I-90 Allston Multimodal Project Update
September 23, 2025
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 The rescinded federal grant represented approximately 17% of the total project cost, but there is still overwhelming support to deliver this project, including a commitment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 now undertaking a cost assessment and engineering review, and 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.
A Better City’s Tom Ryan testified at the September 17 MassDOT Board Meeting in support of the project, and Tom Nally participated in the formal project Task Force meeting on September 18. In terms of next steps, MassDOT is expected to onboard consultants to complete the cost analysis and engineering review in the coming months and the project Taks Force will again convene on October 16.
Learn more about the project here, watch our video about the project benefits here, and read our 2022 economic benefits report here.
