McGrath Boulevard Project Development
Working Group Meeting #2
February 5, 2015 – East Somerville Community School
Agenda
• Review of the November meeting
• 2040 Traffic Projections:
• No-Build Conditions
• Build Conditions
• Evolving Bicycle and Pedestrian
Accommodations
• Next steps
The November Working Group Session
Review and Key Themes
Key Elements I
• MassDOT committed to viaduct removal
• Our process builds on “Grounding McGrath”
• Opportunities associated with removal:
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Improve safety for all modes of transportation.
Calm traffic.
Provide east to west connections.
Improve/create pedestrian and bicycle conditions.
Take full advantage of benefits conferred by GLX.
Key Elements II
• Role of the working group:
• Inform and advise the agency with local knowledge.
• Help the agency team develop a preferred alternative to take into
the environmental process.
• Help develop design details for future discussion in the 25% design
process.
• Study area
• Existing traffic conditions
• Bicycle and pedestrian methodologies
Where We Are
Where We Are - Description
• The previous slide showed a graphic of the
general project timeline for the McGrath
Boulevard Project Development.
• The project team is currently in the project
development stage.
• There will be community involvement
throughout the entirety of the project.
MassDOT Priorities
Improve Safety, Access & Connections for All Modes
MassDOT Priorities - Description
The previous slide showed an image of MassDOT’s priorities which are to improve safety, access & connections for all modes
while creating a context sensitive design. Sub-priorities include the following:
1.
2.
3.
4.
Improve Access and Mobility:
1. Improve regional/local travel time
2. Improve health of residents
3. Facilitate multi-modal transportation opportunities
4. Context sensitive design
Promote Connectivity:
1. Provide new connections
2. Improve urban form “place making”
3. Improve access to open space
4. Context sensitive design
Improve and Balance Functionality:
1. Enhance safety for all modes
2. Maintain regional travel capacity
3. Limit impacts on surrounding roadways
4. Context sensitive design
Provide Accountability:
1. Share benefits and burdens of changes
2. Limit impact to environment
3. Ensure long-term corridor maintainability
4. Context sensitive design
The bottom line is to achieve reasonable consensus on a concept design
Working Group Priorities
Improve Safety, Access & Connections for All Modes
Working Group Priorities - Description
The previous slide showed an image of the Working Group’s priorities which are to improve safety, access & connections for all modes while
creating a context sensitive design. Sub-priorities include the following:
1.
2.
3.
4.
Improve Access and Mobility:
1.
Remove McCarthy Overpass
2.
Calm traffic without inducing congestion
3.
Increase/improve bus shuttle service
4.
Fully leverage benefits of GLX Project
5.
Enhance bicycle and pedestrian facilities
6.
Context sensitive design
Promote Connectivity:
1.
Reconnect Union Square, Brickbottom and Innerbelt neighborhoods
2.
Create a unified corridor
3.
Improve access to green space
4.
Context sensitive design
Improve and Balance Functionality:
1.
Enhance safety for all modes
2.
Promote community development
3.
Reduce impacts on neighborhoods
4.
Minimize cut-thru traffic
5.
Maintain neighborhood vibrancy
6.
Context sensitive design
Provide Accountability:
1.
Reduce environmental impacts and roadway exposures
2.
Ensure long-term corridor livability
3.
Include EJ population participation in public process
4.
Consider abutting project(s) plans
5.
Context sensitive design
The bottom line is to remove the viaduct to improve safety, reconnect neighborhoods and increase green space.
Shared Priorities
Improve safety for all modes: walking, cycling, driving, transit
Remove McCarthy Overpass
Context sensitive design or:
 Increase connectivity of entire corridor (up & down, side-to-side)
 Use Complete Streets guidelines to create inviting bicycle and
pedestrian infrastructure
 Coordinate with abutting projects
 Create new green space and landscaped boulevard
Consider overall public health in planning/conceptual design
Calm traffic without inducing harmful local or regional congestion
Protect the neighborhood during construction
Maintain unique neighborhood vibrancy after construction
2040 No Build
Traffic Projections
Components of the Future Projections
• Travel Demand Model from the
Central Transportation Planning Staff (CTPS)
• Local Adjustments
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Future Trips
Future Mode Share
CTPS Process
• Regional Travel
Demand Model
• Demographic &
Land Use Data
Transportation
Infrastructure
• Extensive Model
• Model Outputs
CTPS Process - Description
• The previous slide showed an image of the
CTPS boundary within the state of
Massachusetts.
• The CTPS process includes: a regional travel
demand model based on an extensive
computer program and based on 2040 traffic
projections.
Five Step Travel Demand Model
1.
2.
3.
4.
Vehicle Ownership
Trip Generation
Trip Distribution
Mode Choice
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Highway
Transit
Non -motorized
5. Assignment
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Highway
Transit
Five Step Travel Demand Model - Description
• The previous slide showed an image of the five step travel
demand model used by CTPS.
• The model takes into account:
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Vehicle ownership
Trip generation
Trip distribution
Mode choice: highway, transit, and non-motorized.
• Based on these inputs the model generates and assigns future
trips to highway or transit modes.
Local Development Areas
1a. Green Line Extension:
Magoun Square
1b. Green Line Extension:
Gilman Square
1c. Green Line Extension:
Ball Square
2. Sullivan Square
3. River Green
4. Assembly Square
5. Beacon Street
6. Boynton Yards
7. Brickbottom/Inner Belt
8. East Somerville
Gateway
9. Fabrication District
10. Union Square
11. North Point
Local Development Areas - Description
• The previous slide showed an image of development projects
happening around the McGrath Boulevard Project area. These
include:
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Green Line Extension: Magoun Square, Gilman Square, Ball Square
Sullivan Square
River Green
Assembly Square
Beacon Street
Boynton Yards
Brickbottom/Inner Belt
East Somerville Gateway
Fabrication District
Union Square
North Point
Transportation Improvements
1. Green Line
Extension/Union
Square
2. Rutherford Avenue/
Sullivan Square
3. Russia Wharf Ferry
Terminal
Transportation Improvements - Description
• The previous slide showed three significant transportation
improvement projects happening around the McGrath
Boulevard Project area. These include:
• Rutherford Avenue and Sullivan Square
• Russia Wharf Ferry Terminal
• Green Line Extension and Union Square
Understanding the CTPS Model
• Home-based Trip Generation
• Allocated study area developments:
• 100% of Residential Development
• 60% of Employment Development
• Additional Effect from Local Development:
• Employment
• Retail, entertainment, etc.
Mode Choice
Mode Choice - Description
• The previous slide showed the location of
McGrath Highway in the context of Spring
Hill, Winter Hill, East Somerville, Inner
Belt/Brickbottom, and East Cambridge.
• The projected 2040 no build mode choices
are broken down as follows:
- Auto: AM – 47%, PM – 51%
- Bike and Walk: AM – 26%, PM – 29%
- Transit: AM – 27%, PM – 20%
Mode Shift Goals
• GreenDOT
• Design a multi-modal transportation system
• Promote healthy transportation + livable communities
• Triple statewide bicycling, transit + walking mode
share
• City of Somerville
• Increase active and alternative transportation options
• 10% Bicycle Mode Share by 2020
• 50% of New Trips via Transit, Bike, or Walking
Pedestrian and Bicycle Initiatives
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Community Path
Hubway Expansion
Beacon Street Expansion
Increased Bicycle Parking
Yearly Volume Counts
On-going Education
Bicycle Initiative Implementation
Bicycle Initiative Implementation - Description
• The previous slide showed an image of the
existing bicycle facilities in Somerville. Facilities
are color-coded:
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Those in red were built prior to 2009
Those in green were built in 2009
Those in blue were built in 2010
Those in yellow were built in 2011
Those in purple were built in 2012
Planned Bicycle Initiatives
Planned Bicycle Initiatives - Description
The previous slide showed an image of the planned
bicycle routes in Somerville:
• Those in dark purple represent existing off-road paths
• Those in light purple represent proposed off-road
paths
• Those in dark green represent existing bicycle lanes
• Those in light green represent existing sharrows
• Those in dark blue represent planned bicycle lanes
• Those in yellow represents planned sharrows
The McGrath Gap
The McGrath Gap - Description
• The previous slide showed an image of the lacking
bicycle infrastructure within the McGrath
Highway corridor.
• While Somerville as a whole has substantial
bicycle infrastructure, there is a significant gap
around the McGrath Highway.
• This project aims to close that gap.
Types of Cyclists
Types of Cyclists - Description
• The previous slide described the four types of
cyclist and the percentage of cyclists they
represent:
- less than 1% feel strong and fearless
- 7% are enthused and confident
- 60% are interested but concerned
- 33% are unlikely ever to ride a bicycle
• This project attempts to capture that 60%
through providing better facilities for them
Green Line Extension
Ridership Projections
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Based on FTA constraints
Daily ridership - approximately 38,000
Majority switch from bus to train
9,000 new transit trips per day
Green Line Extension contd.
Transit Capacity
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Primarily based on 2 car trains
Peak hour capacity = 2,484 riders
Capacity for an additional 800 riders in the peak hour
Potential for greater capacity by utilizing 3 car trains
Mode Share and Local Model Adjustments
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Local Development Would Increase Overall Trips
Model Includes Minimal Mode Shift
Available Transit Capacity
Improving Pedestrian and Bicycle Network
Mode Shift Estimated to Offset Additional
Development
AM Traffic Volumes
AM Traffic Volumes – Description
• The previous slide showed a side by side
comparison of existing traffic volumes and 2040
no-build volumes for the A.M. peak hour along
the McGrath Highway corridor.
• Generally speaking, 2040 volumes are higher than
current volumes.
PM Traffic Volumes
PM Traffic Volumes – Description
• The previous slide showed a side by side of
comparison of existing traffic volumes and 2040
no-build volumes for the P.M. peak hour for the
McGrath Highway corridor.
• Generally speaking, 2040 volumes are higher than
current volumes.
AM Traffic Volumes contd.
AM Traffic Volumes contd. – Description
• The previous slide showed a side by side comparison of
existing traffic volumes and 2040 no-build volumes for the
A.M. peak hour on roadways providing east-west
connections across the McGrath Highway corridor.
• Generally speaking, 2040 volumes are higher than current
volumes.
PM Traffic Volumes contd.
PM Traffic Volumes contd. – Description
• The previous slide showed a side by side comparison of
existing traffic volumes and 2040 no-build volumes for the
P.M. peak hour on roadways providing east-west
connections across the McGrath Highway corridor.
• Generally speaking, 2040 volumes are higher than current
volumes.
AM Growth from 2014 Existing to 2040 No Build
AM Growth from 2014 Existing to 2040 No Build – Description
• The previous slide showed an image of the A.M.
peak period roadway volume change for the 2040
future year versus the 2014 base year.
• Roadways which have predicted traffic increases
were designated with a green line.
• Roadways which have predicted traffic decreases
were designated with a red line.
• The thicker the line, the greater the anticipated
change.
PM Growth from 2014 Existing to 2040 No Build
PM Growth from 2014 Existing to 2040 No Build – Description
• The previous slide showed an image of the P.M.
peak period roadway volume change for the 2040
future year versus the 2014 base year.
• Roadways which have predicted traffic increases
were designated with a green line.
• Roadways which have predicted traffic decreases
were designated with a red line.
• The thicker the line, the greater the anticipated
change.
2040 Build Traffic Projections
Rutherford Avenue
Rutherford Avenue – Description
• The previous slide showed an aerial view of the
Rutherford Avenue corridor in Charlestown.
• Called out are the intersections of:
•
•
Sullivan Square
Rutherford Avenue/Austin Street
• At present the City of Boston has plans to remove
the grade separation at both intersections and
generally redevelop Rutherford Avenue along
complete streets lines as a boulevard.
McGrath Boulevard
McGrath Boulevard – Description
• The previous slide showed an aerial view of the
McGrath Highway corridor.
• Called out is one of the boulevard designs from
the concept plan.
Build Scenarios
6 Lane without Rutherford Improvements
Build Scenarios – Description
• The previous slide showed a diagram of one of
the possible build scenarios.
• This one includes:
•
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A six lane cross section on McGrath Boulevard.
No changes on Rutherford Avenue.
Build Scenarios contd.
Build Scenarios contd. – Description
• The previous slide showed a diagram of one of
the possible build scenarios.
• This one includes:
•
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A six lane cross section on McGrath Boulevard.
The changes on Rutherford Avenue envisioned by
the City of Boston.
Build Scenarios contd. 2
Build Scenarios contd. 2 – Description
• The previous slide showed a diagram of one of
the possible build scenarios.
• This one includes:
•
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A four lane cross section on McGrath Boulevard.
No changes on Rutherford Avenue.
Build Scenarios contd. 3
Build Scenarios – 3 – Description
• The previous slide showed a diagram of one of
the possible build scenarios.
• This one includes:
•
•
A six lane cross section on McGrath Boulevard.
The changes on Rutherford Avenue envisioned by
the City of Boston.
AM 6 Lane without Rutherford Improvements
AM 6 Lane without Rutherford Improvements – Description
• The previous slide showed a comparison between
2040 A.M. peak hour volumes for the following
two scenarios:
•
•
No-build.
6 lane McGrath Boulevard without Rutherford
Avenue improvements.
• Generally speaking, volumes decrease all along
McGrath Boulevard when the 6 lane approach is
implemented.
PM 6 Lane without Rutherford Improvements
PM 6 Lane without Rutherford Improvements – Description
• The previous slide showed a comparison between
2040 P.M. peak hour volumes for the following
two scenarios:
•
•
No-build.
6 lane McGrath Boulevard without Rutherford
Avenue improvements.
• Generally speaking, volumes decrease all along
McGrath Boulevard when the 6 lane approach is
implemented.
6 Lane without Rutherford - AM Diversions
6 Lane without Rutherford - AM Diversions – Description
• The previous slide assumes the following scenario
for the A.M. peak period:
•
•
No changes to Rutherford Avenue
A six lane McGrath Boulevard
• Under this scenario traffic diverts away from the
McGrath corridor and moves towards the
following streets:
• School
• Somerville
• Hampshire
• Rutherford
• Alford
6 Lane without Rutherford - PM Diversions
6 Lane without Rutherford - PM Diversions – Description
• The previous slide assumes the following scenario
for the P.M. peak period:
•
•
No changes to Rutherford Avenue
A six lane McGrath Boulevard
• Under this scenario traffic diverts away from the
McGrath corridor and moves towards the
following streets:
• School
• Somerville
• Hampshire
• Rutherford
• Alford
AM 6 Lane with Rutherford Improvements
AM 6 Lane with Rutherford Improvements – Description
• The previous slide assumes the following scenario
for the A.M. peak period:
•
•
Planned changes to Rutherford Avenue
A six lane McGrath Boulevard
• Under this scenario:
• Southbound traffic from Rutherford Avenue moves into the
McGrath Corridor
• Northbound volumes are generally constant.
PM 6 Lane with Rutherford Improvements
PM 6 Lane with Rutherford Improvements – Description
• The previous slide assumes the following scenario
for the P.M. peak period:
•
•
Planned changes to Rutherford Avenue
A six lane McGrath Boulevard
• Under this scenario:
• Both north and southbound traffic from Rutherford Avenue
moves into the McGrath Corridor
6 Lane with Rutherford AM - Diversions
6 Lane with Rutherford AM – Diversions – Description
• The previous slide assumes the following scenario
for the A.M. peak period:
•
•
Planned changes to Rutherford Avenue
A six lane McGrath Boulevard
• Under this scenario traffic diverts away from the
McGrath corridor and moves towards the
following streets:
• School
• Somerville
• Hampshire
• Rutherford
• Alford
6 Lane with Rutherford PM - Diversions
6 Lane with Rutherford PM – Diversions – Description
• The previous slide assumes the following scenario
for the P.M. peak period:
•
•
Planned changes to Rutherford Avenue
A six lane McGrath Boulevard
• Under this scenario traffic diverts away from the
McGrath corridor and moves towards the
following streets:
• School
• Somerville
• Hampshire
• Rutherford
• Alford
AM 4 Lane without Rutherford Improvements
AM 4 Lane without Rutherford Improvements – Description
• The previous slide assumes that no changes are
made to Rutherford Avenue.
• It then compares the following two scenarios for
the A.M. peak hour:
• A 6 lane McGrath Boulevard
• A 4 lane McGrath Boulevard
• The chief difference is that with the loss on one
lane, southbound vehicles divert out of the
McGrath Corridor and filter through local streets
in Cambridge and Somerville.
PM 4 Lane without Rutherford Improvements
PM 4 Lane without Rutherford Improvements – Description
• The previous slide assumes that no changes are
made to Rutherford Avenue.
• It then compares the following two scenarios for
the P.M. peak hour:
• A 6 lane McGrath Boulevard
• A 4 lane McGrath Boulevard
• The chief difference is that with the loss on one
lane, southbound vehicles divert out of the
McGrath Corridor and filter through local streets
in Cambridge and Somerville.
4 Lane without Rutherford AM - Diversions
4 Lane without Rutherford AM – Diversions – Description
• The previous slide assumes the following scenario
for the A.M. peak period:
•
•
No changes to Rutherford Avenue
A four lane McGrath Boulevard
• Under this scenario traffic diverts away from the
McGrath corridor and moves towards the
following streets:
• School
• Somerville
• Hampshire
• Rutherford
• Alford
4 Lane without Rutherford PM - Diversions
4 Lane without Rutherford PM – Diversions – Description
• The previous slide assumes the following scenario
for the P.M. peak period:
•
•
No changes to Rutherford Avenue
A four lane McGrath Boulevard
• Under this scenario traffic diverts away from the
McGrath corridor and moves towards the
following streets:
• School
• Somerville
• Hampshire
• Rutherford
• Alford
AM 4 Lane with Rutherford Improvements
AM 4 Lane with Rutherford Improvements – Description
• The previous slide assumes that planned changes
are made to Rutherford Avenue.
• It then compares the following two scenarios for
the A.M. peak hour:
• A 6 lane McGrath Boulevard
• A 4 lane McGrath Boulevard
• The chief difference is that with the loss on one
lane, southbound vehicles divert out of the
McGrath Corridor and filter through local streets
in Cambridge and Somerville.
PM 4 Lane with Rutherford Improvements
PM 4 Lane with Rutherford Improvements – Description
• The previous slide assumes that planned changes
are made to Rutherford Avenue.
• It then compares the following two scenarios for
the P.M. peak hour:
• A 6 lane McGrath Boulevard
• A 4 lane McGrath Boulevard
• The chief difference is that with the loss on one
lane, southbound vehicles divert out of the
McGrath Corridor and filter through local streets
in Cambridge and Somerville.
4 Lane with Rutherford AM - Diversions
4 Lane with Rutherford AM – Diversions – Description
• The previous slide assumes the following scenario
for the P.M. peak period:
•
•
Planned changes to Rutherford Avenue
A four lane McGrath Boulevard
• Under this scenario traffic diverts away from the
McGrath corridor and moves towards the
following streets:
• School
• Somerville
• Hampshire
• Rutherford
• Alford
4 Lane with Rutherford PM - Diversions
4 Lane with Rutherford PM – Diversions – Description
• The previous slide assumes the following scenario
for the P.M. peak period:
•
•
Planned changes to Rutherford Avenue
A four lane McGrath Boulevard
• Under this scenario traffic diverts away from the
McGrath corridor and moves towards the
following streets:
• School
• Somerville
• Hampshire
• Rutherford
• Alford
Diversion Summary
• Rutherford Avenue Diversions
• Broadway
• I-93
• Charlestown
• McGrath Highway Diversions
• School Street
• Beacon Street
• Somerville Avenue
Study Area Adjustments
• Previous Study Area
• Current Study Area
• Extended Study Area
Study Area Adjustments – Description
The previous slide showed an image of study area
intersections.
• Intersections in a red circle were studied during
the Grounding McGrath study.
• Intersections in a blue circle are within this
project’s current study area.
• Intersections in a purple circle are part of a
proposed, extended study area for this project.
Next Steps
Next Steps contd.
• Fully analyze each build scenario
• Pedestrian & Bicycle Operations
• Vehicle Operations
• Quantify Impacts of Diversions
• Pedestrian and Bike Infrastructure & Analysis
Schedule/Timeline
• Next working group session:
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April, 2015
Stakeholder group briefings available upon request
Questions/Discussions