The Big Dig We Were Wrong
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Sep 27, 2023 
Fred Salvucci, a key figure in the anti-highway movement, shares his compelling journey from highway critic to shaping urban planning. He discusses the ironic history of the Big Dig, a monumental project born from a disdain for highways. Listeners learn about the grassroots activism in the 1960s that challenged destructive state plans, the emotional toll of displacement on communities, and the significant shift towards prioritizing people over infrastructure. Salvucci’s experiences reveal the deep connections between urban development and community welfare.
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Salvucci's Personal Loss Sparks Activism
- Fred Salvucci's grandmother lost her home and garden to highway construction in Boston.
- This personal loss fueled Salvucci's lifelong commitment to humane infrastructure planning.
Highway Hatred Leads to Better Design
- Fred Salvucci opposed destructive highways but wanted to build better, humane ones.
- The Big Dig embodied this vision of reforming urban highways thoughtfully.
Cambridge Residents Fight Inner Belt
- Activists and planners like Salvucci opposed the Inner Belt highway through Cambridge neighborhoods.
- Their technical expertise helped residents advocate against destructive highway routes.
