Suggested language from Herb Nolan

[Bill Logue]

Good afternoon,

 

Below is suggested language from Her Nolan to clarify the Esplanade connections. He also suggests adding a groundlevel perspective of the pedestrian bridge.

 

Bill

 

3. Connections to the Esplanade

All Task Force members felt that significantly improved connections to the Esplanade would improve the experience of all users of the bridge, restore parkland, and alleviate crowding at the approach to Charles Circle.  The Task Force was presented with a proposed design4 reflecting their input at meetings and individual meetings of the designer and a number of interested stakeholders. The group recommends the design concept be fully developed and implemented as an integral part of the Longfellow Bridge Rehabilitation project. The goals behind the concept are to build ADA compliant pedestrian and bike access directly between the bride, Charles Circle and the Esplanade and to connect the upstream and downstream paths and bridge access points thereby improving the overall circulation and attractiveness. This solution also enhances the parklands abutting the bridge on the upstream side. Because of its location it is believed that, the existing pedestrian connection can be maintained during the construction period. Some members felt that the height of the pedestrian bridge as presented should be lowered to reduce the excessive length of the ramps leading to the Esplanade. 

 

[Jim Gascoigne]

I believe we should limit pedestrian and bike access between bride and Charles Circle until after the wedding!   ;-)

 

Thanks, Herb

 

Jim Gascoigne

Executive Director

Charles River Transportation

Management Association

Cambridge, MA