Longfellow Bridge Bike Lane Saved, And Sidewalks Too!

Lauren LeClaire

Written by
January 05, 2010

In a victory for bicyclists and pedestrians, MassDOT today agreed to change its plans to remove a portion of the bike lane on the Longfellow Bridge in order to install sidewalks where none currently exist. Instead, MassDOT opted to build the sidewalks and keep the bike lane by implementing an alternative proposal submitted by MassBike, LivableStreets Alliance, WalkBoston, and the Institute for Human Centered Design.


MassDOT also agreed to perform further analysis of the traffic patterns on the bridge in order to determine whether the lane configuration currently planned for the long-term reconstruction of the bridge is necessary, or if alternative proposals to provide even more space for bicycles and pedestrians are feasible (such as this one submitted by MassBike pdf). Finally, MassDOT agreed to continue the discussion with the advocates about the future configuration of the Longfellow Bridge.

Thanks MassDOT, and thanks to all the advocates for a great joint effort! Special thanks to State Representatives Marty Walz and Will Brownsberger, whose leadership on these issues is making a real difference.