construction raised surface streets,
minimizing opportunities to replace the Overpass with one that is
reduced in height and width.
o
Current height above surface streets allows for drivers and
pedestrians in the area to look through the open spaces and see the
skyline on the other side.
o
Height provides increased natural lighting underneath the
bridge; reduces sheltering from weather. Both these features reduce
attractiveness for unwanted loitering.
o
Address aesthetics of structure: slimming width of viaduct and
use cast-in-place concrete construction.
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OVERPASS INSPECTION & REPAIR
2010 bridge
inspection photos
2010 bridge inspection photo
2010 photo of bridge repair
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SOUTH
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EXISTING BUS CIRCULATION BY ROUTE
37/38 39
W
AS
42
STREET
ARBORW
AY
Existing bus circulation by route. The volume of bus trips in the
study area during the peak hour is between 140 and 150 bus
trips per hour.
AY YARDS
ARBORWAY
ARNOLD
ARBORETUM
39
SERVICE ROA
D
ET
T
TO
N
ST
RE
16
MBTA Bus Service at Forest Hills Station
AM PEAK
NU
K A
VE
PA
R
DE
HY
Routes to the Northwest
Routes to the Northeast
Routes to the Southwest
Routes to the Southeast
PM PEAK
Headway
Trips/Hour
Headway
Trips/Hour
(Minutes)
(Both Directions)
(Minutes)
(Both Directions)
16
15
8
18
7
21
9
13
13
9
30
15
8
20
6
31
7
17
9
13
32
10
12
11
11
34
9
13
7
17
34E
20
6
20
6
35
12
10
15
8
36
12
10
15
8
37
20
6
15
8
38
22
5
22
5
39*
6
20
6
20
30
40
FOREST
HILLS
12
42
CEMETERY
25
50
4
30
4
10
25
5
5
22
5
25
5
22
5
E
STR
TON
ING
WAS
H
KEY
32
FRANKLIN
PARK
21/31
Bus Route
ARNOLD
ARBORETUM
34/34E
35 36
37 40
50 51
H
S
T
ET
ORCH
16 21
31 32
42
EET
SO
H
UT
34/34E
35 36
37 38
40 50
51
E
STR
OR
ARD H
ILL RO
AD
M
F
E
R
O
ST
L
IL
ST
E
RE
51
TOTAL
153
138
* Route 39 service operates high-capacity articulated buses
Source: MBTA Ridership and Service Statiistics, 12th Ed (2009)
0
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100
200
300
400 feet
LOCAL & REGIONAL TRAFFIC
CASEY OVERPASS PROJECT
PERCENT BY TRAFFIC ANALYSIS ZONE (TAZ)
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The shaded portions of the map show either where trips using the Casey
Overpass originate or where the trips on Casey Overpass are destined.
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CASEY OVERPASS PROJECT
VEHICLE TRIP PATHS
St
No
r fo
lk
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D
Route selection for vehicles using the Casey Overpass during
peak periods. Volumes using any given route are proportional
to the thickness of the line. Peak hour traffic volumes are fairly
symmetrical on both the overpass and on local streets.
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CASEY OVERPASS PROJECT
EXISTING PEAK HOUR TRAFFIC VOLUMES
ET
RE
ST
W
AS
HI
750
SOUTH
300
450
TO
N
1,700
NG
SOUTHWEST
CORRIDOR
PARK
Weekday morning peak hour directional traffic
volumes (rounded to the nearest 50 vehicles) based
upon traffic count data collected in June 2010.
700
STREET
ARBORW
AY
450
1,150
ARBORWAY
YARDS
1,350
400
SERVICE ROA
D
M
SO
UT
H
ST
550
OR
1,150
ET
RE
900
ST
RE
HI
L
S
550
ET
FRANKLIN
PARK
550
650
ET
ORCH
1,150
850
FOREST HILLS
CEMETERY
PA
R
ING
TON
K A
VE
NU
E
STR
EET
600
HY
DE
WAS
H
E
ARD H
ILL RO
AD
T
TO
N
R
FO
ST
LS
E
TR
ARNOLD
ARBORETUM
700
450
0
T
F
A
R
D
RE
600
HI
NG
350
STREET
ARBORW
AY
ARBORWAY
YARDS
500
1,800
400 feet
Weekday afternoon peak hour directional traffic
volumes (rounded to the nearest 50 vehicles) based
upon traffic count data collected in June 2010.
ET
850
W
AS
SOUTH
450
300
ST
1,100
200
Peak hour traffic volumes are fairly symmetrical on
both the overpass and on local streets.
TO
N
SOUTHWEST
CORRIDOR
PARK
100
850
450
600
950
K A
VE
NU
E
STR
TON
ST
RE
750
ST
L
S
ET
650
FRANKLIN
PARK
600
1,350
ET
800
FOREST HILLS
CEMETERY
HY
DE
PA
R
ING
WAS
H
ARNOLD
ARBORETUM
TO
N
ARD H
ILL RO
AD
T
OR
F
E
OR
ORCH
TH
EET
EET
U
SO
M
950
STR
1,350
SERVICE ROA
D
HI
LS
E
TR
450
700
0
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100
200
300
400 feet
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HIGH-VOLUME PEDESTRIAN LOCATIONS
PM
ET
RE
RE
ET
SOUTHWEST
CORRIDOR
PARK
51
EET
TO
N
NG
HI
121
85
E
STR
PA
R
DE
HY
WAS
H
PA
R
DE
HY
ARNOLD
ARBORETUM
November 2, 2010
49
November 2, 2010
103
T
TON
146
H
T
CASEY OVERPASS PROJECT
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174
ARD H
ILL RO
AD
S
T
OU
M
ORCH
ET
STR
NU
RE
EET
K A
VE
ST
ARD H
ILL RO
AD
TO
N
172
52 109
ING
E
NU
STR
TON
ING
WAS
H
ARNOLD
ARBORETUM
60
OR
ORCH
T
55
M
183
K A
VE
H
EET
S
T
OU
53
72
ARNOLD
ARBORETUM
90
STR
55
ARBORW
AY
ARNOLD
ARBORETUM
EET
STREET
STREET
81
ARBORW
AY
W
AS
W
AS
HI
NG
SOUTH
SOUTH
TO
N
ST
ST
AM
Arrows show the locations of high pedestrian crossing volumes during the AM and PM
peak hours based upon the traffic count data collected in June of 2010. The pedestrian
volume at these locations exceeds 50 crossings per hour.
SOUTHWEST
SO
OU
UTHWEST
ST
CORRIDOR
CO
ORRIDO
OR
PARK
OR
TO
N
ST
RE
ET
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HIGH-VOLUME BICYCLE LOCATIONS
PM
RE
ET
ET
SOUTHWEST
CORRIDOR
PARK
TO
N
NG
HI
STREET
STREET
ARBORW
AY
W
AS
W
AS
HI
SOUTH
NG
SOUTH
TO
N
ST
ST
RE
AM
Arrows show the locations of high bicycle crossing volumes during the AM and PM
peak hours based upon the traffic count data collected in June of 2010. The volume of
bicycles crossing at these locations exceeds 15 crossings per hour.
SOUTHWEST
OUTHWEST
U
ST
CORRIDOR
C
ORRIDO
R
OR
PARK
ARBORW
AY
ARNOLD
ARBORETUM
ARNOLD
ARBORETUM
M
STR
T
M
TO
N
ST
RE
ET
S
T
OU
H
STR
EET
T
ARNOLD
ARBORETUM
ORCH
E
NU
K A
VE
PA
R
DE
HY
HY
DE
WAS
H
PA
R
ING
TON
K A
VE
NU
STR
E
EET
ORCH
EET
STR
TON
ING
WAS
H
ARNOLD
ARBORETUM
ARD H
ILL RO
AD
ARD H
ILL RO
AD
S
OU
TH
EET
OR
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ET
IMAGINE THE POSSIBILITIES
CASEY OVERPASS PROJECT
EXISTING CONDITIONS/UNDER THE VIADUCT
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The Casey Overpass creates a confusing surface roadway
configuration due to the location of bridge supports and
access ramps. The removal of the Overpass allows the
opportunity to design a more logical surface street system
for cars, pedestrians, bicycles and buses.
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OLMSTED PLAN OF 1892
The 1892 Frederick Law Olmsted plan for the Arborway
included this portion between the Arnold Arboretum
and Franklin Park. It features a separate travel way
for different modes: a center carriage way, frontage
roadways lining the edges of the corridor, a walking
path and a bridle path know as The Ride. Rows of red
oak shade trees were planted between and along the
paths and roads. The Forest Hills railroad bridge was
designed by the architectural firm of Shepley, Rutan, and
Coolidge as an integral part of the parkway.
Ar
ea
of
En
l
ar
ge
m
en
t
Overall Plan
0
100
200
300
400 Feet
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