The Big Dig Unholy Alliance
6 snips
Sep 27, 2023 
Fred Salvucci, a former Massachusetts Secretary of Transportation and highway opponent, discusses the radical 1970s initiative to replace Boston’s elevated highway with an underground tunnel. He highlights the unexpected alliances that formed amidst competing tunnel projects and the fierce community activism that shaped urban infrastructure. Salvucci also touches on the impact of political shifts, including the influence of Ronald Reagan's presidency on funding, and shares insights into how grassroots efforts transformed transportation planning in Boston.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Unlikely Highway Opponents' Friendship
- Fred Salvucci and Bill Reynolds started as highway opponents and supporters respectively, but developed a friendly relationship through weekly meetings.
- Despite disagreements, their conversations sparked the radical idea of tearing down the elevated Central Artery and rebuilding it underground.
Central Artery's Design Flaws
- The Central Artery was an elevated highway that became dysfunctional due to poor design, including 34 ramps in four miles.
- It caused congestion and divided the city physically and socially, fueling Boston's aggressive driving reputation.
Salvucci's Walk Under Artery
- Fred Salvucci recalled walking under the artery and noticing huge wasted space and physical division caused by the structure.
- The elevated highway was a mess functionally, physically, and socially for Boston.