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Unused roof of Ashmont Line could serve as a neighborhood greenway

By adamg on Thu, 01/25/2024 - 12:31pm

The Dorchester Reporter reports on a growing effort to convert the "tunnel cap" that covers the Red Line between Fields Corner and Ashmont into a something more parklike, a greenway for pedestrians and bicyclists. Small sections are already in use for parks, but other sections are fenced off.

Neighborhoods: 
Dorchester
Free tagging: 
Red Line
Fields Corner
Ashmont
pedestrians
bicyclists


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Comments

By cybah on Thu, 01/25/2024 - 12:48pm.

why this isn't this way already is beyond me. Putting a park on top seems like something that would have been done long ago (and should have).

This will make a very nice park. Win win for everyone

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By mediagenic on Thu, 01/25/2024 - 1:20pm.

https://www.gardenvisit.com/gardens/high_line_new_york_city_landscape_ur...

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By BB from Dot on Thu, 01/25/2024 - 3:26pm.

This plan proposes removing the fences that separate the tunnel cap from residents' backyards and some folks are less than thrilled about that. There is also the issue of who will provide maintenance for the space. Also there is no clear pathway right at Shawmut. The station is right in the middle of the tunnel cap and there is just regular sidewalk along one side. There is no opening on the other side between the station and the Epiphany school. Not great if you want to zip along the whole route on your bike.

So great in theory but needs work on the details. BTW I do not live along the tunnel cap but am a longtime volunteer of the existing tunnel cap gardens.

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By Whit on Thu, 01/25/2024 - 4:32pm.

I hadn’t ever heard about removing fencing. I won’t go for that I can tell you.

Edit: I am for this project.

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By dorchesteresq on Thu, 01/25/2024 - 8:56pm.

Removing the existing MBTA owned chain link fencing currently topped with razor wire meant to keep people entirely off the closed sections seems necessary by definition. Since the design work hasn't been done yet, no specific plans are in place for what more attractive, inviting fencing or half wall or landscaping or what not might go in its place for form the border of the path. There is definitely no plan to remove any privately owned fencing.

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By anon on Thu, 01/25/2024 - 5:00pm.

If bike riders need ramps, let them pony up or do some fundraising. G-d forbid bike riders should ever have to slow down for 30 seconds.

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By dorchesteresq on Thu, 01/25/2024 - 8:49pm.

LivableStreets Alliance's Emerald Network team have been invaluable partners in keeping this project moving forward despite setbacks. For more information about the history of the DotGreenway linear park proposal, and current planning, community engagement, and design status, visit https://www.emeraldnetwork.info/dot_greenway

That is also where you can sign up for email updates about the project, though of course there will be communication directly from the City departments along the way too.

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By Rob on Thu, 01/25/2024 - 9:18pm.

Isn't the T's Engineering Department and budget for consultants a little bit taken up right now, with... I don't know... getting the railroad up to snuff?
From where are they supposed to take money and time to study if a roof is up to being a floor as well?

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By dorchesteresq on Thu, 01/25/2024 - 9:37pm.

From the DotReporter article: "$300,000 in grant money from the state’s MassTrails program, and city matching funds of $368,000" will fund the feasibility and design work, including structural engineering consultants

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