At the most recent meeting about redesigning the Casey Overpass, I found the consultants’ presentation strongly skewed against a bridge. Their bridge mock-ups were singularly ugly and their language clearly favored the no-bridge option. I would like to register an opinion in favor of a bridge for the following reasons:
Getting through-traffic off the ground keeps what’s happening on the ground level local. It promotes friendliness, access and easy interchange at the ground and smooth pass-through above.
A bridge would cut down on acres of pavement (a much more daunting barrier than a through-traffic bridge).
Who says the bridge needs to be ugly? Although consultants and designers say a beautiful bridge costs more money, hey, this is JP. With creativity, we can have a bridge that’s both beautiful and within budget.
Let’s keep the bridge option open.
Pam Kristan
Jamaica Plain