I-90 Allston Multimodal Project Update May 2026
May 27, 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 2025 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 The rescinded federal grant represented approximately 17% of the total project cost, but there is still overwhelming support to deliver this project, including a commitment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.”
Independent Cost and Engineering Analysis
In late 2025, MassDOT announced their intention to contract with an external consultant 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. MassDOT issued an RFP on December 8, 2025, with a bid deadline of January 23, 2026.
At the May 20, 2026, meeting of the project Task Force, MassDOT reported that they have entered into a $1.4 million contract with Arcadis to conduct the independent cost and engineering analysis. While MassDOT had initially expected the consultant team to complete the independent review by the end of 2026, they are now estimating a 12-month process concluding in May 2027. Task Force members asked MassDOT to share the proposed scope of work, and to provide more clarity on the deliverables and timeline.
A Better City will continue to emphasize the need for this analysis to be in service of advancing the project—not shrinking or delaying it.
Layover Study
At the May 20, 2026, Task Force meeting, MassDOT also provided an update on the ongoing analysis to identify a suitable layover yard outside of Allston. The analysis, which is being led by VHB, is now focused on five potential sites within the City of Boston: 1) Frontage Road North and 2) Frontage Road South that currently includes facilities of City of Boston DPW and the Tow Lot that would need to be relocated; 3) A Street in South Boston on Track 61 adjacent to the Menino Convention Center currently used as a test track; 4) land owned and used by Eversource adjacent to the Fairmount rail line; and 5) Front Yard, a small site owned and operated by Amtrak. The layover, a temporary holding space for trains for light maintenance, must have the capacity to accommodate up to eight (8) train consists. VHB is expected to narrow the options in the coming months.
Learn more about the project here, watch our video about the project benefits here, and read our 2022 economic benefits report here.
