In greater Boston, the DCR (Department of Conservation and Recreation, formerly the MDC) maintains many arterial roads such as Storrow Drive, Memorial Drive, VFW Parkway, the Jamaicaway/Arborway, etc.
These roads are considered "pleasure roads" and date back to the day when a drive in the outdoors was primarily recreational. The roads connect and traverse major parklands.
DCR is not part of MassDOT (Department of Transportation). These roads are not necessarily built to traditional highway standards.
For example, trees along Memorial Drive and the Jamaicaway are closer to the roadway than would generally be recommended. These characteristics are linked to the historic character of these roads and their surrounds. Periodically, there will be plans to change the roads in some way, but they are usually met with significant pushback (neighbors, parks people, preservationists). On the other hand, the DCR for years resisted standard pedestrian crossings as well.
Currently, I think there is a slow trend to make these roads more standard where possible but also slow traffic speeds and improve pedestrian access.
These roads are considered "pleasure roads" and date back to the day when a drive in the outdoors was primarily recreational. The roads connect and traverse major parklands.
DCR is not part of MassDOT (Department of Transportation). These roads are not necessarily built to traditional highway standards.
For example, trees along Memorial Drive and the Jamaicaway are closer to the roadway than would generally be recommended. These characteristics are linked to the historic character of these roads and their surrounds. Periodically, there will be plans to change the roads in some way, but they are usually met with significant pushback (neighbors, parks people, preservationists). On the other hand, the DCR for years resisted standard pedestrian crossings as well.
Currently, I think there is a slow trend to make these roads more standard where possible but also slow traffic speeds and improve pedestrian access.