Morton Street Intersection Improvements

Morton Street (Route 203) is a crucial Boston thoroughfare, intersecting with Blue Hill Avenue, Harvard Street, and Courtland Road at Havelock Street. Almost 37,000 residents of the surrounding Mattapan community rely on the MBTA bus transit system along this route on weekdays. However, heavy traffic had made it a top two hundred crash site in this congested east coast metro area.

The project targeted a mix of signalized and unsignalized intersections amidst commercial properties, small businesses, restaurants, and residences. MassDOT engaged CHA to enhance safety for motorists, pedestrians, transit users, and cyclists. The initiative included intersection safety upgrades, pavement rehabilitation, signal modernization, traffic signage enhancements, drainage and lighting improvements, and targeted safety measures. Innovative features like floating bus stops at the Blue Hill Avenue intersection were introduced to alleviate conflicts between bicycles and buses while widening the sidewalk reduced congestion. Additionally, two-stage turn queue boxes and intersection bicycle boxes were implemented to facilitate safer turning movements for cyclists at intersections with Harvard Street and Blue Hill Avenue.

Through seamless coordination among MassDOT, the City of Boston, and MBTA, CHA guided the design process with precision. This transformative endeavor addresses safety concerns and intersection improvements along a bustling urban corridor, accommodating many travelers sharing the same space.