Esthetic Impact of Boston Central Artery Project on Urban Environment

Highway projects are not usually enhancers of the esthetic environments in urban areas. A proposed solution to problems in Boston caused by a highway project is to reconstruct the Artery underground, removing the elevated structure and freeing acres of a land for new development and open space uses. The esthetic implications of the proposal are tremendous. The project passes through historic Charlestown, removing aerial ramps from a blighted commercial area and enhancing the environment for the rehabilitation and renovation already underway. In other parts of the 3-mile route, an underground expressway will permit new uses of the land to unite thriving new office, retail, government, and residential districts with each other while enhancing access to the waterfront, also undergoing renewal. Esthetic considerations will be crucial in the planning and design process. Because of the unique nature of both the project and city in which it is located, innovative approaches will be needed.