October 15, 2010
Traffic Alert: Craigie Drawbridge (near the Museum of Science)
We don't usually include these announcements, but this project will have such a major impact on so many constituents that we decided to include it here and on our website. Beginning on November 6th, the Commonwealth will rehabilitate the Craigie Drawbridge, which carries traffic past the Museum of Science into Boston. The drawbridge gives boats access to the harbor and the state's goal is to complete major work in time for the spring of 2011. As a result of this rehabilitation, portions of Route 28, which carries traffic in and out of Boston through Somerville and Cambridge, will be detoured at Land Boulevard. The approximate schedule and traffic impact is as follows:
Nov 6, 2010 – the end of Nov
Route 28 INBOUND – ALL lanes CLOSED
Route 28 OUTBOUND – Two Lanes Open
Drivers can get out of Boston - not in
Beginning of Dec 2010 – mid-January 2011
Route 28 INBOUND – Two lanes Open, One lane CLOSED
Route 28 OUTBOUND – Two lanes Open, One lane CLOSED
Two lanes open each way
Mid-January 2011 – mid-March 2011
Route 28 INBOUND – ALL lanes CLOSED
Route 28 OUTBOUND – Two Lanes Open
Drivers can get out of Boston - not in
Drivers heading into Boston on Route 28 will be directed via detour signs to alternative routes. Because this is such a well traveled route into and out of Boston, we thought it was important to pass along the information we have so travelers are aware before the November 6th start. For additional information about the project please visit the Massachusetts Department of Transportation's website.
Volpe Center
Today I participated in a 40th anniversary celebration for the John A. Volpe National Transportation Systems Center in Cambridge. The Volpe Center is a component of the U.S. Department of Transportation's Research and Innovative Technology Administration, and focuses on ways to improve our transportation networks. As a member of the House Committee on Transportation, I work with Volpe staff on many aspects of transportation policy. I was happy to have the opportunity today to thank them for their public service and leadership in transportation innovation.
The Chinatown Coalition
This week I visited the Boston Chinatown Neighborhood Center to meet with members of the Chinatown Coalition. The Coalition is a group of organizations ranging from community development corporations and elderly housing programs to groups serving the Chinatown community. We had a wide ranging discussion about Congress' latest efforts and what we can expect to see on the agenda when Congress returns next month. I enjoyed hearing their perspective and learning about the issues that are important to them.