Fenway Traffic Safety Update
I am writing to update you on the progress we have made regarding the Fenway Transportation Walk that took place on June 25th, 2025. For those of you that are not familiar, Fenway Elected Officials (including myself, Senator Brownsberger, and Councilor Durkan) met with staff from the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR), and residents for a site walk regarding the neighborhood’s traffic infrastructure.
As a result, myself, Senator Brownsberger, Representative Ryan, Representative Tyler and City Councilor Durkan, wrote a letter to the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) to outline the concerns that were raised during the walk by members of the Fenway community regarding the Back Bay Fens.
A link to the letter that was sent to DCR on July 29, 2024, including a comprehensive list of short-term and long-term traffic safety improvement requests based-off of resident comments, can be found here.
Senator Brownsberger, Councilor Durkan and I met with DCR on September 10th, 2024 to discuss the letter in greater detail. I am pleased to inform you that substantial traffic safety improvements have been made by DCR since the joint letter was submitted in late July. Recent improvements include the installation of over 40 new regulatory signs, consisting of pedestrian crossing, speed limit, animal crossing and directional signage. DCR also fulfilled our request to repaint several faded crosswalks, and provided maintenance on the overgrown grass and underbrush (which hindered the line of sight for drivers with regard to pedestrian crossings) along Park Drive, Boylston Street and The Fenway.
Here, DCR Maintenance Crews Are in The Process of Clearing Overgrown Brush Making Pedestrians More Visible to Drivers.
These Sections Along Boylston St and Park Dr Have Recently Been Cleared to Improve The Safety of Pedestrian Crossings.
DCR has also committed to repairing several curb ramps to remain in line with ADA compliance, which we were pleased to learn about during the meeting. The curbs that are in need of maintenance have been placed on a repair list, which work should be contracted out this fall. Any curb ramps on the list that are left unrepaired will be a first order of business in the spring.
As for our long-term requests to improve traffic safety in the Fenway Neighborhood, DCR has agreed to engage in data collection and feasibility studies on the specific hazardous points in question before any public process begins. It is also in the process of issuing a Request for Proposals or RFP to hire a consultant to gather the data, run a public process, and develop proposed improvements. Many of these long term requests require significant investments, more public discussion of options, and could be disruptive to the daily flow of traffic during their implementation. These diligent measures taken by DCR are to ensure the viability of these projects in the Fenway Neighborhood.
I am appreciative of the recent actions that have been taken by DCR which will continue to provide substantial improvements for traffic safety in the Fenway Neighborhood. While there is still more work to be done, I wanted to make sure that you had the most up-to-date information on these improvements.
I am proud to be State Representative of the 8th Suffolk District, and will continue to prioritize safer roadways. As always, please do not hesitate to reach out to my office with any questions or concerns.
Best Regards,
Jay