Development News for Somerville, Massachusetts

Broadway Corridor Project Concept Designs Presented to Improve Safety and Accessibility

The project presented concept designs for the Broadway corridor from Winchester Street to Central Street, aiming to improve safety, accessibility, transit operations, and the overall user experience. Key proposed changes include full sidewalk and curb reconstruction, roadway repaving, new tree plantings, raised crosswalks, traffic signal modifications, protection of existing bike infrastructure, bus stop improvements, intersection redesigns, changes to sidewalk and lane widths, parking regulation adjustments, and the addition of new accessible parking spaces. The project is part of the city's pavement and sidewalk management program and supports Vision Zero goals, aligning with the Somerville bicycle network plan and safe streets ordinance for protected bike lanes. Community feedback highlighted concerns about speeding vehicles, crossing discomfort, inaccessible curb ramps, lack of bus shelters, and dissatisfaction at the Magun Square intersection, all of which informed the concept designs. The project also involves coordination with various city departments and the MBTA, as well as the city of Medford due to its location along the border. The presentation detailed specific improvements along Broadway, including curb islands to shorten crossings, protected bike lanes with concrete curbing, floating bus stops to improve bus movement and waiting space, narrower crosswalks to reduce pedestrian exposure, and curb extensions at intersections. At Magun Square, three intersection alternatives were proposed: a modern roundabout, an 'X' design, and a 'T' design, each with different trade-offs regarding traffic flow, pedestrian and cyclist safety, and turning movements. The project timeline includes continued community feedback gathering, an 80% design completion in the fall, and further community engagement.