City announces North Station Area Mobility Action Plan

"I'd like to thank residents and other community members from the West End, North End and Bulfinch Triangle neighborhoods who have volunteered their time and effort to collaborate with BTD and BPDA on this important project," said Mayor Walsh. "For over a year, they have shared their vision and concerns, and prioritized solutions, at community meetings, pop-up sessions and online. We look forward to putting this plan into action alongside the community, and working with them on additional future neighborhood improvement projects."

"As a community we have worked on this for a long time," said North Station area resident Jane Forrestall. "We are happy to see improvements for pedestrians, cyclists and motorists."

"The business community around North Station is looking forward to working with our neighbors and the City to implement the many good projects in this plan," said Jay Walsh, Director of the Downtown North Association. "Improvements to walking, biking, driving and transit will allow our employees and customers to access and move around the neighborhood more easily, and provide a more pleasant place to spend time."

Nearly 2,000 people an hour currently walk on Canal Street during the morning and evening rush hours. Public transit use is high with direct access to commuter rail service, Orange, Green, Blue and Red line subway trains, and MBTA buses, while numerous people take advantage of public bike share docking stations located in the area to incorporate cycling into their daily commute. Traffic on local streets is frequently congested due to a combination of weekday commuters, commercial vehicle deliveries to area establishments, events at TD Garden and private shuttle buses.

"Go Boston 2030 plans for a citywide transportation network that provides people with safe and efficient access on Boston's streets using all modes of transportation," said Boston Transportation Department Commissioner Gina N. Fiandaca.  "By incorporating a combination of pedestrian enhancements, protected bike lanes, improved transit connections and updated traffic signal technology, the North Station Area Mobility Action Plan brings us one step closer toward realizing the goals established in Go Boston 2030."

"Recent development has revitalized the North Station area, bringing new housing and stimulating the local economy," said BPDA Director Brian Golden. "The North Station Mobility Action Plan develops a strategy to respond to this increase in neighborhood activity, and I thank the community for its feedback and all of the local stakeholders whose funding and involvement will help shape the future of this neighborhood."

Improvements being designed include safer pedestrian access at Charles Circle, street direction changes and parking regulations in the Bulfinch Triangle, and pedestrian priority on Canal Street. Included among the short-term action items are protected bike lanes on Cambridge Street, digitally coordinating traffic signals, a bus lane on North Washington Street, bike lanes and safer pedestrian crossings on Blossom Street, and programs to encourage residents and commuters to get around without driving.

The North Station Area Mobility Action Plan is available online.

Go Boston 2030 is the City of Boston's long term mobility plan.  Go Boston 2030 envisions a city in a region where all residents have better and more equitable travel choices, where efficient transportation networks foster economic opportunity, and where steps have been taken to prepare for climate change.  Whether traveling by transit, on foot, on a bike, or by car, people will be able to access all parts of Boston safely and reliably.  A list of projects and policies have been developed that are being implemented as early action projects in the near term, and a set of long-term projects and policies are intended to be implemented over the next 15 years. To learn more, visit www.GoBoston2030.org.

Go Boston 2030 complements Imagine Boston 2030, Boston's first citywide plan in 50 years. Imagine Boston 2030 will guide growth to support our dynamic economy and expand opportunity for all residents. The plan prioritizes inclusionary growth and puts forth a comprehensive vision to boost quality of life, equity and resilience in every neighborhood across the City. Shaped by the input of 15,000 residents who contributed their thoughts to the plan, Imagine Boston 2030 identifies five action areas to guide Boston's growth, enhancement and preservation, and is paired with a set of metrics that will evaluate progress and successes. To learn more visit, imagine.boston.gov.