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Christian Teja
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cteja@suffolkdowns.com
Suffolk Downs Transportation Experts Provide Details on Proposed Plan To Fix Outdated Roadways
Major $40 Million Investment
to Address Regional Transportation Needs
(EAST BOSTON-June 8, 2012) As a quick follow-up to this week’s announced proposal for a resort development at the 77-year-old historic site, Suffolk Downs today released details and background on its ideas to ease decades-long traffic concerns that have plagued the area. The major economic development initiative has committed $40 million to improve local roads and intersections.
“Our team has been studying major local intersections since 2009 and has held preliminary discussions with community leaders, neighbors, government agencies, and stakeholders to determine how to best make improvements that the local community has deserved for a while,” said Chip Tuttle, Suffolk Downs’ Chief Operating Officer.
The detailed plan, including a video simulation of proposed improvements for Route 1A, is available at the Suffolk Downs web site at http://www.suffolkdowns.com/transportation.
Suffolk Downs has engaged Vanasse Hangen Brustlin, Inc., a Boston based transportation consulting firm, to help determine the best ideas for easing the transportation challenges.
“We’re committed to improving transportation conditions for residents, neighbors and regional commuters who have long experienced local traffic delays,” said David Black, Senior Project Manager at VHB. “And those improvements go far beyond the potential impacts of resort patrons.”
The Suffolk Downs transportation improvement plan proposes:
· Major off-site roadway improvements to address existing regional traffic issues, including a “flyover” at the Boardman Street intersection and a redesign to address longstanding deficient conditions and improve local access
· Local roadway improvements to enhance intersection operations and safety, including supporting initiatives led by the City of Revere to undertake reconfigured ramp connections to shift traffic from Rte 60 and Bell Circle and improve connections to Route 1A
· Shuttle service to water transportation and Boston tourist attractions/hotels
· Enhanced connections to Suffolk Downs MBTA station and local bus routes
· Coordination with Massport on shared patron and employee access
· Pedestrian and bicycle access and connections within the site
The key components of the transportation plan include both off-site and local roadway improvements so that safety and traffic issues are addressed for the resort area and the region as a whole. The Suffolk Downs plan will also eliminate the need for resort patrons to use neighborhood roads by enhancing connections to the site through the MBTA, private coaches and shuttles, and an aggressive Transportation Demand Management (TDM) plan.
“Traffic problems have been affecting the businesses and residents of East Boston and Revere for too long,” said John Vitagliano, a transportation consultant engaged by Suffolk Downs who has extensive experience in the area. “The transportation plan made possible only by the resort development at Suffolk Downs will address longstanding regional concerns that would otherwise be unmet. This is a unique opportunity to utilize the fiscal and economic benefits emerging from a world-class gaming, entertainment and destination resort to provide significant transportation improvements throughout our local communities.”
Suffolk Downs, operating live horse racing and entertainment at the same East Boston site for the past 77 years, has established strong working relationships with neighbors, community leaders and nearby businesses.
Earlier this week, Suffolk Downs announced its plans for a Caesars-branded world-class resort and casino at New England’s only thoroughbred racetrack. The $1 billion development plan for the 163-acre site includes a hotel, restaurants, a casino gaming complex, retail shops, entertainment areas, luxury spa facilities and horse racing. The project includes plans that will generate 4,000 resort jobs.
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<<Suffolk Downs Transportation Plans.docx>>
