Fitchburg, MA - Establishing Urban Connections

FITCHBURG STATE COLLEGE

downtown fitchburg

mbta train station

Fitchburg Bike Loop (Phase 1) (separated, two-way, on-street path)

Bikeway Cross Routes (Phase 1) (buffered, two-way cross streets)

Proposed Bikeways (Phase 2) (core artery, buffered, two-way)

Schools MBTA Train

An integrated bikeway system in Fitchburg establishes a better urban infrastructure between Fitchburg State College, MBTA train station and downtown Fitchburg. The influx of people through college to downtown will allow economic growth in the region through means of increased pedestrian and biker traffic.

Nashua River

1” : 1,000’

FITCHBURG STATE COLLEGE

downtown fitchburg

mbta train station

1” : 500’

The implementation of a bike route system in Fitchburg takes advantage of the wide street dimensions on Main St. and North St. By adjusting car lanes from the generous 14’-0” to standard road dimension of 10’-6”, not only does it reduce average car speed and increase pedestrian priority, it also creates enough space between car lanes and the pavement to install a dedicated two-way bike lane along with a 3’-0” planter as a safety buffer. Cost of construction is kept to a minimum as road fixtures such as lamps and stop-lights are kept in its original place. The opportunity to green major streetscapes improves the overall aesthetic image of Fitchburg, and is beneficial for pedestrians, bikers and drivers.

main st. section

north st. buffered bikepath North St.

main st. buffered bikepath Public Green Space

Main St.

Central Park

Public Green Space Boulder Dr.

Commuter Parking Structure

e

d

Bike Parking & Rental

Fitchburg Cafe

Intermodal Transportation Center

Bus Platforms

c

MBTA Train Station

Platform Entrance

b

Extended Platform Canopy

An extended platform from the train station draws passengers towards the new park and downtown Fitchburg.

Bikeway route begins at the train platform, allowing passengers to conveniently ride in and out. By readapting car parking into public green spaces, the entrance of Fitchburg transforms into an oasis of greenscapes.

a Alternate Train Platform

1” : 64’-0”

aa

The alternate train platform is the beginning of a new passageway that leads to the center of Fitchburg . It provides pedestrians a covered walkway that leads to the new park center and a dedicated bike lane that allows bikers who arrive to Fitchburg in train to ride into the city.

1” : 8’-0”

bB

The extended platform draws pedestrians and bikers towards the new open green space. The separated pedestrian and bike lanes are buffered with tree planters, providing a safe barrier between the trains and the covered walkway. The canopy is an attachment to the existing commuter parking lot facade, where vines will ‘green’ the exterior facade.

1” : 8’-0”

c C

The new Trelis splits the pedestrian and bike path using planter and trees as a divider. The pedestrian pathway is directed towards the new central green space; the bikeway connects to the major bike paths in Fitchburg.

1” : 8’-0”

d D

The Fitchburg Cafe is a designated pit-stop between the train platform and the city of Fitchburg. Indoor seating is provided where people can witness the activity of the bikers through an insulated glass wall. Outdoor seating is covered and has an intimate connection to the central green space.

1” : 8’-0”

eE

The transformation of the gas station on Boulder St. into an outdoor bike parking and rental facility is integral to the infrastructure of the new entrance to the city. Rent-per-hour bicycles are available for visitors and local residents and students can apply for discounted subscription based service. The transformation cost becomes minimized due to the already constructed roofing system.

Bike hubs are located at Fitchburg State, the trainstation, and downtown Fitchburg; creating a new, green and healthy transportation network.

1” : 8’-0”