A preliminary, concept level assessment of these Improvements indicates that they 

 are physically feasible to construct. 



Under current design, the additional traffic from the Aquarium would cause 

 Gate 4 to fail (level of service 'F'). The Gate 4/Chelsea Street Intersection Is 

 severely constrained by a number of factors. At Navy Yard build-out the majority 

 of peak-hour traffic will enter and leave the Yard via Gate 5. The Yard's End 

 parcels, where most new development will take place, are located near Gate 5 and 

 the majority of Yard parking will be located there as well. Most of the traffic 

 entering and leaving Gate 5 (estimated to be approximately 80 percent) will travel 

 through City Square. It Is the City's policy to discourage other alternative 

 routes, all of which would use the neighborhood streets of Charlestown. Therefore, 

 virtual ly all traffic enter ing and leaving the Navy Yard will pass through the Gate 

 4/Chelsea Street Intersection. Fifth Avenue, which Intersects Chelsea Street at 

 Gate 4, is a narrow two-lane street. Under Navy Yard build-out conditions, the 

 Gate 4/Chelsea Street Intersection does function at an acceptable level of service 

 ( 'D' ) , although there will be delays for vehicles exit ing from Gate 4. The traffic 

 Imposed by additional Aquarium parking in the Navy Yard or east of Gate 4 will be 

 enough to cause this Intersection to operate below an acceptable level of service 

 both during the weekday PM peak hour and Saturday peak hour, it is also Important 

 to note that additional parking in the Navy Yard could be served without these 

 Improvements, If Gate 1 or Gate 2 is opened. 



Another key assumption In the analysis involves the level of public 

 transportation usage by Aquarium visitors. The most recent survey taken by the 

 Aquarium at the existing downtown site showed that 42X of visitors use public 

 transportation, 41% drive and the remainder either walk or use other modes (taxis, 

 shuttle buses). The downtown site is served directly by the MBTA Blue Line and Is 

 within easy walking distance of other downtown tour ist attract ions. Whi le ex 1st Ing 

 public transportation to the Navy Yard Is limited, bus and water shuttle service 

 will be Improved as development continues. Most new transit service will be 

 primarily oriented toward Yard employees, but with good marketing significant 

 numbers of Aquarium visitors could be attracted as well. Possible surface 

 transportation options include bus shuttles from North Station, Community College, 

 Kendall and/or Charles stations. An existing railroad right-of-way may be 

 available between Community College station and the Navy Yard. Bus or jitney 

 service provided along this exclusive right-of-way could serve both MBTA passengers 

 and weekend overflow parking at a new garage planned for the Community College 

 area. 



Previous analysis has Indicated the need for direct public transportation 

 service through the Navy Yard. This service would be enhanced by the opening of 

 Gate 1 to transit vehicles, permitting the circulation of buses through Gate 1, 

 along the length of First Avenue and out Gate 5. While water transportation will 

 probably be the primary public transportation mode for Aquarium visitors, improved 

 surface connections will also be Important In reaching the 25% non-private auto 

 goal . 



A water transportation service will be oriented toward the large number of 

 tourists who are already visiting downtown Boston and will visit the Aquarium as 

 part of their overall experience In the City. A strong marketing and signing 

 program will be needed to guide visitors to the downtown boat dock, and the water 

 shuttle Itself will hopefully provide information on the Aquarium, the USS 

 Constitution and other attractions In the area. The Navy Yard landing for the 



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