Arborway

Three Proposals Pitched for Arborway Improvements Project

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The Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) pitched three proposals targeted at improving the Arborway at a recent public meeting. Currently there are two traffic rotaries: Kelley Circle by Jamaica Pond and Murray Circle on Centre Street by the Arnold Arboretum. One proposal would keep both circles, one would remove Kelley Circle, and one would remove both circles. "While each alternative has a set of unique design features, they are all designed to improve safety and accessibility for all users along the Arborway, better balance the various demands placed on the roadway, and create a welcoming environment with enhanced public access that reflects the natural and cultural history of the site," said the DCR. Each proposal includes:

Safety improvements for all modes on all roadway segments
Improved visibility and safety at all crosswalks
New wayfinding signage to guide cyclists, drivers, and pedestrians
Entrances and exits from side streets promote slower speeds
New bicycle and pedestrian connections and networks
Vehicle through-traffic is directed to Mainline
Carriage ways are reduced to one travel lane while maintaining access to abutters
Overall increases in recreational green space
New and replacement tree plantings for lost trees due to disease, normal decline, urban hazards, or proposed improvements
Opportunities for historical markers and informational stations

DCR's website says that a proposal will be selected this winter, and construction is expected to begin in 2021 and last two years.

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Transportation

Arborway Parkway Improvements Virtual Public Meeting Oct. 21

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DCR will be hosting a virtual public meeting to discuss the Arborway Parkway Improvements Project on Oct. 21. During the meeting, slides showing the three proposed design alternatives for the Arborway Parkway Improvement Project. The public may ask questions using the “chat” function during and after the presentations. The presentation will be viewable after the public meeting on DCR’s website, and available by clicking here.

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Transportation

Car Lanes Going Bye Bye for New Buffered Bikes Lanes on Arborway as Early as This Fall

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While the Department of Conservation and Recreation work on a longterm plan to improve the Arborway, some short-term changes, including buffered bike lanes are coming as early as this fall. 

"We are proposing to remove travel lanes in three locations. Before making this
proposal, we carefully reviewed pre-pandemic traffic volumes (on which we have collected data on several occasions over many years) for the corridor," wrote Jeffrey Parenti, Deputy Chief Engineer for DCR. The short-term improvements could also begin in spring 2021. Parenti provided a list of short-term improvements and the intended goals of the changes. The changes include:

Adding clear lane lines to Murray Circle.

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Transportation

Virtual Meeting June 24: Arborway Parkway Improvement Project

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Improving safety and accessibility are the main goal's of the state's Arborway Parkway Improvements Project, and a virtual public meeting will be held on June 24 to provide an update on the project. During and after the meeting the public will be able to issue concerns on an interactive online mapping tool. 

During the meeting the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) will present slides introducing the project team, provide an overview of the design process, and info on submitting public comments. The chat function will enable viewers to ask questions during and after the presentation. The public can also note specific concerns on an interactive online mapping tool at hsh.mysocialpinpoint.com/arborway

Historically speaking, the Arborway is a nationally registered historic parkway originally designed by the famous landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted. The parkway runs from Circuit Drive at Forest Hills to Eliot Street by Jamaica Pond, where it merges into the Jamaica Way, and is part of Boston’s larger Emerald Necklace park system.  DCR controls the Arborway, which includes the Murray and Kelley Circles, the Arborway and Upper Arborway next to the Arnold Arboretum, and the eight-lane section between the two rotaries which retains Olmsted’s original parkway layout.

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