BOSTON, MA — Mayor Martin J. Walsh and the Boston Transportation Department, and in partnership with the MBTA, announce the completion of bus improvements on Washington Street in Chinatown and Downtown Boston. The project includes exclusive bus lanes on Washington and Essex Streets, a separated bike lane from Stuart Street to Avenue de Lafayette, and a safer loading zone lane on Washington Street.

“These improvements on Washington Street are a critical part of our commitment to making our city streets safer and more equitable for everyone," Walsh said. “Delivering on this project is a key part of Go Boston 2030, the City of Boston’s long-term, comprehensive transportation plan, and will help our residents more efficiently travel throughout our city.

Over 12,000 MBTA riders travel along Washington Street on a typical weekday between Herald Street and Temple Place. On average, these inbound riders are experiencing six minutes of delay over this short 10-block stretch. On days when congestion is at its worst, delays reach 13 minutes. The new Washington Street bus lane will save 24,000 weekday riders up to 12 minutes on trips from Nubian Square into downtown.

In addition, the design includes a separated bike lane on Washington Street between Stuart Street and Avenue de Lafayette. This route connects with new bike lanes recently installed on Stuart Street and Kneeland Street. New pickup and drop-off areas and loading zones have been added downtown as a result of conversations with businesses.