In recent years there have been several different transportation planning studies focusing on Allston and Brighton. Here is information about studies which are ongoing or have recently completed:
The most comprehensive effort is the Allston-Brighton Mobility Study, which is being conducted by the Boston Planning and Development Agency (BPDA). This 18 month study began in the fall of 2018 and is expected to conclude in the spring of 2020. The goal of the study is to “…identify and develop an actionable “menu” of options to improve mobility, safety for all modes, and quality of life for the Allston-Brighton neighborhood.“
The Allston Early Action Transit Study, conducted by MassDOT was completed in December 2018. The study defined Allston as: “…the Boston University Bridge to the northeast, the Charles River to the north, Everett Street and Warren Street to the west, and the border of Boston and Brookline to the southeast.” The study reviewed existing transit service – eight local and two express buses, 11 stops on the B branch of the green line, and one stop on the Worcester Commuter Rail – and recommended changes with the potential to improve service.
The Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC) is in the early stages of conducting a West Station Transit Study. This study began in the fall of 2018 and is expected to conclude in the winter of 2020. The study hopes to identify transit services and connections through the Beacon Park Yards parcel that have the greatest potential for demand, including bicycle and pedestrian connections. The study seeks to understand how development of the parcel will influence demand for transit.
The intersection of Western Avenue, Soldiers Field Road and Birmingham Parkway was recently studied, by the BPDA to recommend improvements. Both long term and short term improvements were identified, but the Department of Conservation and Recreation, which owns much of the roadway in the study area, must approve and fund any changes.
In addition to the studies above, which focus on the neighborhood, there are several larger city and regional planning efforts, which are ongoing:
The MBTA’s Better Bus Project is a comprehensive effort to improve the entire bus system, including routes in Allston and Brighton.
The MBTA’s Rail Vision hopes to identify strategies to improve the commuter rail system. Senator Brownsberger is a member of the Rail Vision Advisory Committee.
Additionally, there are several long range planning studies underway: Imagine Boston 2030 – City of Boston; Destination 2040 – Boston Region MPO; and, MetroCommon 2050 – MAPC.
As additional studies are identified they will be posted here. Last updated 8/20/2019.
Andrew Bettinelli
Chief of Staff
Office of Senator William N. Brownsberger