February 10, 2010

Frank A. Tramontozzi, P.E., Chief Engineer

Attn: Shoukry Elnahal, P.E.
Massachusetts Department of Transportation, Highway Division
10 Park Plaza, Room 6500
Boston, Massachusetts 02116

RE: Western Avenue Bridge (Project File # 605527)

River Street Bridge (Project File # 605524)

Mr. Tramontozzi,

Thank you for the opportunity to comment on this important project. As an Allston resident who
frequently enjoys the Charles River parklands, a bicycle commuter, and a father with three young
children, I hope this project will add bike lanes on the bridges and address the needs of parents pushing
strollers and young children on foot or bicycle. After years of enduring the existing conditions, it is
exciting to think about the transformation that will soon occur!

To achieve the best possible outcome, it is essential to make significant improvements in the area
around and between these bridges. The Western Ave and River Street bridges function as a system and
cannot be logically separated from the roads and paths that connect to them. While I understand your
budget and schedule constraints, it would be in the public’s best interest for MassDOT, DCR, Boston,
Cambridge, and Harvard University to collaborate with local citizens and transportation advocacy groups
to consider improvements for all forms of transportation both on and near the bridges.

I would also like to offer comments on the following topics:

1. Path south of the River Street Bridge

2. Road/sidewalk/parapet design
3. Pedestrian/bike underpasses
4. Service Road/path reconfiguration
5. Cambridge Street and Mass Pike off-ramp
6. Reduce sidewalk obstacles
7. Ongoing public participation

Path south of the River Street Bridge

The path approaching the River Street Bridge on the Boston side of the
river is dangerously narrow and is unable to safely accommodate
pedestrians and bicyclists travelling in both directions. The State’s 2002
Charles River Master Plan recommends widening this path, possibly with a
cantilevered structure. Ideally, this path widening would be done while the
River Street Bridge is being rebuilt. If that is not possible, the design of the
new River Street bridge must not preclude path widening in the future.
 Road/sidewalk/parapet design
Today, both bridges have a small curb that does little to protect pedestrians
or stop an errant vehicle. With this design, the parapet must be solid and
able to prevent vehicles from crashing into the river.

The new bridges should instead use the design found on the overpass
adjacent to the Western Ave Bridge and the Harvard (Mass Ave) Bridge. A
low-profile guard rail protects pedestrians from accidents on the road with
an open and more decorative railing on the other side of the sidewalk. In
addition to the safety benefits, this would make the beauty of the river Western Ave Bridge
visible for pedestrians (especially children and people in wheelchairs) and
people in cars.

This change would need Historical Commission approval, but that should not
prevent it from being considered. Bridge design and construction has
obviously progressed greatly since these bridges were built, and modern
technology and design should be applied in an appropriate manner.

Pedestrian/Bike Underpasses Western Ave overpass

I support the addition of these elements. With proper design and maintenance, they will make the area
safer and more enjoyable. As the Federal Highway Administration observes:

“Grade-separated crossings can reduce pedestrian-vehicle conflicts and potential accidents by

allowing pedestrians to avoid crossing the path of traffic. They can also limit vehicle delay,
increase highway capacity, and reduce vehicle accidents when appropriately located and
designed… Well-designed grade-separated crossings minimize slopes, feel open and safe, and
are well lit.”

Cambridge Street and Mass Pike off-ramp

The intersection of Cambridge Street, the Mass Pike off-ramp, and exit from the DoubleTree hotel is a
failure for people using every mode of transportation. It should be re-designed as part of a
comprehensive plan that includes the River Street Bridge and the adjacent overpass that crosses
Soldiers Field Road.

Cambridge Street approaching River Street Bridge Mass Pike off-ramp approaching River Street Intersection of Cambridge Street, Mass Pike off-
ramp, and Soldiers Field Road
Service Road / Path reconfiguration
Currently, there are 2 outbound automobile lanes from River Street to
Western Ave and 4 inbound lanes from Western Ave to River Street. Both may
be one lane wider than necessary and that space could be better used for
other purposes. The Charles River Master Plan notes that “traffic counts found
the two-lane service road underutilized” and makes this recommendation:

“Narrow the service road next to the river from twenty-four feet and two lanes to sixteen feet
and one lane. This action would add eight feet of width to the reservation, improving safety
significantly… Complete these improvements in conjunction with the future reconstruction of
the River Street and Western Avenue Bridges or with future traffic improvements in the area.”

Reduce sidewalk obstacles

Many poles, utility boxes, fire hydrants, and other objects are on and near the bridges. While they may
all perform necessary functions, their placement detracts from the appearance and usability of the area.
Please combine, eliminate, and relocate these items to minimize their impact on travel and visibility.

Ongoing Public Participation

As many people noted at the February 3 meeting that I attended at the Honan Allston Library, your team
is to be commended for its early outreach on this project. Because of the project’s complexity, its impact
on thousands of Massachusetts citizens, and the many advocacy groups with valuable input to offer,
public participation should be more than a few large meetings where dozens of people fill an
auditorium. To this end, I ask that you appoint a Citizens’ Advisory Committee or similar group to help
provide an appropriate level of openness, transparency, and collaboration.

Sincerely,

Harry Mattison
28 Mansfield St, Allston

cc: State Senator Steven Tolman, State Representative Michael Moran, State Representative Kevin
Honan, Boston City Councilor Mark Ciommo, Boston Transportation Commissioner Thomas Tinlin,
Boston Bikes Director Nicole Freedman, WalkBoston, LivableStreets Alliance, Charles River Conservancy