MassDOT Announces the New On-Ramp from Newbury Street Now Open
The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) has announced that it opened a newly extended on-ramp from Newbury Street to Interstate 90 westbound in the Back Bay as one element involved in ongoing work for an air rights project over I-90.
The new on-ramp was open to traffic beginning at 5 a.m. on Saturday, May 8. The on-ramp enhances public safety as it is straighter and longer than the previous ramp at this location, improving driver sightlines for safer merging with vehicles coming onto the Interstate 90 westbound.
Drivers using the new on-ramp will still merge into a work zone that is currently in place for the Parcel 12 air-rights development project and is being extended to incorporate the new Fenway Center air-rights development project. The current three-lane configuration starts in the Prudential Tunnel underneath Massachusetts Avenue and will extend to the Beacon Street overpass with the upcoming Fenway Center development work zone.
The extension of the on-ramp is part of the overall improvements that are scheduled to take place in this area including widening sidewalks, implementing separated bike lanes that connect to the existing bicycle network, and improving accommodations for MBTA Green Line and bus customers through the construction of a new west side entrance to the Hynes Station, and the creation of nearly a half-acre of publicly accessible space at street level.
On Interstate 90, Phase 2 construction work continues in both directions. The slow-speed right lanes are closed, while the remaining three lanes are open for travel. MassDOT encourages drivers to pay extra attention to your speed, lane markings, traffic signage, barriers, and any police or construction workers present. Always check the Current Construction Updates page for the latest information.
Councilor Flynn Secures Spot on September Ballot
Boston City Councilor Ed Flynn is now qualified to be on the September ballot for District 2 Boston City Councilor.
City Council candidates need to gather a certain number of certified signatures from their respective districts in order to be qualified to be on the September ballot. Councilor Flynn was officially certified by the Boston Election Department on Monday, as he had submitted the required number of signatures from registered voters in District 2. District 2 includes South Boston/South Boston Waterfront, Fort Point, South End, Chinatown, Bay Village, Downtown, as well as parts of Back Bay and Beacon Hill.
“I’m honored to serve as the District 2 Boston City Councilor. I will continue to work closely with my constituents on important matters such as housing affordability and stability, public and pedestrian safety, standing up for working families, and addressing quality of life issues,” said Councilor Flynn. “I want to thank the volunteers for their work, as well as to the voters who put me on the ballot. I’m committed to working with residents, advocates, and community organizations in delivering services and resources for District 2.”
For more information, please contact [email protected].
2021 Applications for Fenway Community Benefits Now Available
The Boston Planning & Development Agency (BPDA) announced that up to $100,000 is available in community benefits for the Fenway neighborhood for temporary or permanent beautification projects.
Applicants are required to submit a plan to the BPDA that describes how the proposed project will utilize the funding to produce the greatest measurable impact on the community. Projects must be fully accessible to the public.
Applicants are required to submit a detailed budget and comprehensive plan describing their objectives and goals if they are to receive funding. All awards will be subject to BPDA Board authorization and chosen applicants will be required to enter into a Grant Agreement with the BPDA.
As part of the Fenway Park Demonstration Project in 2013, the Red Sox agreed to contribute $1,000,000 over ten years to be used towards beautification efforts in the Fenway neighborhood.
Applications are due by Wednesday, June 9, 2021 at 5:00 PM. The application can be downloaded at http://www.bostonplans.org/getattachment/926a0992-b77f-40e8-9fff-10eee9acf5ce.