Northern Avenue is a critical truck route through South Boston’s Raymond Flynn Marine Park, linking the Seaport, the Black Falcon Cruise Terminal and surrounding tech and industrial districts. As part of a broader program to improve safety and better accommodate pedestrians, cyclists and transit users, STV reimagined Northern Avenue as a complete street that balances long‑standing industrial activity with the needs of emerging commercial and residential growth. The redesign creates a modern multimodal corridor that supports the park’s role as a major employment hub.
What challenges did STV address?
The corridor needed to safely serve heavy truck traffic while introducing pedestrian and bicycle facilities in a constrained urban right‑of‑way. The Boston Public Development Agency also sought a street design that improved transit operations for the MBTA Silver Line, supported economic activity and strengthened public realm amenities. Demonstrating that truck mobility would remain fully functional was a central requirement for local businesses.
What solutions did STV deliver?
STV redesigned Northern Avenue with 12‑foot travel lanes, sidewalk‑level protected bike lanes, new sidewalks, upgraded street lighting and street trees. The team added four floating bus stops and two Silver Line layover bays to improve transit efficiency. Raised pedestrian crossings were introduced for enhanced safety. To validate truck movements, STV completed detailed Autoturn analyses and developed 3D models. Under a separate contract, STV also prepared conceptual design for improvements to Fid Kennedy Avenue, now the primary truck route through the park.
How does this project benefit the community?
The redesign improves safety for pedestrians, cyclists and transit riders while preserving efficient truck access for the marine park’s industrial and freight‑dependent businesses. The corridor now supports a more vibrant public realm and provides a balanced roadway that meets the diverse needs of a rapidly evolving district.
Key stats and accolades
- Complete street redesign with sidewalk‑level bike lanes
- Four floating bus stops and two Silver Line layover bays
- Travel lanes narrowed from 20 to 12 feet
- Raised pedestrian crossings and upgraded sidewalks
- Autoturn and 3D modeling to validate truck mobility
