Boston’s notoriously bad traffic will get worse before it gets better in and around Logan International Airport.
Massport, the public agency that operates the airport, said this week that a series of upcoming construction projects over the next five years will affect airport traffic, “including roadway detours starting this fall.”
Massport launched an information campaign called Logan Forward to update travellers about progress on $2 billion in planned infrastructure upgrades at the airport as well as the traffic problems they will cause.
Information can be found at www.LoganForward.com, and Massport also plans to issue alerts about road detours and other traffic snarls via text message.
The projects include improvements to the roadways connecting Terminals B and C, adding a new Terminal B/C post-security connection, adding gates and a 2,000-space parking garage at Terminal E, steps to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and improving access to the airport by high occupancy vehicles (HOV).
Plans also call for expanding use of the Logan Express (LEX) bus system, including new service at North Station, and creation of a centralised ride-sharing pickup/drop-off area at the airport.
“The goal is to eliminate about 1.5 million empty, or ‘deadheading,’ [ride-share] vehicles and double LEX ridership from 2 million to 4 million,” according to Massport. “This will reduce congestion and air emissions at Logan and will benefit our neighbouring communities.”
“We have a responsibility to build a modern, world-class facility because it is what our airline partners want and passengers expect,” said Massport Aviation Director Ed Freni.
“We’re using this as an opportunity to prepare the entire airport for the future and it is critical that we keep the travelling public, airlines and tenants informed every step of the way.
“Not only are our terminal facilities old and need an upgrade, but we are improving the roadway system, reducing congestion and air emissions at the airport and our neighbouring communities, and building more sustainable features at our terminals.”
