Pedestrian Killed In Crash On Mass Ave Connector, Prompts Delays

BOSTON — This morning a pedestrian was struck and killed in the South End, bringing the number of people killed by cars while walking up to seven so far this year, according to data from the advocacy group WalkBoston.

The crash, just before 8 a.m. happened on the particularly notorious stretch of tricky roadway that is the Mass Ave Connector at Melnea Cass Boulevard. State police said they closed the ramp to Massachusetts Avenue from Rte 93 southbound at exit 19 and the ramp from Frontage Road to Mass Ave. for several hours.

No details about the pedestrian or the driver were given, other than that the driver stayed and cooperated with the investigation. Police are still investigating just what happened. It's unclear if there have been any charges.

This intersection at the corner of Mass Ave and Melnea Cass has been identified as one of the most dangerous, through the city's Vision Zero Program. It's in the top five worst intersections for pedestrian and bicycle crashes and in the top eight when it comes to vehicle crashes.

"There are multiple jurisdictions at this intersection, which complicates Boston being able to do something to fix it," said Brandan Karney communication director at WalkBoston.

MassDOT has jurisdiction over the Mass Ave Connector and the intersection is owned and operated by the City of Boston, according to MassDOT.

And that's a problem all across the state. Some of the most dangerous intersections are not actually controlled by the local jurisdiction, he said.

Although MassDOT gives Complete Streets funding for communities to make fixes to problem areas within their communities, and more than 200 communities have come up with plans on how to improve roadways, that money can't go toward fixing areas under MassDOT or DCR jurisdiction.

"It's not like MassDOT or DCR doesn't make changes, they do," said Karney. "But the question is how can they do it quicker and not have to wait for a fatal crash to get it done?"

According to MassDOT the intersection will be redone shortly.

"MassDOT will be carrying out construction work for the upcoming project to reconstruct a section of the City of Boston owned Melnea Cass Boulevard," according to Patrick Marvin of MassDOT.

This project is expected to be advertised for construction bids later this summer and will include reconstruction of Melnea Cass Boulevard including improved pedestrian and bicycle facilities, traffic signal operation enhancements, and new landscaping to create a Complete Streets design, he said.

The pedestrian advocacy organization compiles data manually via news and social media alerts in an effort to help push for safer streets.

Last year there were nine fatalities reported, according to data collected by WalkBoston.

Patch reporter Jenna Fisher can be reached at Jenna.Fisher@patch.com or by calling 617-942-0474. Follow her on Twitter and Instagram (@ReporterJenna).