A familiar eyesore may be nearing its final days, if the MassDOT and the Grounding McGrath working group have their say.

By Jim Clark

According to a preliminary report issued by MassDOT and the Grounding McGrath working group, it will be recommended that McGrath Highway be taken down and that a ground-level 6-lane boulevard be constructed as a replacement.

A two year study conducted by MassDOT engineers, elected officials, and various other interested parties has resulted in the recommendation, outlined in the report entitled Grounding McGrath: Determining the Future of the Route 28 Corridor Study.

The proposed roadway would consist of three lanes running in each direction, with traffic lights at major intersections. A planted median would run its length, and parkland bordering is also recommended.

Several options were considered regarding the fate of the structure. Ultimately, it became the opinion of those engaged in the study that not only would the grounding of the structure be more cost efficient in the long term, but that traffic flow and the general quality of the immediate environment would be greatly improved. Pedestrian access was also considered an important component of the study’s eventual recommendation.

The report can be found at http://www.massdot.state.ma.us/groundingmcgrath/Documents.aspx. Those interested in commenting on the proposal are encouraged to contact ethan.britland@state.ma.us. Written comments may be mailed to Massachusetts Department of Transportation, Office of Transportation Planning, Re: Grounding McGrath Study Comments, 10 Park Plaza, Suite 4150, Boston, MA 02116.