Paul Levy and Fred Salvucci, who know something about big infrastructure (the former gave us the Deer Island treatment plant; the latter the beginnings of the Big Dig), argue that rather than simply pouring money into the Storrow tunnel, the state and Boston should consider ways to eliminate the road entirely:

... Let's say that a new BU Bridge -- and yes, the BU Bridge will have to be replaced soon because it is in terrible shape -- were connected directly to exit and on ramps from the Mass. Turnpike and then repositioned on the Cambridge side to align with Vassar Street instead of bumping into the Reid Overpass on Memorial Drive so that Turnpike drivers could go directly to their destinations at MIT and Kendall Square. Let's say the Grand Junction railroad bridge were reconfigured as an express bus and pedestrian route from Cambridge to Boston to enhance mass transit, walking, and biking between Cambridge and BU and the Longwood Area. Let's say the Longfellow Bridge -- and yes, this bridge will be rebuilt also -- had revised approaches on the Boston side. You get the idea. ...

Earlier:
Shut Storrow Drive!