1 minute read
Pedestrian Connections
from BRT Playbook
by Sauced Media
All transit trips begin or end as walking trips, so improving pedestrian accessibility and connections along the BRT corridor is essential. The BRT corridor development creates an opportunity to improve pedestrian accessibility, safety, and connections along Broadway and Rutherford Avenue.
PRIORITIZE IMPROVING ROAD SAFETY ALONG BRT CORRIDOR
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In recent years Broadway, Sweetser Circle, and Rutherford Avenue have been the sites of many road crashes and some fatalities each year. As part of the city’s Vision Zero commitments, improving road safety for all modes should be a top priority during the design of the BRT corridor infrastructure. While the streets are redesigned to include bus lanes and stations, general traffic speeds can be calmed, and intersections can be redesigned to shorten pedestrian crossing distances and shield pedestrians and bicyclists from motor vehicles.
IDENTIFY GAPS IN THE PEDESTRIAN AND BICYCLE NETWORK TO BE ADDRESSED
There are ample opportunities to improve pedestrian safety, accessibility and comfort in the corridor, especially along Lower Broadway and Rutherford. This may include wider, level sidewalks, curb ramps, and pedestrian crossings at BRT stations. Walking audits with advocates and community members can help highlight places where pedestrian infrastructure can be improved.
In addition, the BRT corridor development can also take the opportunity to enhance connections between the corridor and adjacent walking and bicycle paths and destinations, such as:
Encore Harborwalk. This extension of the Boston Harborwalk is integrated into the Encore Casino via a connection at Alford and Dexter streets.
Mystic Crossing. This bridge in the Lower Mystic fills a gap in the regional bicycle/pedestrian network by helping to complete the 25-mile Mystic Greenway and provides a direct connection between Everett and the MBTA Orange Line Assembly Square Station. The bridge provides a safe bicycle link from a wide swath of Everett, Malden, and beyond to downtown Boston. Encore originally planned to begin construction in 2020 but has faced delays.
DCR’s Gateway Park in Everett
Draw 7 Park + Path. A new path connecting Assembly Row with Route 99/ Assembly Square. Owned by the MBTA, DCR led the redesign of adjacent park.
