Since the closure of the Casey Overpass last month, commuters have faced infuriating traffic. In the planning phases, both supporters and opponents of the project envisioned some disruption; they were right.
Navigating major construction is hard and time-consuming. Although state and city transportation officials make real-time adjustments based on around-the-clock traffic monitoring, they cannot know the worst aspects of a Forest Hills commute unless we share our experiences. Drivers and transit riders can help ensure that signal, signage and lane adjustments adopted during meetings between contractors and state and city officials are informed not only by GPS data, but also by our input.
To report immediate construction issues, call the Project Hotline at 617-571-7878. This line is staffed during construction hours. General questions or concerns should be directed to the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) project liaison Jim Kersten at 857-368-9041.
Additionally, anyone can obtain more information or express concerns in person at MassDOT’s office hours held the third Tuesday of each month, 5:30-7:30 p.m., at Curtis Hall Community Center, 20 South St.
According to the project’s three-week look-ahead alert for June 22 to July 10, work will pause on the July 4 holiday. During the week of July 6, work will focus on preparations for and production of drilled shafts in the MBTA parking lot off Hyde Park Avenue. Layout and construction of the temporary roadway along Washington Street west of Forest Hills Station will also occur.
To sign up for the project’s three-week look-ahead emails that break down construction operations, email [email protected].
For more information about the project, visit the MassDOT website at massdot.state.ma.us/caseyarborway.
State Reps. Liz Malia (11th Suffolk), Jeffrey Sanchez (15th Suffolk), Edward Coppinger (10th Suffolk) and Russell Holmes (6th Suffolk); state Sen. Michael Rush (Norfolk & Suffolk); and City Councilors Matt O’Malley (District 6), Tim McCarthy (District 5) and Ayanna Pressley (At-Large)