A flood of cash
City, state launch $1M study of Morrissey Boulevard
City and state officials are embarking on a million-dollar planning effort for the Morrissey Boulevard corridor, a long-jammed roadway that’s increasingly the victim of flooding and delays but has also seen increased development in recent years.
The planning initiative will focus on the length of Morrissey Boulevard, plus Kosciuszko Circle — the nightmarishly busy rotary at the end of it at the JFK/UMass T stop — with the goal to “improve mobility for pedestrians, transit users, cyclists, and motorists, and strengthen climate resiliency,” the city said.
Mayor Martin Walsh’s office, the Boston Planning & Development Agency and the state Department of Transportation said, “The study will not only develop a comprehensive plan for the Morrissey Boulevard corridor, but also identify short term investments that can deliver immediate benefits to the neighborhood.”
The low-lying Morrissey notoriously floods during high tides, particularly during peak tides.
The study will run from Neponset Circle, up the full length of the boulevard, through Kosciuszko Circle and up Old Colony Drive to the rotary at Preble Street.
The city and state are each kicking in $500,000 for the study, which will last about a year.
“I thank our partners at the Commonwealth for their shared commitment to improve mobility and increase resiliency along Morrissey Boulevard and at Kosciuszko Circle,” Walsh said. “The results of this study will lead to near-term improvements and long-lasting solutions that will protect and support this neighborhood, its residents, and its businesses for generations to come.”
As the study progresses, the state Department of Conservation & Recreation plans to complete shortterm work on Morrissey Boulevard, including the installation of six inline tide gates to address stormwater and flooding, road resurfacing, sidewalk repairs and tree pruning and removal.
“MassDOT is proud to jointly evaluate and recommend improvements to the Morrissey Boulevard corridor,” said MassDOT Acting Secretary of Transportation and CEO Jamey Tesler. “This study is the first step towards improved multimodal travel within the corridor and to address current needs and future growth within the corridor while maintaining the essential nature of the parkway.”
According to a news release, the planning initiative will include a review of development in the area. That includes the redevelopment of the old Boston Globe building, other projects in the works for the parcels around it and “Dorchester Bay City,” a very large development on the land of the Bayside Expo Center.