Reimagining Columbia Road
Bridging the gap in the Emerald Necklace: Connecting Franklin Park to the Harbor through a community-driven greenway.
Columbia Road was once envisioned as a pleasant, green parkway. Today, it is a traffic-heavy corridor that divides neighborhoods. Through the Emerald Network Initiative, we are working to transform this street into a safe, vibrant connection that provides access to transit, jobs, and open space for all.
Goals for the Corridor
Safety and Access
Redesigning the corridor from Edward Everett Square to Franklin Park to prioritize safe walking and biking for residents of all ages.
Connectivity
Reconnecting greenways from the heart of Dorchester to the Harbor and downtown Boston, fulfilling the historic promise of the Emerald Necklace.
Community Voice
Collecting perspectives from Dorchester residents through civic engagement to inform the City of Boston's long-term planning decisions.
Closing the Gap
Historically, progress for Columbia Road has been fragmentary. While Franklin and Moakley Parks have clear visions, the roadway between them remains a barrier. Electrification, greening, and safer street design are essential to ensure Dorchester, Roxbury, and Mattapan residents have the rapid transit and open space access they deserve.
Our Work Over the Years
October 2015: Uphams Corner Workshop
LivableStreets’ Emerald Network Initiative hosted a community workshop in Uphams Corner to explore possibilities for a greener, safer corridor.
2015: Go Boston 2030 Priority
The redesign was designated a priority project in the Go Boston 2030 plan, setting the stage for neighborhood-friendly street improvements.
March 2017: Fulfilling the Promise
A four-part public discussion series launched to analyze how Columbia Road serves—and hinders—the needs of the local community and flow to the Harbor.
June 2017: Imagine Boston 2030 Advocacy
Engagement focused on aligning the Columbia Road vision with the city's broader Imagine Boston 2030 goals for Franklin Park.
Ongoing: Building Local Momentum
We continue to meet with civic associations and community centers along the corridor to keep Columbia Road at the forefront of the city's infrastructure agenda.
Your Voice Matters
If you live, work, or travel on Columbia Road, your input is critical to creating a safe and connected greenway. Share your vision and help us inform the next phase of design.
Take the Columbia Road Survey →
