The Massachusetts Port Authority (Massport) today announced that construction of a new electronic gate for Maverick Street started July 23. The gate, which is a part of Massport's multimillion dollar Airport Edge Buffer Program, will keep airport-related traffic off area streets, and furthers Massport's commitment to East Boston. During the construction, residents should be prepared for traffic changes and delays, which will last several weeks. Once construction work is complete, electronic work will begin on the gate itself.

The Airport Edge Buffer Program is an effort by the Authority to provide landscaped buffer amenities for its neighbors living near Boston Logan International Airport. The edge buffers, which include the Navy Fuel Pier, the Bayswater Embankment, and the perimeter of Logan's Southwest Service Area, are part of a 1997 Community Mitigation Agreement. Under the agreement, Massport committed to spending nearly $15 million for the design, construction, and maintenance of the airport edge buffers.

"Massport will not forget its commitment to its neighbors and we will continue to work diligently to mitigate the impacts a busy airport has on those who live closest to it," said Thomas J. Kinton, Jr., CEO & Executive Director of Massport. "The Airport Edge Buffer Program returns open space to the East Boston community."

The Maverick Street gate construction work is part of the perimeter of the Southwest Service Area. Most of the work will occur at the corner of Maverick Street and Tomahawk Drive.

Once the $617,000 gate project is complete, only East Boston residents will be able to access the airport using Maverick Street. East Boston residents owning a non-commercial, personal passenger vehicle will be granted access through the new electronic gate on a 24/7 basis by using a smart key card access system. The new electronic Maverick Street gate will provide East Boston residents with quick access to the Ted Williams Tunnel, as well as reduce congestion on airport roadways and area East Boston streets.

Once the system is finalized, Massport's Office of Government and Community Affairs will begin the process to educate and issue cards to residents. Earlier this year, East Boston residents began enjoying the newly constructed Airport Edge Buffer located at the former Navy Fuel Pier on Marginal Street. Massport worked closely with the residents of Jeffries Point over a two year period on issues related to environmental remediation, shoreline stabilization, and landscaping.

East Boston residents with questions or concerns should contact Anthony Guerriero in Massport's Office of Government and Community Affairs at 617-568-3711.

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