Fred Salvucci

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.

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.