BOSTON— The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT), the Rose Kennedy Greenway Conservancy, and the Greenway Business Improvement District (BID) have completed a series of major infrastructure improvements across Parcels 19, 21, and 22 of the Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy Greenway, enhancing accessibility, safety, and year-round use of one of downtown Boston’s signature public spaces.
The upgrades come as Boston prepares to welcome millions of visitors this summer for the FIFA World Cup, Sail Boston, and Massachusetts’ 250th anniversary celebrations.
“This summer is an incredible opportunity to showcase Massachusetts to the world, and we’re making sure our public spaces are ready to welcome everyone,” Governor Maura Healey said. “By investing in places like The Greenway, we’re creating vibrant, accessible spaces where people can gather, enjoy our communities and support local businesses for years to come.”
The project includes new permeable pathways designed to improve accessibility while helping absorb stormwater and reduce flooding. For the first time since the Greenway opened in 2008, these heavily used pedestrian routes will remain accessible throughout the winter, thanks to surfaces that can accommodate snow and ice removal.
The improvements also feature new interior lighting throughout the park, enhancing visibility and extending opportunities for evening recreation, cultural programming, and public events.
“The Greenway has become one of Boston’s most important public spaces—connecting neighborhoods, welcoming visitors, and creating opportunities for community gathering in the heart of our city,” said State Rep. Aaron Michlewitz, chair of the Massachusetts House Committee on Ways and Means. “Seeing these improvements completed during such an exciting moment for Boston ensures this park will continue serving residents and visitors alike while strengthening the downtown experience for years to come.”
MassDOT officials said the project strengthens downtown infrastructure while supporting the city’s role as an international destination.
“These improvements will enhance the beauty, accessibility and functionality of one of Boston’s treasured destinations while supporting the city’s ongoing growth and vitality,” said MassDOT Interim Secretary of Transportation and MBTA General Manager Phillip Eng. “By working with the Greenway, we are helping the city shine and ensuring these public spaces remain an asset for generations to come.”
Undersecretary and State Highway Administrator Jonathan Gulliver said the Greenway continues to serve as a national model for converting highway infrastructure into accessible public space.
“These improvements enhance accessibility, improve safety, and ensure this important public space continues to evolve and remain equipped to serve the public year-round while supporting the city during an especially significant and historic summer,” Gulliver said.
According to project partners, the Greenway Business Improvement District funded the initial design study that helped launch the infrastructure project.
“The Greenway is already one of the region’s premier destinations, and these enhancements will help these spaces reach their full potential,” said Stephen Faber, chairman of the Greenway Business Improvement District. “We are grateful to partner with the Conservancy and MassDOT on this project, and we look forward to seeing people enjoy the park during this extraordinary summer for Boston and Massachusetts.”
The project also expands electrical infrastructure, allowing the Conservancy to host more events without relying on temporary generators. Officials said the upgrades will support concerts, performances, community gatherings, and seasonal programming throughout the year.
“The completion of this project fundamentally changes what is possible for us as park stewards,” said Robert Stigberg, the Conservancy’s Director of Maintenance and Capital. “For the first time, these spaces can remain active, safe, and accessible throughout every season, giving us entirely new opportunities to welcome visitors and build community in ways we simply couldn’t before.”
Among the most visible additions is new lighting for the Dewey Square mural wall, where artist Rixy’s mural The Midnight Ride is now illuminated for evening viewing. New tables and chairs have also been installed in Dewey Square Plaza, creating additional gathering spaces for residents, workers, and visitors.
The Conservancy has also refurbished storage structures throughout the park with new paint and multilingual wayfinding signage, with additional permanent directional signs planned later this summer.
Beyond infrastructure, the Greenway is partnering with internationally recognized topiary artist Michael P. Gibson on a permanent living art installation in Dewey Square. The project follows the Conservancy’s recent achievement of Level I Arboretum Accreditation and reflects its ongoing investment in horticulture, public art, and environmental stewardship.
New tree plantings throughout Dewey Square will provide additional shade, improve biodiversity, strengthen stormwater resilience, and contribute to Boston’s urban tree canopy as they mature.
Officials said the combined investments position the Greenway for expanded year-round use while reinforcing its role as a central civic space connecting neighborhoods from Chinatown to the North End during one of the busiest tourism seasons in the city’s history.
