CONLEY TERMINAL DEDICATED TRUCK ROUTE FEASIBILITY STUDY
S Boston, Massachusetts


Our firm provided the transportation planning, conceptual layout and cost estimating components for a study of alternative schemes for a dedicated truck haul route serving the redeveloped Conley Terminal, in South Boston, as a part of the Massport Marine Terminal Optimization Program (MTOP). The Program consolidated automobile shipping at the Moran Terminal in exchange for a transfer of all container shipping to the Conley Terminal. This change in freight patterns prompted concern for the environment and trucking safety by some South Boston residents.

The purpose of the Haul Route was to connect the Terminal with the South Boston Haul Road and other South Boston industrial/commercial sites. Two routes were investigated in the study. Numerous factors were evaluated during this feasibility study, among which were the following key issues: land use compatibility; compatibility with Conley Terminal operational requirements and the future use of MPA properties; compatibility with potential future rail alignment; regulatory restrictions; and cost.

Tasks for this project included: data gathering; compilation of topographic base plans; planning, design, and feasibility criteria / assumptions; determination of a regulatory framework; structural evaluation of the Summer Street bridge; development of alternatives; initial alternatives screening; detailed alternatives evaluation; report and conclusions / deliverables; and formal meetings and presentations.

Both routes attempted to contain traffic to a corridor inside of the industrial/commercial properties, re-entering the public area at the Summer Street Bridge over the Reserved Channel. “Route A” passed through the central area of the properties, and had the advantage of removing offensive noise and odors from the immediate boundaries; however it had more of an impact on existing infrastructure within some of the properties.

Client: Massachusetts Port Authority