Mayor Fuller advocates for commuter rail improvements

by | May 8, 2018 | Auburndale, MBTA, Newton, Newtonville, Washington Street Corridor, West Newton | 20 comments

Jenna Fisher of the Patch reports that Mayor Fuller spoke to the MBTA control board today to make the case for upgrades to provide accessible, frequent transportation at all three of Newton’s Commuter Rail stations. In addition to advocating for Newton residents who need better access to transit, she made it clear that improved service is key to the Washington Street corridor vision to support future development.

The article reports new cost estimates for

‘The notion that Washington St. should be narrowed from 2 lanes in each direction down to one lane is ludicrous.’

by | May 2, 2018 | streets and sidewalks, Washington Street Corridor | 43 comments

That quote in the headline comes from this comment on a prior thread. But the “notion” that narrowing a street can improve traffic flow was also a hot topic last night at the very well-attended opening Washington Street Corridor vision event at the Second Church.

This “notion” comes from the video (below) made by by Jeff Speck, a renowned expert on this topic (with transit experts Nelson/Nygaard) who has documented where similar techniques have been successfully employed to improve traffic elsewhere.

I understand why this idea of putting a road on “a diet” sounds “ludicrous.” But before you rush to dismiss it, please take the time to watch this video. And then share your thoughts.

The Washington Street Corridor Proposal from Elkus Manfredi on Vimeo.