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The Greenway, Then & Now: Celebrating the Anniversary of the “Big Dig”

The Central Artery was an elevated highway that cut through neighborhoods and separated communities that had been connected for generations. On January 2, 2026 we mark the 24th anniversary of the “Big Dig”, the ambitious infrastructure project that not only transformed how Bostonians move through the city, but also made space for something entirely new: a vibrant, 1.5-mile public park that welcomes millions of visitors each year.

Today, The Greenway stands as a testament to what cities can build when they re-imagine their infrastructure. 

Aerial view of Boston in before the "Big Dig". Views of the city buildings, river, and highway are visible.
Photo Credit: David L. Ryan

Did you know?

It took more than a decade and a half to complete

  • The Big Dig took more than 15 years to complete (that’s 5,475 days!). Construction began in 1991 and didn’t officially finish until 2007. During that time, it required the removal of more than 16 million cubic yards of material. That’s enough to fill a stadium (like TD Garden) 16 times.

It gave us cleaner air

  • One of the final outcomes of the Big Dig was that it helped to reduce carbon monoxide levels in Boston by improving the flow of traffic. Less time spent idling in traffic means fewer greenhouse gas emissions and cleaner air for us all. Researchers also estimate the addition of the tunnels, and other improvements, save millions of gallons of gasoline consumption annually.

Debris found a second life

  • Many local organizations were able to use materials excavated from the Big Dig to make improvements to their sites. In fact, local parks repurposed nearly half of the excavated material according to reports. Most notably, much of the soil went toward the transformations of Spectacle Island, Millennium Park, and Memorial Stadium Park, creating the beautiful landscapes we enjoy today.

Boston got cooler

  • The Big Dig made Boston even “cooler” and reduced the urban heat island effect with the addition of an estimated 900 trees along the downtown corridor following the completion of construction, and a total of 4,800 trees and 31,000 shrubs being planted in all of the resulting green space following project completion.

We were one step closer to The Greenway

  • And our favorite fun fact: the Big Dig ultimately allowed for the creation of the Rose Kennedy Greenway! This 1.5 mile-long park runs above the tunnels, and features green spaces, gardens and pathways for all to enjoy. The Greenway has become a gathering place in downtown Boston for hundreds of outdoor community events each year.
Aerial view of Boston, showing buildings, the river, and the Greenway - a park running through downtown.
Photo Credit: Kyle Klein

Before & After

For a visual of the impressive changes that the Big Dig brought to Boston, check out some before & after photos of the project!

Photo Credit: David L. Ryan (left), Kyle Klein (right)
Photo Credit: Greenway Conservancy Archives
Photo Credit: Greenway Conservancy Archives (left), G. Ortiz (right)

Where We’re Heading 

The Greenway continues to evolve, shaped by the communities who use it every day. As downtown grows and new partners join our work, we remain committed to creating a park that reflects Boston’s diversity, creativity, and spirit.

From new public art installations to evolving horticultural practices, improved park amenities, and vibrant programming, The Greenway’s future is as dynamic as its origin story.

Want to dive deeper into how The Greenway came to be?
 Learn more about our history and vision.