The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) Infra-Space program, which officially launched in July of 2014, invites public-private redevelopment of under-utilized areas surrounding transportation infrastructure, such as elevated roads, bridges, and viaducts. Inspired by the ongoing redevelopment of the I-93 South East Expressway underpass in Boston with combined parking and public space, MassDOT has expanded the program to include additional properties in 7 cities across Massachusetts.
These cities will work with MassDOT to evaluate innovative proposals to use their proposed sites as neighborhood gateways, hubs for multi-modal travel, arts/events/recreation space, and other new forms of urban infrastructure.
The City of Holyoke nominated the area under I-391 on Main Street between the Springdale and South Holyoke neighborhoods in order to create a more attractive gateway to downtown, a more pedestrian friendly connection between the neighborhoods, and a space residents could use for cultural and recreational activity. The City is currently seeking funding to further the project…. stay tuned.
UPDATES:
Holyoke receives $50K NEA Our Town Award for creative placemaking project under I-391