The Boston Transportation Department (BTD), with input from the Audubon Circle Neighborhood Association (ACNA), has been working for years to redesign Audubon Circle, improve traffic flow, increase safety for pedestrians, cyclists and drivers, and beautify the intersection for residents and visitors. Funds for the redesign have been provided by both the City of Boston and the State of Massachusetts.
The newly designed intersection will include four small garden areas at each corner that will contain native plantings, benches and a low wall topped by a light cap. These design elements will help to enhance the circular design already present in the architecturally significant buildings surrounding the Circle. The gardens are designed to be environmentally friendly and will utilize a water capture system that directs rainwater into the garden areas.
ACNA has agreed to maintain the gardens for at least 10 years and local developers including Children’s Hospital, Samuels Associates, and Chestnut Hill Realty have made significant contributions to a Circle maintenance fund. These funds will be used for plantings, general upkeep and repair of various components of the garden areas when needed.
This past June the project passed a major milestone when the City of Boston Public Improvement Commission approved the project, allowing BTD to finalize design plans and put the project out for bid. While an exact date for breaking ground has not been set, hopes are construction will begin in Spring 2016 if not sooner.
Stay tuned for more updates from ACNA!
An artists' rendition of the preliminary designs of Audubon Circle.
A diagram of the completely redesigned Circle.