Commonwealth Conversations: Transportation

MassDOT Community Transit Grant Available

MassDOT's Rail & Transit Division today announced availability of the Fiscal Year 2014 Community Transit Grant Program application. Organizations that wish to apply for the following Federal funds: Title 49 USC Sections 5310, 5311 (f), 5316, 5317, and 5339 and State funds: Mobility Assistance Program, should access the grant application on the web:

http://www.massdot.state.ma.us/transit/CommunityTransitGrantProgram.aspx

New Application Process: Beginning this year, MassDOT Community Transit Grant Program applicants must submit applications through the new GrantsPlus+ web-based grant management system.

If you were unable to attend a grant application training session, please contact Kyle J. Emge, Manager of FTA Programs at 857-368-9555. One additional web-based training session will be provided for applicants that were unable to attend one of the three scheduled sessions.

Application Due Date: All applications must be received by MassDOT no later than 5 p.m. on March 1, 2013. Applicants are encouraged to submit applications before the deadline. Applications received after the deadline will not be considered.

Westborough: Secretary Davey Highlights Governor's Plan

MassDOT Secretary and CEO Richard A. Davey visited Westborough to build on the Governor’s plan to create jobs and expand economic opportunity throughout Massachusetts.

“Opportunity is too important to leave to chance, but opportunity requires growth and growth requires investment,” said Governor Patrick. “In every corner of the Commonwealth, investments we have made are paying off by putting people back to work and expanding economic opportunity. Working with our partners in the legislature, business community and cities and towns, we can build on these and create a stronger Commonwealth for this generation, and the next.”
 
Secretary Davey highlighted the new growth opportunities and quality of life infrastructure improvements in store for the region as part of The Way Forward: A 21st-Century Transportation Plan and also discussed strategies to build a 21st century public education system that gives every child the tools to succeed  in the classroom, the workplace and in life.
 
“The business community has chosen to anchor itself in this region,” said Secretary Davey. “To keep business thriving across the Commonwealth, we must invest in our infrastructure and our education system. The next generation must be better educated than the last and our transportation network needs to be able to carry the current workforce and strong enough to support growth.”
 
Specifically, the Secretary announced a $12 million investment included in "The Way Forward" which would fund the widening of Route 9 between Computer Research Drive in Westborough and Crystal Pond Road in Southborough, intersection improvements at Route 9 and Crystal Pond Road and improvements to Research Drive/Connector Road. 
 
More than 300 businesses, employing nearly 14,000 workers, are located in the vicinity of the I-495/Route 9 and I-495/I-90 interchanges. Daily commuters to companies such as, EMC Corp or Global Investment Servicing face congestion, high accident rates, and inadequate accommodations for pedestrians and bicyclists.
 
The Governor’s proposals will support important investments in our infrastructure in order to pay the bills the Commonwealth inherited from the Big Dig, maintain existing infrastructure, promote regional equity and make targeted expansions to unlock long-term economic development and reinvest in the Commonwealth’s education system by providing universal access to high quality early education, fully funding K-12 education and allowing extended school days in high-need schools; make college more affordable and accessible, and allow community colleges to expand their efforts.

All Aboard!- Journey to the New South Station

Posted by Kate Fichter, Project Manager

When you think of Boston South Station, you most likely think about catching a train or bus, commuting home, or taking a weekend trip to New York City or Providence.  It would be no surprise if, like many of the 22 million passengers who passed through South Station in 2011, you primarily regard the station as a means to get where you want to go. You may also appreciate the food and amenities that South Station offers, the holiday and art displays, and the connections to the MBTA Red and Silver Lines.

The South Station that you know today has come a long way from its original construction, so let’s travel back to 1876.  You’ve just arrived in Boston to catch your next train at one of three other terminals on the south side of the city.  You have to walk some distance with your heavy bags, since none of the local stations serves all of the different train lines that operate in and out of Boston (as many as nine different lines once carried travelers to and from Boston).  Wouldn’t travel be easier and quicker if the different railroads could be combined in a single station?

That’s where the Boston Terminal Company enters the story.  The Company was granted a charter by the Massachusetts Legislature in 1896 to construct and maintain a ‘union’ station – unifying the different railroads under a single roof – for all trains entering Boston from the south.  The company bought a 35-acre parcel (previously used for the terminal station of the New England Railroad) for $9 million, and construction began on the consolidated station in 1897.  The new station would combine the operations previously housed at four different terminal stations, including those of the New England Railroad Terminal, the Boston and Albany Railroad Company, the Boston and Providence Railroad Corporation, and the Old Colony Railroad Company.   Two years and $11 million later, Boston South Station opened its doors to customers on January 1, 1899.  Excited customers lined up to board one of the 65 trains that would depart that day.

The front entrance to the station looked similar to how it looks today, with three double doors opening to the corner of Summer Street and Atlantic Avenue, with an exterior clock (manufactured by the Edward Clock Company of Roxbury) topped by an eagle statue with an eight-foot wingspan.  Unlike today, carriages were allowed to enter the front of the station to meet passengers and carry baggage.
Unlike today, a shed – a large glass roof – covered the station's 28 tracks and platforms, allowing passengers to be protected from the elements while boarding and alighting trains.  The train shed was removed during a remodeling of the station in 1929-1931.  The photo above, courtesy of the Boston Public Library/Leslie Jones Collection, shows the inside of the shed circa 1930. 

COMING SOON:  South Station has a long history, and has long been the subject of tall tales of ghosts and bowling alleys.  As MassDOT focuses on a new South Station, I plan to share tales of the past and of the future we would like you to help us build.  Visit the South Station Expansion project website for more information.

Watertown RMV Event: Senior Drivers Focus

MassDOT Registry of Motor Vehicles will conduct an information session on issues facing senior drivers entitled “Shifting Gears” on Thursday, February 14, 10am- 12pm, Watertown Mall RMV Branch.

The session will be held in the Mall just outside the branch office.  MassDOT RMV's Michele Ellicks will provide information about senior driver issues, including:

• Recent research concerning mature drivers
• Alternative forms of transportation and local community resources
• Commonwealth’s rules of the road
• Recent changes at the RMV
• Warning signs of unsafe driving
• Requirements to apply for a handicap placard or plate and Massachusetts identification card

Office of Consumer Affairs & Business Regulation representatives will discuss Lemon Laws, identity theft, and provide information and examples of scam websites that target the RMV and its customers.

Governor Patrick Highlights South Coast Rail Commitment

Governor Deval Patrick today joined state and local leaders in New Bedford to highlight the Administration’s commitment to South Coast Rail as a key component of an investment plan to grow jobs and expand economic opportunity.   

The Governor’s plan includes the completion of the South Coast Rail Line with diesel-fueled commuter trains to connect Boston to Fall River and New Bedford.  The $1.8 billion investment is expected to create 3,800 jobs and generate $500 million in new economic activity statewide annually.  The plan includes a $1 billion annual investment in the Commonwealth’s transportation system to maintain the current transportation assets we have today and launch a number of high-impact transportation projects across Massachusetts that, if built, will create thousands of jobs and spur economic development across the Commonwealth.

“Opportunity is too important to leave to chance, but opportunity requires growth and growth requires investment.  We have made a commitment to bring commuter rail to the South Coast because we know this will unlock new economic development opportunities while delivering a reliable transit choice for commuters with huge environmental benefits,” said Governor Patrick.  “Working with our partners in the legislature, business community and cities and towns, we will invest in education, innovation and infrastructure to create a stronger Commonwealth for this generation, and the next.”

“MassDOT heard from thousands of citizens as we prepared our comprehensive transportation plan, “The Way Forward,” and the message was clear in this region and all across the Commonwealth – people want more transportation, not less,” said MassDOT Secretary & Chief Executive Officer Richard A. Davey.  “South Coast Rail when combined with other strategic investments to maintain the regional transportation system will help the South Coast continue to grow for decades to come.”

Investments supporting South Coast Rail to date include the completed rebuilding of three New Bedford rail bridges funded by a $20 million federal TIGER grant that enhance current freight rail and will serve commuter rail, along with the completion of an historic agreement with CSX Transportation to purchase 30 miles of track from Taunton to Fall River and New Bedford necessary for South Coast Rail. 

The South Coast Rail Economic Development and Land Use Corridor Plan, developed in 2009, has made strategic investments to assist the 31 Corridor communities in preparing for passenger rail through sustainable development and appropriate land use. The Plan identifies areas that are appropriate for new development near proposed South Coast Rail transit stations.  The fifth round of technical assistance announced in October 2012 provided grants to 15 Corridor communities of $5,000- $25,000 to plan for sustainable, smart growth.

The Patrick-Murray Administration’s transportation investments in the future of the South Coast region also include the Accelerated Bridge Program “mega” project to rebuild the I-195, Route 79, and Route 138 intersection in Fall River along with improvements to Route 18 and other state roadways, and local road and bridge projects funded by Chapter 90. 

Safe Routes to School in Reading

MassDOT Highway Administrator Frank DePaola joined Reading local and school officials and parents for a ribbon cutting and student presentation to celebrate completion of pedestrian access and safety improvements surrounding the W.S. Parker Middle School campus.

The project was made possible by MassDOT using federal Safe Routes to School funds.

“MassDOT is committed to maintaining and constructing a safe and reliable roadway network for all its users. We are focused not only on drivers but also on the safety of bicyclists and even the youngest pedestrians,” said DePaola.

W.S. Parker Middle School’s new and enhanced infrastructure improves access and safety for students that walk and bike to school. MassDOT engineers constructed several hundred feet of new sidewalk and buffers along Washington Street. The project also included 650 feet of new sidewalk along Sunnyside Avenue, new wheelchair ramps, pavement markings, and traffic and pedestrian warning signs.

W.S. Parker Middle School students also participated in the new Safe Routes to School PhotoVoice® initiative in which they presented photos showing personal experiences walking and biking to school, including how MassDOT’s infrastructure improvements improved pedestrian safety in their community.  

W.S. Parker Middle School is one of 575 Massachusetts schools participating in MassDOT’s Safe Routes to School program.  Participating elementary and middle schools located in 165 communities throughout the Commonwealth receive year-round pedestrian and bicycle safety education instruction as well as engagement initiatives tailored to meet each school’s physical fitness, safety and environmental priorities.

To find out how your school can become a Safe Routes to School Partner, contact Samantha Fonseca-Moreira, samantha.fonseca-moreira@state.ma.us or visit Safe Routes to School on the web.

North Adams: Hadley Overpass Update

MassDOT's Hadley Overpass project in North Adams is moving into later stages of construction this winter with steel repairs underneath the bridge.

The $34.5 million project is reconstructing the Hadley Overpass bridge carrying Route 8/State Street over the Hoosic River and the B&M Railroad.  The project has been completed in stages to maintain two-way travel over the bridge during construction.  Current work is focused on steel repairs underneath the bridge deck on the west side of the center span.

Beginning next week, crews will begin replacing the bridge deck on the west side of the bridge, with the existing traffic configuration in place.

In early summer 2013, traffic will be relocated to the west side of the bridge to allow the contractor to continue steel repairs and begin deck replacement on the east side of the bridge.

Traffic is expected to shift again in early fall, with northbound traffic shifted to the east side of the bridge and southbound traffic shifted to the west side.  This will allow crews to perform steel repairs underneath the bridge and replace the center bridge deck. 

Most construction is expected to be completed in late 2013, allowing full use of the bridge for motorists.  Final painting of the bridge truss is scheduled for the spring of 2014, with no traffic impact. 

MassDOT encourages drivers to reduce speed when traveling through the area and watch for traffic configuration changes.

Mass State Police Reminder: Breakdown Lane Enforcement

MassDOT and the Massachusetts State Police are reminding drivers traveling along I-93 and I-95 (Route 128) that use of the breakdown lane on I-93/I-95 has been discontinued in the area where the new fourth travel lane has opened.

In late November, MassDOT opened a section of the new fourth travel lane along I-93 and I-95 (Route 128) between Route 24 in Randolph and a point just south of Route 109 near the Westwood-Dedham line.  The new lane is part of the ongoing project to eliminate an existing bottleneck between Route 24 and Route 9 in Wellesley by having four continuous travel lanes in each direction of interstate roadway from the junction of I-93 and I-95 in Reading, south to Route 3 in Braintree.

With the addition of the new fourth travel lane between Route 24 in Randolph and a point just south of Route 109 near the Westwood-Dedham line, use of the breakdown lane on this section is now prohibited, including during weekday peak travel periods (6 a.m. to 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.). 

MassDOT has deployed appropriate signage to inform drivers.  State Police have been patrolling this route to enforce this change.

Breakdown lane use during weekday peak travel periods had been allowed between Route 24 and Route 9 via special permission by the Federal Highway Administration since 1986.  However, upon the opening of the fourth travel lane between Randolph and Westwood-Dedham, for safety reasons the breakdown lane is again reserved for disabled motor vehicles and emergency vehicles. 

The opening of the new fourth travel lane on the approximately 5.7 miles of interstate roadway on I-93/I-95 (Route 128) between Randolph and Westwood-Dedham is the result of four separate construction contracts totaling $136.7 million.  Two additional contracts, one currently under construction and another in the final design stages, will provide the additional lane in each direction from Route 109 to Route 9 which will complete the overall corridor widening project.

MassDOT Community Transit Grant Training Set

MassDOT's Rail & Transit Division announces training sessions for the FY2014 MassDOT Community Transit Grant Program.  The Federal Transit Administration and the Commonwealth provide financial assistance through a number of programs to Regional Transit Authorities, Private Non-Profits/For-Profits, Councils on Aging, municipalities that provide transit service and State Agencies to improve, maintain and operate service.

Beginning this year, MassDOT Community Transit Grant Program applicants must submit applications through the new MassDOT web-based grant application system.  Grant application training sessions include:

Tuesday, January 29, 10:00AM- 11:30AM, Pioneer Valley Planning Commission, 60 Congress Street, Springfield

Tuesday, January 29, 2:00PM- 3:30PM, Central Massachusetts Regional Planning Commission, 2 Washington Square, Union Station, 2nd Floor, Worcester

Thursday, January 31, 10:00AM- 11:30AM, Central Transportation Planning Staff, 10 Park Plaza, Suite 2150, Second Floor – State Transportation Building, Boston

Training is for organizations wishing to apply for Federal funds under Title 49 USC Sections 5310, 5311 (f), 5316, 5317, and 5339 and State funds under the Mobility Assistance Program.  If you wish to apply for a grant for FY14, but are unable to attend a training session, please contact Kyle J. Emge, Manager of FTA Programs at 857-368-9555. One additional web-based training session will be provided for applicants unable to attend one of the three scheduled sessions.

All FY2014 applications and guidance documents will be available January 31st on the Grant website: http://www.massdot.state.ma.us/transit/CommunityTransitGrantProgram.aspx

All applications must be received by MassDOT no later than 5 p.m. on March 1, 2013. Applicants are encouraged to submit applications before the deadline. Applications received after the deadline will not be considered.

Secretary Davey: The Time to Act Decisively is Now

Posted by Richard A. Davey, MassDOT Secretary & Chief Executive Officer

The Pioneer Institute’s Jim Stergios has one fundamental point exactly right in his opinion article, “Lots of Art, Little Science in Transportation Plan.”  In his words: “let’s be clear that we do need new revenue for transportation and infrastructure.”  He may also be right about one other thing: my presentation skills in outlining MassDOT’s The Way Forward: A 21st-Century Transportation Plan, are no match for the “magic of Steve Jobs”! 

But I believe he misses the mark about the necessity of the proposals outlined in that presentation and our plan’s promise to revitalize our transportation system delivery across the Commonwealth- and jump start our state’s economy and create thousands of jobs in the process. 

The facts are that despite assertions to the contrary:

Reform is happening: We have successfully undertaken a multi-year, “full” reform effort in transportation.  From the elimination of “23 and out” at the MBTA to transitioning employees into the Group Insurance Commission, tangible reforms have saved taxpayers over $500m to date.  And, as we stated in our report, reform is not done.  A number of initiatives, from mobile ticketing on the T to introduction of all electronic tolling are underway or coming soon. And, we welcome more ideas on how to reduce our cost structure and improve the customer experience.

More transparency than ever: We have emphasized transparency in our dealings with our customers and provided meaningful information about service delivery and the state of our finances. Indeed, we sought out and specifically briefed the Pioneer Institute as we developed our new metrics and scorecard for your thoughts and advice. The MBTA’s scorecard, the DOT quarterly scorecard and our Accelerated Bridge Program scorecards are all available on our website.  The RMV discusses its monthly performance at every MassDOT Board meeting.  We held a public accountability meeting in Worcester to discuss the metrics, and have committed to holding such a meeting on a quarterly basis.  Granted, this information is spread out, so we are consolidating this information so it is more user friendly.

Transparency goes beyond scorecards though.  We have also opened up our MBTA operations center and other facilities to the public and publish weekly online our maintenance activities in the Central Artery and our Tunnels. Most importantly, we’ve engaged our customers directly.  In the last year, we’ve held over 100 public meetings and hearings across the state regarding T service/fare hikes, highway and transit project updates or our regular monthly Board meetings where public comment is invited.

Maintain what we have:  Our plan prioritizes maintenance of our current transportation system even as we advocate for critical projects statewide that are not the “same old” projects but rather long-discussed, necessary steps to ensure a bright future for our state.  Over 70% of the 10 year capital program in the Way Forward Plan is directed to investments in current roads, bridges, airports and rail infrastructure, and purchases new buses, trains and trolleys to replace the decades old fleet at the T and the RTAs.  On the operations side, we end the ludicrous practice of borrowing to pay for highway operations, provide much needed debt relief to the MBTA so current operations are maintained and appropriately fund the 15 Regional Transit Authorities for expanded bus service.

And yes, we will invest in targeted expansion that delivers new transportation services from Boston to Springfield, from the Berkshires to the South Coast, all projects long identified as critical to create jobs and economic development for the long-term benefit of the Commonwealth.  We fundamentally believe that more mobility options in every corner of the state is key to catalyzing economic activity.

We have also been open about the need to confront the increasing funding gap first identified- with the Pioneer Institute’s acknowledgment- in the 2007 Transportation Finance Commission report that identified a $19 billion gap in needed funds for maintenance of our transportation system over 20 years. We spoke with more than 7,000 members of the public, elected officials, business leaders and transportation stakeholders over the last year in more than 50 meetings across the state and heard their needs and concerns about our roads, our bridges, our buses, trains and bikeways. What we learned is that we have a problem most businesses would love to have – our customers want MORE of our services, not LESS.  

The question before us is clear.  How do we deliver the improved transportation services our customers demand?  The answers are found not in the inadequate steps mentioned by the Pioneer Institute. 

Rather than “lots of art, little science,” our 21st-century Plan is thoughtfully constructed and based on facts about transportation we have known for years- about our huge funding gap, our deferred maintenance, our absurd reliance on debt to pay for operations and the need for equitable transportation services in communities across our state. 

I look forward to our continuing conversation about the way forward, but the time to act decisively is now.