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Developers have agreed to pay $400,000 for a comprehensive transportation plan to cope with the massive development boom taking place around Boston’s North Station.
The nine-month project will encompass the West End, Bulfinch Triangle and Government Center, where nearly 8 million square feet of commercial and residential projects are expected to be completed in the next few years.
The Boston Redevelopment Authority (BRA) and the city’s transportation department are overseeing the project designed to analyze the existing network and future needs. They are expected to issue a request for proposals in January seeking transportation consultants.
Eight companies have contributed $50,000 apiece to the study: Massachusetts General Hospital, Delaware North Cos., Equity Residential, AvalonBay Communities, Related Beal, Boston Properties, HYM Investment Group and Trinity Financial.
The consultant will be asked to analyze existing conditions and the combined impact of new development over the next 15 years, and propose short- and long-term projects designed to improve transportation by motor vehicles, public transit, pedestrians and cyclists.
“Downtown Boston is experiencing unprecedented growth, and we must do everything in our power to make sure growth doesn’t come at the expense of gridlock,” BRA Director Brian Golden said in a statement.
The study will include public meetings, site walks, online surveys and open houses. The $400,000 is expected to cover the entire cost of the project, BRA spokesman Nicholas Martin said.
