There is only one meeting in the calendar for this week, but it is an important one. Read on!

Monday, June 30

[caption id="attachment_22729" align="aligncenter" width="500"] Charlesgate Park, before the Bowker Overpass. Photo: Friends of the Charlesgate.[/caption]

Public Meeting: Boston, Bowker Overpass Deck Replacement Project
Time: 6:00 - 8:00 PM
Location: Johnson Conf. Rooms, Boston Public Library, 700 Boylston Street, Boston, MA
Description: MassDOT is planning to perform emergency interim repairs on the aging Bowker Overpass, which carries car traffic between Storrow Drive and the Fenway in Boston. In the meantime, planners at MassDOT are conducting a "Bowker Overpass Long Range Planning Study", which is anticipated to look at long term alternatives for the overpass. Many community members and advocates are interested in seeing resources dedicated to removing the overpass in the near term, and restoring the original Charlesgate Park designed by Frederick Law Olmsted. The current configuration is less than optimal for bicyclists and pedestrians; wide and fast moving roadways cut off park land, and restrict access to the Charles River Esplanade and Back Bay Fens.

According to MassDOT, "The purpose of the meeting will be to introduce the Contractor, SPS New England, review the schedule and give an update of the Bowker Overpass Long Range Planning Study. The project consists of interim repairs to the superstructure and deck of the Bowker Overpass and associated ramps. Accelerated deterioration of the bridge structures requires that these interim repairs be conducted during the preliminary phase of the Bowker Overpass Long Range Planning Study."

Restoring the original vision of Charlesgate Park, and Emerald Necklace as a whole, should be important priorities for MassDOT in fulfilling its Healthy Transportation Compact, and working towards its stated mode shift goal to triple the share of trips taken by bike, transit, and walking. MassBike encourages community members to attend this meeting and share their thoughts on the future of the Bowker Overpass. Read more.

Looking for meetings and events happening next week or beyond? Check out our Event Calendar.

Have a public meeting or free event you'd like us to list? Email us at [email protected] and we may be able to include it in our calendar.