TRANSPORTATION
We have a lot riding on transportation - literally and figuratively.  Transportation systems affect significant aspects of human society including; development and land use patterns; economic activity; access to places of work, education,  and commerce; environmental quality; and the overall livability of communities and regions.  How and how well a transportation system functions have long-term consequence for the quality of the built and natural environment and the citizens who inhabit them.  Limitations on transportation capacity can impose constraints on growth.  Congestion reduces worker productivity and inhibits goods and services from moving efficiently.

One of the key advantages enjoyed by the ‘Arc of Innovation’ region is geography, since it is located close to Boston, Providence, and other urban centers, while still retaining the benefits of suburban areas.

Despite its favorable location and presence of major highways, such as I-495, I-290, Route 9, and the Massachusetts Turnpike, the region is unable to maximize returns from this competitive advantage, due to congestion and capacity limits.  In order to address this situation and benefit from this advantage, the region needs improved transportation infrastructure and increased transportation services. 

Currently many highways, both interstates and smaller roadways, are at capacity, with interchanges serving as bottlenecks that present significant economic, safety, environmental, and quality of life challenges.  Beyond the obvious consequences for residents and commuters, this situation has repercussions for the retention, expansion, and attraction of employers, since they depend upon reliable linkages to other offices, clients, suppliers, and distribution centers.

Addressing these transportation issues is further complicated by jurisdictional complications, since I-495 is the boundary between two Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPO’s) that are responsible for funding road and transit improvements.  With these choke points affecting both MPO’s, necessary infrastructure improvements should be reviewed, approved, and funded in a coordinated fashion, for which there is little precedent.  Accordingly, addressing these needs demands coordinated advocacy, determined leadership, extraordinary intervention, and the commitment of policymakers.