Title: Downtown Planning and Revitalization in Framingham, MA
Abstract: Downtown Framingham is a hub of multi-modal transportation, with vehicles, MBTA Commuter Rail, regional buses, pedestrians/bicycles, and CSX freight operations converging at the Route 135/Route 126 Intersection. The vitality of Downtown Framingham is in part dependent upon the ability of the of this transportation network to service residents, businesses and visitors. The market potential for development and urban design opportunities will also be a determinant in the future success of the Downtown and the estimated range of supportable development will directly affect and be affected by the future transportation network. The goal of this study was to develop a Preferred Alternative to revitalize the Downtown that would provide the optimum balance of transportation improvements and development potential. The overall project tasks included transportation strategies, land use/urban design features, and an assessment of economic potential in the Downtown. The transportation methodology included an evaluation of traffic, public transit, and commuter rail strategies, which were then advanced to an assessment of land use and economic growth associated with each alternative. Alternatives included various grade separations at the critical Route 135/Route 126 intersection, and new routes to bypass the Downtown area. The goals of each alternative were to: Improve traffic flow and safety; Mitigate the existing conflicts with rail use at the grade-crossing; and Provide opportunities for additional land use and economic growth. A comprehensive Public Outreach Program was integral to a vetting of each alternative and the various measures of effectiveness, and to a significant consensus of a Preferred Alternative.
Publication Year: 2013
Publication Date: 2013-01-01
Language: en
Type: article
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