I-90 Allston Multimodal Project Update
January 14, 2026
A Better City remains committed to advancing the I-90 Allston Multimodal Project, which is a once-in-a-generation chance to replace a structurally deficient elevated highway with safer transportation connections and expanded access to the Charles River for Allston residents. The project also includes a new multimodal transportation hub at West Station that will improve transit connections for commuters throughout the region and support future development in nearby Beacon Park Yard.
The enactment of the so-called "One Big Beautiful Bill Act" in July eliminated billions of dollars in unobligated funding for the federal Reconnecting Communities grant program—including all but $8 million of a $335 million grant for the I-90 Allston Multimodal Project. The rescinded federal grant represented approximately 17% of the total project cost, but there is still overwhelming support to deliver this project, including a commitment from Governor Healy to “do everything we can do make Allston Multimodal a reality.”
MassDOT is in the process of contracting with external consultants to conduct an independent cost and engineering analysis, with the stated goal of examining how to deliver the most transportation benefits with the available resources. A Better City has submitted detailed comments to ensure that this work is in service of advancing the project—not shrinking or delaying it. As part of this exercise, A Better City has asked MassDOT to evaluate scenarios with no layover in Beacon Park Yard and fewer rail tracks at West Station. In terms of the next steps, MassDOT issued an RFP on December 8, 2025, and bids are due on January 23, 2026. MassDOT expects the consultant team to complete the independent review by the end of 2026.
In the fall, A Better City’s Tom Ryan testified in support of the project at the September MassDOT Board Meeting, and Tom Nally continues to participate in monthly meetings of the formal project Task Force, in addition to convening frequently with other project stakeholders.
Learn more about the project here, watch our video about the project benefits here, and read our 2022 economic benefits report here.
