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MBTA proposes second bus berth under Tobin bridge and bulb‑out at Chestnut; Chelsea commission approves concept
Summary
The MBTA presented concept plans to add a second berth at the 3rd & Chestnut bus stop and a protected bulb‑out to reduce bus failures, shorten pedestrian crossings and improve bus flow; commissioners approved the concept and asked for 15% design plans.
Thomas Quattromani of the MBTA’s Bus Transformation Office presented concept plans to the Chelsea commission to address a 19% bus stop failure rate at the 3rd & Chestnut stop and to reduce bus queuing and pedestrian crossing distances.
Quattromani said the proposal would add a second berth under the Tobin bridge and a bulb‑out at Chestnut that could both protect the rear of a second bus and shorten the pedestrian crossing.
"Our goal is to try to get more berth space at that bus stop to allow these buses to get to the curb and get out of there," Quattromani said, describing how an additional berth and a curb adjustment would improve reliability and reduce traffic backups on 3rd Street.
Commissioners discussed potential impacts on bike lanes, bus turning radii and fire apparatus. MBTA and staff said the bulb‑out would be designed as a mountable curb so fire trucks can traverse it and the design team will coordinate with the fire chief. The MBTA will prepare 15% design plans with measurements for commission review this spring.
The commission voted to approve the concept so the MBTA can move forward with preliminary design work and return with more detailed plans and measurements for a future approval vote.
