Boston Shifts Columbus Avenue Bus Lane Design
The city will utilize a curbside layout for the upcoming Jackson Square to Ruggles project.
Updated on Oct. 15, 2026 in Home Renovation
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Boston officials announced a shift to a curbside bus lane design for the second phase of the Columbus Avenue transit project. Construction on the one-mile stretch connecting Jackson Square to Ruggles is now set to begin in 2027.
Why it matters
The decision follows a review of Phase I, which showed significant transit improvements and a 10 percent reduction in speeding. Planners opted for the curbside layout due to the minimal number of curb cuts along the targeted route.
Phase I riders saved over three minutes northbound and 38 seconds southbound during peak hours. The project continues a trend of city infrastructure adjustments following previous lane removals in the Seaport and on Boylston and North Washington Streets.
The players
City of Boston
This is the municipal government responsible for urban planning, public transit infrastructure, and the administration of the city's bus lane network.
The details
The project covers a one-mile stretch of Columbus Avenue where officials believe the curbside configuration will function efficiently due to the lack of necessary mid-roadway stops. Prior to the 2027 start date, the city will conduct community engagement and a formal bidding process for the work.
Timeline
The city completed the Phase I center-running bus lane project in 2021.
Bus lanes were removed from Seaport in 2024.
City officials removed bus lanes on Boylston Street in February 2025.
Performance analysis for the Phase I bus lane was conducted in Spring 2025.
Construction on Phase II of the Columbus Avenue project is slated to begin in 2027.
Culture Shift
This move represents a departure from the recent series of bus lane removals occurring across Boston since 2024. It indicates an ongoing effort to balance transit performance with evolving street design preferences in urban corridors.
Commuters should prepare for project-related construction beginning in 2027 as the city updates the one-mile corridor between Jackson Square and Ruggles. Residents can participate in upcoming community engagement sessions before the bidding process begins.
The takeaway
The move to a curbside bus lane design aims to replicate the efficiency gains seen in the project's first phase while adapting to the unique layout of the roadway. Residents should stay informed about scheduled public meetings to provide input on the final designs.
What happens next
The city will undertake a formal bidding process for the Phase II construction leading up to the scheduled 2027 start date.
Further reading
For more updates on local infrastructure, visit Boston Home Renovation.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Boston.
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Do you prefer curbside bus lanes over center-running lanes in your local transit planning?
