A trio of Massachusetts entities are espousing the benefits of a recently completed Boston transportation project they said would improve commutes for thousands of riders.
Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT), the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) and City of Boston personnel detailed completion of a northbound bus lane on North Washington Street in Boston’s north end between Sudbury Street and Causeway Street.
In conjunction with a corresponding southbound bus lane finished three years ago, the new bus lane provides riders of Routes 92, 93 and 111 priority from the North Washington Street Bridge to Haymarket Station — adding the North Washington Street Bridge will also include a southbound bus lane once construction is completed in two years.
“This new bus lane on North Washington Street in Boston demonstrates what has been a hallmark of Gov. Baker and Lt. Gov. Polito’s Administration and leadership — listening to people and communities about what their needs are, offering support, and partnering on projects,” Massachusetts Transportation Secretary and CEO Jamey Tesler said. “The Administration is committed to providing safe and equitable transportation networks that support the Commonwealth’s transit, economic, climate and public health goals.”
MBTA General Manager Steve Poftak said the project was at the top of the agency’s list for its Rapid Response Bus Lane Program.
“The Route 111 bus has consistently been one of the most durable routes by ridership throughout the pandemic,” he said. “It is one of the top four busiest routes in the system. Having an all-day bus lane for this last leg from Haymarket Station is vital for improving safe, reliable connections for Chelsea commuters transferring to rapid transit.”