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    1. Rail
    2. Infrastructure

    MBTA to install bus-only pavement markings on Charles River Dam Road beginning May 5

    May 4, 2020
    The dedicated bus lanes will support reliable transit services between North Station and Lechmere during the final stages of the GLX project construction.
    Related To: Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA)

    The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBATA) is installing bus-only pavement markings to create temporary dedicated bus lanes on Charles River Dam Road beginning May 5.

    In effect for approximately one year beginning May 24, the dedicated bus lanes will support bus replacement service between North Station and Lechmere Station during the final phases of Green Line Extension construction while sections of the Lechmere Viaduct are demolished, relocated and reconstructed. MBTA says the location of the high-visibility pavement markings delineating the new bus lanes in red paint were developed in close collaboration with Massachusetts Department of Transportation’s Highway Division, which recently approved the plan.

    Work to install the pavement markings is scheduled to take place over a three-week period beginning May 5, with much of the work taking place at night and during off-peak traffic hours. Variable message signage will be in place to alert motorists as to when general traffic will be restricted from traveling in the bus lanes.

    Beginning May 24, Charles River Dam Road will include all-day, bus-only lanes in both directions. In addition to MBTA buses, professionally driven coaches, shuttle buses and emergency vehicles will be allowed to fully access the bus lanes. Dedicated bicycle lanes installed on Charles River Dam Road last year will remain in place and fully operational for the duration of the bus replacement service. In addition to preserving the existing bicycle and pedestrian accommodations, the design will maintain three vehicular travel lanes: one in the Boston-bound direction and two in the direction of Cambridge.

    During the planned suspension of Green Line service, the frequency of buses is expected to meet or exceed current Green Line service. Modeling of traffic volumes indicates that bus lanes are projected to save up to fifteen minutes roundtrip per passenger during peak travel times on weekdays, says MBTA.