Boston tests pop-up plaza in Downtown Crossing

BOSTON — Part of the intersection of Franklin and Arch Streets was blocked off Tuesday as a pop-up plaza moved in.

The Boston Transportation Department has been experimenting with designs for permanently blocking off a portion of the intersection to allow for a space for visitors to stop have a seat -- maybe drink a coffee or eat lunch.

The space was blocked off with planters and fencing Tuesday from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. for visitors to check it out, give feed back and see possible designs for the permanent plaza.

"We recognize that Downtown Crossing is an area of the city where most people get around on foot -- and we want to create a better walking environment for them," said Mayor Martin J. Walsh. "This experiment is one of the many initiatives created by the City to ensure Boston is a welcoming destination for all pedestrians."

The intersection is particularly wide, as it was once the location of a small park with trees in the 1790s. The small, curved row houses that created it were demolished in the 1850s, but the extra space remained.

"With the T station at Franklin and Washington reopening soon, we know foot traffic will pick up on this street," said Chris Osgood, City of Boston Chief of Streets. "We're taking a tactical approach to improving this area for pedestrians. In the future we can imagine a whole network of parks and plazas from Shopper's Plaza to Post Office Square and on to the Greenway."

Franklin Street has two westbound lanes, a right turn lane and commercial parking. Tuesday's test run looked at the traffic needs and how the intersection will accommodate pedestrians, seating and shade.

Cox Media Group