Boston’s Infrastructure Projects and Their Impact on Personal Injury

As an old city, many of Boston’s bridges and roads were originally built in the early 1900s. After more than 100 years of use, some of these structures are becoming public safety risks. The city frequently has numerous construction projects underway to improve safety and account for population growth. It’s important that the city carry out these improvements without threatening Boston’s historic character. As these renovations affect residents and visitors alike, it is also vital for us all to understand the dangers and opportunities before us.

Major infrastructure projects in Boston

Boston’s current plans involve multiple infrastructure projects, including the following:

Dana Avenue Bridge

The Dana Avenue Bridge project in Hyde Park epitomizes the city’s approach to updating historical structures. This concrete arch bridge was built in 1908 and requires complete replacement while maintaining its distinctive double-arch design. During construction, the project team must manage pedestrian access across the bridge while redirecting vehicular traffic through alternative routes.

Northern Avenue Bridge

The original Northern Avenue Bridge was built in 1908, and it operated for over one hundred years before closing in 2014. The new design focuses on improving mobility and creating safer passages for pedestrians and cyclists in Boston’s Four Point Channel area.

Commonwealth Avenue

The Commonwealth Avenue reconstruction between Brighton Avenue and Warren/Kelton Streets emphasizes the protection of vulnerable road users while maintaining efficient traffic flow. The project introduces:

• Separated bicycle facilities
• Improved sidewalks
• Safer crosswalks

Congress Street

Improvements to the Congress Street corridor in the Fort Point neighborhood include:

• New accessible sidewalks
• Safer crosswalks
• Upgraded street lighting
• Separated bike lanes

Following a tragic pedestrian fatality in early 2024, the city implemented rapid response improvements at the Congress Street/Sleeper Street intersection, including enhanced crosswalks, speed control measures, and improved sight lines.

Cummins Highway

Mattapan’s Cummins Highway has not received any notable updates for the last seven decades. This renovation project has emerged in response to the community’s safety concerns, especially regarding vehicle speeds and crash rates. The new design incorporates one travel lane in each direction, shorter crossing distances for pedestrians, and dedicated bicycle spaces to reduce conflict between different types of road users.

Staying safe during construction

Major infrastructure projects create significant safety challenges for Boston residents and visitors. Construction zones alter familiar travel patterns, which requires a heightened awareness from everyone using the affected areas.

Construction site conditions often create additional risks for pedestrians. Temporary walkways may force people to travel closer to vehicle traffic or construction equipment. Furthermore, noise and limited visibility can make it harder for pedestrians and drivers to notice potential dangers. As such, workers must load and unload materials and operate heavy machinery while maintaining public safety.

When projects require detours, drivers unfamiliar with alternative routes may stop or turn suddenly. Construction may also require lane closures or shifts, which can be confusing for drivers and increase the risk of collisions.

Vulnerable road users face unique challenges during construction. For example, people with disabilities may struggle with temporary ramps or narrowed pathways that barely meet minimum requirements. Cyclists often lose dedicated bike lanes during construction, forcing them to merge with motor vehicle traffic or find alternative routes. Senior citizens and families with young children may need extra time to safely cross streets where normal crossing patterns have changed.

Safety improvements through infrastructure

While construction may create risks, renovations can improve safety features and better protect all road users while also making the city more accessible.

The Congress Street reconstruction, for instance, includes significantly wider concrete sidewalks on both sides of the street, providing more space for pedestrians to walk safely. Raised crosswalks over Sleeper and Farnsworth Streets help slow vehicle traffic at crossing points. Grade-separated bike lanes with built islands create protective barriers between cyclists and motor vehicles.

Accessibility improvements appear throughout these projects. The Cummins Highway reconstruction features new, smooth sidewalks and curb ramps designed for people with disabilities. Moreover, rebuilt bus stops provide adequate space for wheelchair users to safely wait, board, and exit buses. These changes help prevent accidents involving people with mobility challenges.

Updated traffic-calming measures play another critical role in preventing collisions. The Commonwealth Avenue project incorporates enhanced crosswalks as well as designated bicycle facilities that create clear boundaries between different types of road users. Similarly, the Northern Avenue Bridge reconstruction effort affords more space to pedestrians while maintaining efficient vehicle flow. As a result, there is a reduced risk of conflicts between cars and people on foot.

Newly planted street trees and improved lighting both enhance visibility and create natural barriers between pedestrians and vehicle traffic. The Harrison Avenue project includes vegetated bioretention islands at intersections, which both manage stormwater and provide additional protection for people crossing the street.

How Breakstone, White & Gluck can help

At Breakstone, White & Gluck, we have helped many clients who suffered injuries related to infrastructure and construction projects. Our results demonstrate our commitment to achieving justice for those injured due to unsafe conditions:

• A $7,100,000 settlement for a pedestrian struck by a bus
• A $4,350,000 settlement for a worker injured in a construction accident
• A $3,000,000 settlement for a cyclist who suffered serious injuries

These cases underscore the real human cost of unsafe conditions and the importance of proper safety measures during infrastructure projects. If you suffered an injury related to a construction project or unsafe infrastructure, the personal injury attorneys at Breakstone, White & Gluck can help. We understand the significant challenges these cases present, and we know how overwhelming it can feel to begin pursuing the justice you deserve. Contact our Boston office today for a free consultation where you can discuss your case with an experienced personal injury lawyer from Breakstone, White & Gluck.