Update: The Casey Overpass

By Julia Danahy

How long will the process be delayed?

As January quickly comes to an end, there is still no decision, or even a deadline, for the reconstruction design of the Casey Overpass in Jamaica Plain. Evidently, the debate between raising a new bridge versus an at-grade solution is at a dead end. The initial deadline for the project design was December 12, 2011; the alternative still has yet to be specified. For a decision process that has lasted over nine months, the time has come to move forward and keep the project on track for its expected completion in 2016.

Despite a nine-month, intensive public process, some argue a delay is needed to allow for public involvement. The fact is the public has been active and welcome from the start. Representatives from thirty-seven local groups and organizations formed a Working Advisory Group (WAG) for the project and went on to decide the Measures of Evaluation for proposed designs. Twelve WAG meetings were held, and the public was welcome to listen. An additional six meetings were held for the public to encourage participation and give opportunity to ask questions and commentary on the proposals presented by the transportation consultants. At many of the public meetings over 100 people were in attendance.

Using the Measures of Evaluation created by WAG, potential designs were scrutinized and ultimately two candidates were chosen: a new, narrow bridge or an at-grade roadway divided by a grassy median. Traffic analyses were completed by MassDOT consultants, and both solutions were found capable of adequately handling traffic flow for the next 30 years.

Through our participation in WAG, the Emerald Necklace Conservancy has come to believe an at-grade redesign is the best solution. This would provide a more scenic connection between Emerald Necklace parks, as well as more accessibility to the nearby commercial district. The at-grade option would also provide safer pedestrian and cyclist access to the Arnold Arboretum, Franklin Park, and even the Forest Hills T-station. Speaking of T riders, the at-grade concept includes significant enhancements including a new entrance to the T from the Southwest Corridor Park, reducing the need for pedestrians to cross New Washington Street. Additionally, constructing at-grade solution costs approximately $20 million less than a new bridge, and long-term maintenance would be less costly. This is not an insignificant issue as Massachusetts suffers from debt load for prior capital projects.

We see no good reason for the Casey Overpass project decision to be further delayed. The public process has been robust, and local residents were given the opportunity to voice their opinions and concerns. To delay the decision due to lack of public involvement is to discount and disrespect the organizations and individuals who have already dedicated their time and energy to finding the best solution.

For More Information on the Casey Overpass:
·MassDOT (includes design plans and meeting materials)
·The Boston’s Cyclists Union

What You Can Do:

Show your support! Contact your local representative and voice your opinion on the Casey Overpass –it’s a great way to make sure public opinion is heard and the process keeps moving. The representative for Jamaica Plains, Liz Malia, can be contacted at liz.malia@mahouse.gov. If you live in a different district, click here to find your representative's name and contact information.

Contact MassDOT! Ultimately the decision will be made by the Secretary of Transportation, Richard Davey. Writing a letter urging an end to the delay could help keep the project on track. Contact information for Secretary Richard Davey and Municipal Affairs Liaison, John Romano, is provided below:

Mr. Richard Davey
Secretary of Transportation
Massachusetts Department of Transportation
10 Park Plaza, Suite 4160
Boston, MA 02116
Richard.davey@state.ma.us

Mr. John Romano
Municipal Affairs Liaison
Massachusetts Department of Transportation
10 Park Plaza, Suite 4160
Boston, MA 02116
(617)973-7028
John.romano@state.ma.us