September 21, 2026 Update
MassDOT continues their great work connecting the Fens to the Commonwealth Avenue Mall over I-90 with the Bowker Overpass. Recent accomplishments include:
- Construction of pedestrian curb cuts at both the east and west ends of the Commonwealth Avenue Mall Block, including connecting over to the Leif Erikson statue
- Expanded sidewalk and planting area along Charlesgate West, next to the Braemore and the Guild House
- Pedestrian signals being installed at the Boylston Street Intersection
- Foundation work still underway within I-90 for the new pedestrian/bike and Charlesgate West bridges over I-90
Congratulations and thank you to MassDOT for continuing the great work!
August 24, 2026 Update
The MassDOT construction team is making great progress at the Charlesgate Site. Precast concrete planks have been installed over the new Newbury Street pedestrian underpass. New roadway and sidewalk light poles are being installed. The new pedestrian curb-cuts that will reconnect the Commonwealth Avenue Mall are being installed. Foundations for the new multi-modal path bridge over I-90 are being built.
Congratulations and Thank You to MassDOT for continuing the great work!
July 30, 2026 Update
Check out some of the changes that are coming to the Charlesgate area, thanks to the Mass. Department of Transportation this summer of 2026! The future Charlesgate West connection is taking shape as crews build the roadway base for the new crossing over I-90. The new granite curbs are beginning to reveal the future layout of Charlesgate—expanding the park, narrowing the intersection, and creating dedicated walking and biking paths carefully laid out to preserve mature trees. By removing the slip lanes at the Boylston Street intersection, this project is creating new park space and a safer, more welcoming entrance to the Emerald Necklace. The new dedicated shared-use bridge and Charlesgate West bridge are being built directly on top of the original stone abutments from H.H. Richardson and Frederick Law Olmsted’s historic bridge. New light poles are being staged for installation along the new pedestrian pathways connecting the Back Bay Fens and Charlesgate Park.
This work had a predecessor in concept drawings and presentations commissioned by the Charlesgate Alliance and the Emerald Necklace Conservancy as realized by the architects at Landing Studio.
