iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Michelle Wu 吳弭 @wutrain.bsky.social · 25/03/2026

We also shared with Streetsblog our full comment letter to the T (drive.google.com/file/d/11cJf...) & the Disability Commission’s markup on the technical drawings (drive.google.com/file/d/17zW1...). Neither were referenced in the article.

Lysney Heffernan
Via email: lheffernan@mbta.com
Re: City of Boston Columbus Tremont Phase II Comments
Dear Lynsey,
The City of Boston has reviewed the MBTA’s 75% design for the proposed Columbus
Avenue Bus Lanes, Phase II project. Below are our consolidated comments from the
Streets Cabinet, Planning Department and Disabilities Commission, which in
general speak to the need for a reconsideration of the design approach for the
project. While technical rationale is provided for these comments, our review is
focused on ensuring the direction of the project is well established and does not
present a complete technical review of all project details. We look forward to
continued collaboration on this project in order to deliver our collective goals for a
safe, accessible and reliable Tremont Street and Columbus Avenue.
Safety and Operational Lessons from Columbus Avenue Phase 1
Since installing the first phase of the Columbus Avenue project in 2021, we have had
an opportunity to learn valuable safety and operational lessons. The current
75%-100% plans do not fully address the safety and operational challenges from
Phase 1, which must be considered.
To support our collective understanding of expected operations, the City is
requesting a comparison of projected versus realized operations for the Phase 1
project area to ensure operational analyses and assumptions for Phase II are as
well-calibrated.
General Purpose Traffic Operations and Management
The City of Boston continues to have concerns regarding the projected general
purpose traffic impacts demonstrated in the provided analysis. Previous comments

provided by the City of Boston regarding the projected peak hour operations shown
in the CDR dated March 2023 have not been adequately addressed. The summary of
morning and afternoon operations provided in the Project’s synchro analysis, which
include projected mode shift and/or traffic evaporation, show numerous locations
with significant vehicle queues that will impact both Columbus Ave/Tremont
Street, as well as neighboring streets. Areas of particular concern include:
●
●
Columbus northbound at Heath Street, where afternoon queues on
Columbus Ave (1,255 feet) are projected to extend beyond the next signal to
the south at Centre Street and beyond the traffic circle to the west on Heath
Street (770 feet).
Columbus Ave southbound at Malcolm X Blvd, where afternoon queues on
Columbus Ave (1079 feet) are projected to extend beyond the next signal to
the north at Prentiss Street and beyond the next two signals to the west on
Tremont St (900 feet).
Summary tables with measures of effectiveness (MOEs) are enclosed for both the
morning and afternoon peak periods. While some locations have been modified
from previous submittals to address queuing with significant spillback impacts,
others continue to demonstrate an unacceptable level of congestion.
Beyond impact to the major thoroughfares included in the project area, the City of
Boston is concerned about the impact increased delay and queues will have on
traffic diversion onto and through residential streets that are not designed to
handle such volumes.
Orange Line Diversion Planning
The Phase II section of the Columbus corridor serves as a critical Orange Line
diversion route during the suspension of service for work within the MBTA Right of
Way. The City requests to understand where a future, post Phase II construction,
Orange Line diversion route be located and how it would be operationalized.

Madison Park Project Coordination
The City of Boston recently announced plans to build a new Madison Park
Technical Vocational High School campus at Parcel P3. An early review with the
Madison Park team has recommended the Tremont Street frontage as the preferred
location for school bus activity. As plans for Tremont/Columbus Phase II evolve,
this future need should be considered. As the school project is at a preliminary
stage of planning and design, it is anticipated that the design team may make
curbline changes along the Parcel P3 frontage to accommodate a lane for school
pick up and drop off.
Suggestions for Further Exploration
Recognizing the majority of southbound service turns left onto Malcolm X Blvd, we
recommend considering replacement of the center-running bus lane between
Malcolm X Blvd. and Heath Street with side-running bus lanes in both directions.
This would restore a second travel lane which would address vehicle storage and
queuing concerns, mitigate the bus operational and safety issues associated with
Phase I, and allow for continued use of the corridor for Orange Line diversions. The
limited parking and curbside demand along this portion of the corridor, coupled
with the arrival of automated enforcement, should help mitigate historic challenges
associated with side-running bus lanes while offering a balanced approach to
overall traffic operation and impacts.
Lastly, please note we are also enclosing comments from our partners at the
Disabilities Commission for reference. The City is committed to working with the
MBTA to find a design solution for this corridor. We are happy to schedule time to
discuss these comments in detail. Thank you.
Regards,
Nick Gove
Interim Chief of Streets

6204

Michelle Wu 吳弭 @wutrain.bsky.social · 25/03/2026

Here are screenshots of Qs asked for this article & response we shared. Not trying to cancel the project; working to share meaningful feedback to the MBTA based on learnings from phase 1 of installation, experience of community members & new info on major abutting parcel.

The Mayor has said that she wants to get more "consensus" on transit projects, but if consensus is what she's after, why is she restricting communications between her staff and the MBTA?

The MBTA had been targeting an April 1 "advertisement date" to put the Columbus Ave. Phase II project out to bid for construction, but the T tells me that City Hall still hasn't approved the final construction designs for the project, which is putting it at risk of missing a FY2026 deadline for spending $34 million in construction funds. Is it the mayor's intent to de-fund this project?

The City of Boston is preparing for considerable budget cuts in the year to come and Boston residents are struggling with rapidly-rising transportation costs. In light of this, why is the Mayor delaying millions of dollars in federal investment that would dramatically improve bus transit service for Roxbury?

The Mayor has not called for more consensus on the need for safe, accessible streets—we all agree on that. Instead, our focus is on gathering meaningful community feedback to improve designs, refine details, and ensure projects address valid concerns from all road users.”

“The City is working closely with the MBTA to ensure every dollar delivers on our shared goal for multimodal streets that work for everyone. After the first phase of the MBTA’s center-running bus lane project on Columbus Ave has been installed, it’s important to take the data and daily experiences of commuters through this corridor to improve the designs for the next phases, and we have submitted comments to the T. Our top priority is getting this project right for the residents who live, work, and commute along this corridor, and we look forward to continued collaboration to achieve a design solution that reflects the community’s needs.”

The City of Boston has reviewed and submitted our consolidated comments from the Streets Cabinet, Planning Department, and Disabilities Commission. In general, they speak to the need to reconsider the design approach for the project based on learnings regarding safety from the first phase of the project, mitigate congestion, and potential changes needed to accommodate the future Madison Park High School.

4223

Michelle Wu 吳弭 @wutrain.bsky.social · 25/03/2026

Getting some Qs on this—why are we canceling it & why no explanation? Both not true. I’ve done a few long interviews on streets vision lately that got cut down to a quote on “consensus” not reflecting full convo. Didn’t get to interview here, but we did send a statement that wasn’t shared in full…

123712

Reposted by Michelle Wu 吳弭

Boston Public Schools @bostonschools.boston.gov · 18/03/2026

The @bostonschools.boston.gov All-Star Marching Band brought the energy to Gillette Stadium on Saturday, performing in front of 30,000-plus fans at the @bostonlegacyfc.com inaugural game! 🎺🔥 Well done to all the marching-band students making their performance debut!

The All-Star marching band perform in the stands at Gillette Stadium.

Members of the drum line from the All-Star marching band stand in formation.

Boston Mayor Michelle Wu meets some of the All-Star marching band members.

0235

Reposted by Michelle Wu 吳弭

Gabe Ortíz @tusk81.bsky.social · 12/03/2026

"Boston Mayor Michelle Wu announced plans to set aside millions of dollars from the city and philanthropies to fund immigrant services ranging from legal aid and language classes to family support.” www.wcvb.com/article/bost...

wcvb.com

Boston announces $4.5 million funding for immigrant services

Mayor Michelle Wu announced a $4.5 million public-private fund to expand immigrant services in Boston, from legal aid and English classes to family support.

08910

Michelle Wu 吳弭 @wutrain.bsky.social · 16/03/2026

BPS achieved our highest graduation rate on record, with gains across every demographic group—proof that investing in students & families works!

16412

Michelle Wu 吳弭 @wutrain.bsky.social · 16/03/2026

St. Patrick’s Day in Boston, from the Blessing of the Shamrock to the biggest green & patriotic parade ☘️

Special St. Patrick’s Day mass with the Archbishop at the Cathedral of the Holy Cross

Michelle marching in the St Patrick’s Day parade in South Boston with friends from the Irish Pastoral Center and neighborhood leader

Michelle stops for a picture with parade attendees, including an enthusiastic St Patrick lookalike

Michelle joins St. Patrick’s Day parade marshal Col. Tim Murphy & Tom Lyons to lay a wreath at the Vietnam Memorial in South Boston along the parade route

1877

Reposted by Michelle Wu 吳弭

Boston Office of Housing @housing.boston.gov · 02/03/2026

@mayorwu.boston.gov is hosting the first Mayor’s Office Hours, a one-stop shop for residents to connect with the Mayor and City departments. Our team will be at the Bolling Municipal Building on Thursday, March 5th, from 6–8 PM to help residents with housing questions. boston.gov/officehours

Mayor Wu is hosting the Mayor's Office Hours on Thursday, March 5th at 6pm at the Bolling Municipal Building on 2300 Washington Street.

3193

Michelle Wu 吳弭 @wutrain.bsky.social · 01/03/2026

The Fire Horse in Chinatown today helping to melt that snow! 🔥

220826

Michelle Wu 吳弭 @wutrain.bsky.social · 01/03/2026

新年快樂! Celebrating the Year of the Fire Horse

Michelle & the kids share in the Lunar New Year banquet with the Gee How Oak Tin family association in Chinatown alongside two community leaders

41579

Michelle Wu 吳弭 @wutrain.bsky.social · 01/03/2026

Yes definitely packed! The line was about this long or maybe even a little longer when we were there at 4, but it moves so fast with their amazing staff

1112

Michelle Wu 吳弭 @wutrain.bsky.social · 28/02/2026

Introducing the BPS All-Star Marching Band, featuring student musicians from 10 BPS high schools! Join us to cheer them on at the @bostonlegacyfc.com home opener at Gillette on March 14th 🥁⚽️

1606

Reposted by Michelle Wu 吳弭

StÂco City @stacos.bsky.social · 28/02/2026

SEE IT ! Our D-1 was at @boston.gov this afternoon for the World Cup Boston Community Leaders special briefing with Mayor @wutrain.bsky.social and our Haitian Ambassador. Whole thing got us hype. D-3s finna be real involved.. 🎉⚽️🇭🇹

2262

Reposted by Michelle Wu 吳弭

Nik DeCosta-Klipa @nikdecostaklipa.bsky.social · 26/02/2026

This morning in WBUR Today: Boston tried something a little bit different in the wake of this week's big blizzard Plus: — Extra-limited World Cup parking at Gillette Stadium — The Mass. House's second try at energy affordability bill www.wbur.org/news/2026/02... @wbur.org

wbur.org

Why Boston tried a new snow-clearing strategy 'for the first time ever' after Monday's storm

Mayor Michelle Wu said the city kept its parking ban in place for longer than usual to allow large trucks to remove snow during the day — instead of only at night.

2184

Reposted by Michelle Wu 吳弭

Massachusetts Public Health Alliance @mapublichealth.org · 26/02/2026

Join Mayor Wu & the Boston Public Health Commission TOMORROW for a press event sharing key updates on Boston’s Live Long & Well Agenda! MPHA Board Member, Bisola Ojikutu will be presenting! 🗓️ Friday, February 27 ⏰ 10:00 AM (arrrive 20-30 minues early) 📍 Yawkey Boys & Girls Club of Roxbury

173

Reposted by Michelle Wu 吳弭

Robert Orthman @robertorthman.bsky.social · 26/02/2026

I saw the @streets.boston.gov crews out with Bobcats clearing these ramps and crosswalks by Fallon Field yesterday. Much appreciated by those of us walking that way to the school bus stop! @wutrain.bsky.social @enriquepepen.bsky.social

3212

Michelle Wu 吳弭 @wutrain.bsky.social · 26/02/2026

Overnight snow removal: 1,094 truck loads (18,150 cubic yards) hauled away to snow farms. Thank you to our relentless Public Works & City Services teams 💪

1696

Reposted by Michelle Wu 吳弭

City of Boston Streets Cabinet @streets.boston.gov · 25/02/2026

Post-blizzard snow removal totals: Crews have removed 1,234 loads from neighborhood streets - equaling 20,316 cubic yards. Day 2: Crews are continuing to using skid steers to clear crosswalks & curb ramps before large scale removal begins again during the overnight hours.

Picture: Crews continuing to use skid steers to clear crosswalks & curb ramps.

13411

Reposted by Michelle Wu 吳弭

DotNews @dotnews.bsky.social · 25/02/2026

Boston’s 14 “snow farms” — including three in Dorchester— continue to grow as city workers and contractors truck out huge amounts of snow from street corners all over Boston to locations like the old Bayside Expo lot in Dorchester.

Above: Residents of Moseley Street work to clear snow from cars Tuesday afternoon. Photo by Kelly Broder

The Bayside “snow farm” in operation on Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2026. Kelly Broder photo

2356

Reposted by Michelle Wu 吳弭

Asiah Wotring - Mattapan Liaison @mattapan.boston.gov · 25/02/2026

Thank you Boston Public Works for clearing up the snow by Mattapan Square and throughout the neighborhood. If you have any snow flags feel free to reach out to me or report it to 311, we are here to help!

1285

Michelle Wu 吳弭 @wutrain.bsky.social · 25/02/2026

Fun to welcome our students & families back to school this morning at the Mildred!

0150

Michelle Wu 吳弭 @wutrain.bsky.social · 25/02/2026

👋 Appreciate your comments. I shared some thoughts here:

0131

Michelle Wu 吳弭 @wutrain.bsky.social · 25/02/2026

These mid-block snow piles help us keep snowbanks away from the intersections where they’d block visibility for pedestrians, cyclists & drivers. Also makes our snow removal efforts more efficient—these will be hauled away with overnight removal this week.

A mid-block pile of snow ready for removal. It’s marked with a sign that says “EMERGENCY Tow Zone / No Parking / Snow Removal”

3483

Michelle Wu 吳弭 @wutrain.bsky.social · 25/02/2026

The MA Municipal Association has issued some detailed reports on the fiscal challenge of meeting growing need for city services while MA state law holds us to an inflexible revenue cap that doesn’t account for high-inflation years or rapidly growing healthcare costs ⬇️

mma.org

New Mass. Municipal Association Report: Mass. Cities and Towns Reaching a Fiscal Breaking Point - Massachusetts Municipal Association (MMA)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: John Ouellette, Communications Director BOSTON — A new report released today by the Massachusetts Municipal Association (MMA) documents the convergence of severe factors...

1165

Michelle Wu 吳弭 @wutrain.bsky.social · 25/02/2026

It’s why we continue to fight for the State Senate to stop blocking our residential tax relief measure; their “alternatives” all require cutting City services funding to offset tax spikes. Our bill gives relief by temporarily restoring balance between resi & commercial while keeping services funded.

1264

Michelle Wu 吳弭 @wutrain.bsky.social · 25/02/2026

I very much believe in public investment for highest quality of life. Must also fit within budget constraints. State law Prop 2.5 limits City revenue growth to less than inflation every yr & resulted in huge public jobs cuts when 1st passed. MA cities can’t add revenue sources w/out state approval.

1143

Michelle Wu 吳弭 @wutrain.bsky.social · 25/02/2026

With 1400mi of sidewalks, it’s not financially/logistically realistic for City govt to take over clearing every private sidewalk. But we’re exploring: —A priority sidewalk network that we would do & charge owners who didn’t shovel —A list of vetted contractors with contact info & guaranteed rates

171

Michelle Wu 吳弭 @wutrain.bsky.social · 25/02/2026

I know it can be frustrating to clear so much snow as a property owner, esp repeatedly when plows push snow back onto sidewalks. That’s why we focused on more & earlier snow removal this time than ever before. And why I’ve been thanking property owners for doing their part & vols for helping others.

190

Michelle Wu 吳弭 @wutrain.bsky.social · 25/02/2026

This is helpful to clarify! Boston has the same rules: City is responsible to clear near City properties, State does state (incl MBTA), & private owners responsible for sidewalks outside theirs. City workers (& seasonal contracts) clear our areas mostly with bobcats & snow blowers vs paid shoveling.

3346

Michelle Wu 吳弭 @wutrain.bsky.social · 25/02/2026

Our annual This is Loon Mountain event on City Hall Plaza

3304

Michelle Wu 吳弭 @wutrain.bsky.social · 25/02/2026

As you can see in the picture above, the Governor activated the MA National Guard to help clear state property, like MBTA stations & bus stops. This has been a big help, as last time the T asked cities to cover their properties on top of already large municipal loads.

0240

Michelle Wu 吳弭 @wutrain.bsky.social · 25/02/2026

Back to school! Our overnight snow removal focused on opening up school zones so roadways, crosswalks, sidewalks & bus stops on these key routes are clear. We used data from 311 & GPS trackers in plows & other feedback from recent storms to pay extra attention to known tricky spots.

whdh.com

Boston students returning to school after vacation-extending blizzard - Boston News, Weather, Sports | WHDH 7News

BOSTON (WHDH) - Classes are set to resume in Boston Wednesday after the Blizzard of 2026 canceled school for the first two days of the<a class="excerpt-read-more" href="https://whdh.com/news/boston-st...

4362

Michelle Wu 吳弭 @wutrain.bsky.social · 25/02/2026

Thank you to everyone who joined one of the Love Your Block shoveling meet-ups hosted by our incredible Neighborhood Liaisons! ❄️

Michelle & 2 volunteers shovel out a private sidewalk in South Boston

A group of volunteers digs out a fire hydrant from behind a huge pile of snow

Councilor Louijeune & Hyde Park volunteers smile from the corner on a cleared sidewalk

Rep. Michlewitz & North End volunteers show their shovels at a Love Your Block meetup

1594

Michelle Wu 吳弭 @wutrain.bsky.social · 25/02/2026

Smaller equipment will continue daytime work at crosswalks on major thoroughfares & targeted areas. We’ll be piling the snow mid-block away from intersections for overnight removal throughout the week. And as you can see, we’re already getting more snow, so more salting & plowing today too ⛄️

0302

Michelle Wu 吳弭 @wutrain.bsky.social · 25/02/2026

Yesterday was the 1st time the City has done large-scale daytime snow removal—holding the parking ban to give crews max space to work. Across daytime & overnight, we hauled away almost 1500 truckloads of snow (25,000+ cubic yds) to clear main roads & school zones. TY to our hardworking City teams 🙏

311415

Reposted by Michelle Wu 吳弭

Ari Ofsevit @ofsevit.bsky.social · 24/02/2026

With 60" of snow Boston is 24" ahead of normal for this time of year, 10" ahead of the seasonal average … and 40" behind where we were in 2015. @universalhub.com @weatherishappening.com

37822

Reposted by Michelle Wu 吳弭

Office of Mayor Michelle Wu 吳弭 @mayorwu.boston.gov · 24/02/2026

The sun is out, the air is crisp, and it’s time to do your part to help keep Boston safe and accessible.

615917

Michelle Wu 吳弭 @wutrain.bsky.social · 24/02/2026

And we will be removing space savers at the end of the week. They get taken up with trash collection & should not be replaced with new ones after that!

0281

Michelle Wu 吳弭 @wutrain.bsky.social · 24/02/2026

Usually we do removal overnight bc it’s disruptive & large equipment, but this time we’re holding the parking ban longer to do daytime removal today too. Will be piling snow away from the intersections mid-block to be removed to snow farms throughout the week. Also more snow farm sites & melting.

3649

Michelle Wu 吳弭 @wutrain.bsky.social · 23/02/2026

Love Your Block: winter wonderland edition

0325

Michelle Wu 吳弭 @wutrain.bsky.social · 23/02/2026

No school tomorrow — snowfall is expected for several more hours & safety comes first. We’ll need time overnight & tomorrow to clear snow for safe commutes for bus riders & walkers.

1399

Michelle Wu 吳弭 @wutrain.bsky.social · 23/02/2026

Our weather providers forecast another 5-6in of snow coming down before 9pm, most of it by 6pm. Please continue to stay off the roads & let our crews work. We’ll share news about the plan for tomorrow re: schools & city services this afternoon.

3344