• Public Comments. A preference for further
reduction of vehicular capacity, and an exploration
of a Boulevard option with four travel lanes (two in
each direction). Many participants expressed this
preference, and it is the comment that would have
the greatest effect on the overall design and function
of the preferred alternative, and is discussed further
below.
• MassDOT Response. It is understandable that the
Grounding McGrath study participants favor an
alternative that emphasizes minimizing local impacts.
MassDOT, however, must also consider the impacts
of the corridor design on roadway users in all modes.
While MassDOT feels that the Six-Lane Boulevard
Alternative was developed, refined, and analyzed
as a design approach that appropriately balances
regional mobility with multi-modal accessibility and
neighborhood livability, MassDOT is willing to give
consideration to a four-lane design for the McGrath
corridor, as discussed further below. A four-lane
design may result in reduced motor vehicle demand
and volumes in the corridor; however, this would be
due to increased congestion and delay, which would
also be experienced by residents of neighborhoods
abutting the corridor.
