Question 1

What is the state’s I-90 Allston Multimodal Project?

Accepted Answer

The Allston Viaduct, which was built 60 years ago and carries the Mass Pike (I-90) from the Allston Interchange to the Commonwealth Avenue Bridge, is nearing the end of its useful lifespan, and must be replaced.

The I-90 Allston Multimodal Project creates an opportunity to dramatically improve livability and connectivity for residents of the Allston neighborhood, while enhancing regional mobility and creating a new stop on the Worcester/Framingham Commuter Line to be known as West Station.

As part of this project, the Commonwealth must decide how to carry the Mass Pike through the narrow strip of land between Boston University and the Charles River referred to as the throat—either on an elevated viaduct or at ground level. The All-At Grade design (officially titled the “Modified All At-Grade Option”) would tear down the highway viaduct and place the roadway at ground level. This design is supported by a wide array of regional stakeholders and offers a host of benefits discussed below.

To learn more about the state's process, click here.

Question 2

What is the All At-Grade design?

Accepted Answer

The All At-Grade design (officially titled the “Modified All At-Grade Option”) would tear down the highway viaduct, create new transportation mobility options, and activate and restore an underutilized section of the Charles River. It would also maintain weekday two-track Commuter Rail service throughout construction—and would be faster, cheaper, and less disruptive to build.

The All At-Grade design would:

remove the I-90 viaduct and place the roadway at-grade with no change in the number of travel lanes
replace the narrow Paul Dudley White Path with a boardwalk with separated paths for walking and biking create a living shoreline to beautify and restore the riverbank

Potential benefits include:

Lower state maintenance costs
Safer travel for commuters
Continuous weekday two-track commuter rail service during construction
Expanded transit, walking, and biking options
Improved access to the Charles River
Restored, resilient riverbank
Enhanced public space and economic vibrancy

To see additional design renderings, click here.

Question 3

Who supports the All At-Grade design?

Accepted Answer

Dozens of business, environmental, transportation, elected, and community leaders support the All At-Grade design (officially called the "Modified All At-Grade Option").

Supporters of the All At-Grade design include:

Senator Ed Markey
Representative Ayanna Pressley
Boston Mayor Marty Walsh
Boston Chief of Streets and BPDA Director
Boston City Council
Boston University
Cambridge City Manager Louis DePasquale
Cambridge City Council
Town of Brookline
19 Boston and MetroWest-area legislators
11 Worcester-area legislators
Broad-based coalition of nearly 30 organizations and community leaders
350 MA Transportation Working Group
A Better City
Allston Brighton CDC
Allston Civic Association
Allston Brighton Health Collaborative
Boston Cyclists Union
Boston Society of Landscape Architects
Brookline GreenSpace Alliance
Cambridgeport Neighborhood Association
Cambridge Redevelopment Authority 
Charles River Conservancy
Conservation Law Foundation
Fresh Pond Residents Alliance
Kendall Square Association
LivableStreets Alliance 
Magazine Beach Partners
Massachusetts Bicycle Coalition
Massachusetts Institute of Technology 
Massachusetts Sierra Club
MassBio
MASSPIRG
Pioneer Institute
TransitMatters 
Transportation for Massachusetts 
WalkBoston
Worcester Chamber of Commerce 
Harry Mattison, Allston resident and I-90 Task Force Member
Jessica Robertson, Allston resident and I-90 Task Force Member
Fred Yaloris, Cambridge resident and I-90 Task Force Member

To learn more, click here.

Question 4

What’s the current status of the project?

Accepted Answer

On October 6, 2020, the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) and the Federal Highway Administration accepted a version of the All At-Grade design that was championed by A Better City and the City of Boston to carry forward in the formal review process for the I-90 Allston Multimodal Project—it is officially called the “Modified All At-Grade Option.”

On October 30, 2020, MassDOT closed a public comment period to solicit feedback on the three design options currently under review. On November 18, 2020, MassDOT announced that they will delay the selection of a Preferred Alternative design to carry forward in the environmental review process from November until summer 2021. MassDOT also indicated they may abandon the broader megaproject and instead pursue an approximately $200 million "Substantial Repair Option" to temporarily shore up the elevated Allston viaduct for 10-15 years.

On March 18, 2021, MassDOT announced plans to accelerate up to $75 million in Phase I repairs to the Allston I-90 Viaduct. According to MassDOT, "This initial work is necessary for both the near-term safety of the viaduct and will support longer-term goals as the Commonwealth continues to work with stakeholders on design, mitigation, financing and permitting measures in advance of aiming to file a Notice of Project Change (NPC) for the preferred alternative later this year."

On September 29, 2021, MassDOT announced it will begin to focus on advancing the Modified At-Grade design for the Allston Multi-Modal Project. Advancing this option will require an extensive effort with stakeholders and partner agencies, as well as the development of a comprehensive finance and mitigation plan, including securing anticipated federal infrastructure funding increases, local stakeholder contributions, and other potential funding options. MassDOT will not increase tolls for drivers on I-90 to finance the project. To learn more about this most recent development, click here. To learn more about the state's process, click here.

On May 18, 2022, MassDOT announced it will be applying for federal funding through the Mega Grant Program to advance the I-90 Allston Project.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is the state’s I-90 Allston Multimodal Project?

What is the All At-Grade design?

Who supports the All At-Grade design?

What’s the current status of the project?