Special Topics: Engineering Boston

This history of the Federal government's role in road construction was published to commemorate the nation's bicentennial in 1976.

This 2018 Boston Magazine article explains why streets in this city are so confusing.

This Boston Landmarks Commission report documents the oldest surviving block of streets in Boston.

These searchable reports can provide information on civil engineering projects, spending, and materials used in the 19th and 20th centuries.

This article explains how the Boston Post Road led to the development of a road system in Connecticut.

Detailed accounts of spending, materials, and construction activities performed by the Boston Street Dept.

An online archive of consisting of City Engineer Reports (1867-1910) and Public Works Department Reports (1911-1987/88).

This Ph.D. dissertation by Asha Elizabeth Weinstein examines the problems posed by traffic congestion in Boston at the beginning of the 20th century, public perceptions of congestion, and proposals to reduce it.

A history of the early highway used by post riders between Boston and New York City beginning in 1673. Contains maps and illustrations of landmarks along the route.

A history of the privately-owned toll roads and bridges that extended throughout the region in the 18th and 19th centuries.

Presents an historical account of the metro-Boston roadway system, including a plan proposed in 1930 for a central artery.

Studies on highway, transit, bicycle and pedestrian, and freight transportation

In-depth histories of Boston-area roads tunnels, and bridges, with maps.

Design guidelines, plans and specifications, reports and publications.

A 1957 film on the construction and completion of the Mass Turnpike (43 mins).

A brief film on the tunnel's construction (9 mins).

A history of Boston's Big Dig from the University College of London.

This article recounts the history behind the Eisenhower administration's passage of the National Highways Act which transformed America's road transportation system.

This website celebrates the creation of the Interstate Highway System in 1956.

Presents the history and roadway dimensions of the first Central Artery. Contains photos and diagrams.

This governmental organization oversees transportation development throughout the Commonwealth.

This planning document envisioned a combination of modern arterial and ring roads to deal with Boston's increasing traffic problems.

This report by consultant Robert Whitten represents an early attempt to devise a central arterial highway through Boston's West End.

A brief history of the nation's first highway ring road that became a magnet for aerospace and computer companies from the 1950s-1990s.

This blog follows developments in roadway funding, planning, construction, and maintenance in Massachusetts.