New DOT data after the re-opening of the Longfellow Bridge
On September 6th, the Massachusetts Department of Transportation held a public meeting to present data now that the Longfellow Bridge has been fully re-opened for two months. Upon the re-opening many stakeholders, including local politicians, advocacy groups and neighborhood organizations such as the BHCA, requested a study of the impact of the re-opening. Significant changes have occurred with transportation and Boston’s growing population in the years since the project was conceived in 2011 including more bikes, more mapping apps, more ride shares, more residential units, and more office space.
While the data collection is only in its first phase with more to come this fall, the data revealed some good information. About ten times as many cars as bikes used the Longfellow Bridge during the initial months that it was fully open. That certainly may shift with college students returning in the fall. With the newly opened second inbound lane freeing up congestion, a high number of inbound drivers traveled above the speed limit and the city is already taking steps to slow them down.
Most important for the Beacon Hill community, the second phase of the study, during September and October, will focus on congestion at Charles Circle and our key neighborhood arteries. With increased demand on the Longfellow Bridge resulting from its re-opening, will drivers who have been working their way around our neighborhood in recent years now re-route to the Longfellow – creating a spike in travelers into Charles Circle and onto Cambridge and Charles Streets?
The Traffic & Parking Committee of the BHCA will hold a meeting September 27th to discuss these initial results and other neighborhood transportation issues. Please contact committee chair, Ben Starr at [email protected] for further information.
BHCA Fall HillFest!
The end of summer is fast approaching and most of us look forward to the beautiful autumn season on the Hill. One of the hallmarks of fall in our neighborhood is the annual block party organized by the Beacon Hill Civic Association. The BHCA, in its mission to build community, looks forward to organizing this annual activity, now in its 17th year! We are happy to host over 20 nonprofit neighbors so that they can share their missions with the community. We will be grilling hot dogs, and have live music, beer and pizza, and many more surprises.
We are grateful to this year’s sponsors including Harpoon, F.H. Perry, Hampshire House, Panificio, Florina’s and more.
Plan to spend the afternoon on the flat of Mt. Vernon with your family and neighbors!
Come join us!
Beacon Hill Civic Association committees and special events bring together volunteers and neighbors, working together to assure a good quality of life on the Hill. All residents are welcome to become members and participate.
Upcoming BHCA Meetings
Monday, September 17: Architecture Committee Meeting. 5pm. 74 Joy Street.
Tuesday, September 18: Green Committee Meeting. 6pm. 74 Joy Street.
Upcoming BHCA Events
Young Friends Social – September 19
Fall HillFest – September 23
BHCA Halloween on the Hill – October 31
Evening at 74 – November 8
Garlands & Greens – November 15
Decorating Days – December 1st and 2nd
47th Annual Beacon Hill Gala – February 9
Visit the Beacon Hill Civic Association website www.bhcivic.org or call the office (617-227-1922) for more information on any of these events or to become a member.