Thanks to all who have commented on my previous piece on seat belts. I have read all of your comments and am duly informed. On balance, the comments make me less likely to support the legislation. Perhaps the best argument against the proposed new law is that there are a lot of more important laws on the books that we are not enforcing today.
Transportation
accessibility, bike paths, masspike, mbta, ride sharing, rmv, roads and traffic, rules of the road, statewide transportation funding
Bowker Overpass Repairs Update
The Bowker Overpass Repair Project is moving towards completion. Phase 4 demolition started last week and will continue into December on the western lane of the northbound side of the overpass. This is the final phase of demolition, which has been the noisiest and most disruptive work for neighbors. The repair project is expected to be complete by summer of 2016.
I-90 Allston Interchange Project Finance
The funding for the highway component of this project will come from toll money. However, the rest of the project remains without identified funding sources. At both the state and federal level there is a finite amount of money available for transit projects. Solving the funding challenges for this project is a top priority for Senator Brownsberger and other neighborhood legislators.
Notes on Watertown-Cambridge Greenway Meeting
Roughly 100 people attended the meeting on Monday, November 30. The meeting was positive but a number of concerns were raised. Representative Hecht summarized our shared commitment to getting the details right and getting the project done.
Stricter Seat Belt Laws?
Before Thanksgiving, the Judiciary Committee heard testimony in support of a bill to tighten the state’s seat belt law. I’m considering supporting the change, based on the compelling evidence that it would save lives. As always, I’d appreciate hearing your thoughts.
POSTPONED: New Commuter Rail Schedule for Belmont and Watertown
Update, November 25: The MBTA has announced that implementation of the new schedules will be postponed until next spring. Please see this letter from Secretary Pollack for further explanation.