New Allston Multimodal Option Could Spare MBTA Worcester Line

WORCESTER, MA — An enormous proposed project to straighten the Mass Pike through Allston may cause serious delays for commuters along the Worcester commuter rail line — but a new design released this week may provide some relief.

On Monday, MassDOT released three new options for the Allston Multimodal project in the "throat" section of the construction area near Boston University and the Charles River. Engineers need to thread eight lanes of the Mass Pike, two Worcester line commuter rail tracks, Soldiers Field Road, and a pedestrian path through an area only about 200 feet wide.

In January, MassDOT announced a plan to demolish the Mass Pike viaduct and rebuild it at ground level. That plan would force both inbound and outbound Worcester line trains to share a single track during construction.

One of three options presented on Monday would instead build a new viaduct for the Mass Pike in the "throat" area, which would "largely [maintain] Worcester main line 2 track operations."

Even if the Worcester line maintains two-track operations in the area, the project will likely cause major disruptions. Construction could take between six and 10 years, and highway drivers from Worcester through MetroWest will experience delays.

The state is under pressure from private groups and elected officials to make the project as easy for commuters as possible.

"I emphasized that any plan must be viewed as an opportunity to include increased reliability, frequency, and affordably on the commuter rail during the construction and after; take into account the unfair financial burden already placed on MetroWest commuters by the turnpike tolls; and actively provide increased short-term commuting options and improve the long-term experience for both drivers and users of public transportation," state Sen. Karen Spilka, D-Ashland, said in a statement Monday about what she told MassDOT officials.

MassDOT won't make a decision on which option it will pursue until the fall, according to the project timeline. You can view the three new Allston Multimodal options here.