Bicyclists and pedestrians invited to experience airport in new way
(BOSTON- AUGUST 21) – Massachusetts Port Authority (Massport) officials and area residents celebrated the completion of a project to transform a congested wooded area adjacent to Logan International Airport and the MBTA’s Blue Line into a glistening mixed-use bicycle/pedestrian pathway.
Known as the Boston Greenway Connector (Greenway) for its abundance of plants, trees, shrubbery, and green space, bicyclists and pedestrians in East Boston now have access to a safe and inviting pathway from Piers Park along the Wood Island Bay Marsh to a lookout area near Constitution Beach. The City of Boston, which owns the next parcel of the property, has plans to continue the thruway to Constitution Beach.
“The new Greenway extension is another addition of open space that is helping make East Boston one of the most desirable urban communities in our state to live in and raise a family,” said State Senator Anthony Petruccelli. “Our community activists, led by Chris Marchi, have done a remarkable job with this project and I am excited to continue to work with them on future project.”
“The Greenway Connector is another great example of the staunch activism of the East Boston community as well as the strong partnership between the neighborhood and Massport,” said State Representative Carlo Basile. “While not yet fully complete, this extension is one more step in connecting one end of East Boston to the other via a beautiful park system. I’m happy to know that East Bostonians will be able to enjoy this wonderful asset for many years to come.”
“We worked very closely with Massport to get this Greenway connector built,” said City Councilor Sal LaMattina, “I would like to thank Massport for all of their hard work but also for their cooperation with the City and the residents of East Boston. They listened carefully to the concerns of the community and took the steps necessary to make sure that they were addressed. The Greenway is truly a jewel in the neighborhood and I couldn’t be more proud of how it turned out.”
Massport began discussions about the project with community members and the city in 2009 before Massport’s Board voted to approve the Greenway project in 2011. Construction for the project, which cost approximately $7 million, began in July 2013 and was completed in July 2014.
“At Massport we often say that our parks are our pride, and the Greenway project is a prime example of how community engagement can have beneficial and long-lasting results for our neighbors,” said Massport’s CEO Thomas P. Glynn. “I am proud that we were able to successfully accomplish this project with our community partners and provide this beautiful pathway for East Boston residents to use and enjoy.”
The Greenway is a well landscaped, multi-use pedestrian and bicycle path that is approximately 2,750 feet (approximately ½ mile) in length, with a paved path that is 12 feet wide. The project included the removal of a dilapidated pedestrian structure over the MBTA Blue Line and the demolition of an abandoned brick MWRA combined sewer outflow building at Wood Island Marsh. Due to the proximity to the MBTA tracks and the MBTA Wood Island station, close coordination between Massport and the MBTA was necessary to ensure that the construction did not disrupt normal operations. The overall area of the project is approximately 5.22 acres.
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About Massport:
The Massachusetts Port Authority (Massport) owns and operates Boston Logan International Airport, public terminals in the Port of Boston, Hanscom Field and Worcester Regional Airport. Massport is a financially self-sustaining public authority whose premier transportation facilities generate more than $8 billion annually, and enhance and enable economic growth and vitality in New England. No state tax dollars are used to fund operations or capital improvements at Massport facilities. For more information please visit www.massport.com.
Source: Massport: Jennifer Mehigan
