The Elm-Beacon Connector

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The City of Somerville is installing protected bike lanes and other safety improvements along parts of Elm Street, Somerville Avenue, and Beacon Street and creating a new Neighborway connection on Mossland Street. This work will be completed primarily with quick-build materials which include new pavement markings, flexible plastic posts, signage, and traffic signal upgrades.

This work is part of the implementation of the Somerville Bicycle Network Plan and driven by the City’s Vision Zero commitment to eliminate traffic fatalities and severe injuries, and requirements in the Safe Street Ordinance.

What's Included in this Project?

  • Installing protected bike lanes on
    • Elm Street from Russell Street to Somerville Avenue
    • Beacon Street from Somerville Avenue to Oxford Street
    • and Somerville Avenue from the City Line to Elm Street
  • Adding new stop signs on Elm Street at Beech Street and removing the flashing crosswalk signs
  • Creating a dead-end for motor vehicles on Mossland Street at Elm Street to transform Mossland Street into a Neighborway (two-way connection for people biking)
  • Removing parking primarily on the south side of Elm Street and at some locations on Somerville Avenue
  • Adding parking on Russell Street and Cutter Avenue
  • Installing new loading zones in the project area and new pickup drop-off spaces near the Kennedy School
  • Removing a turn lane on Summer Street at Cutter Avenue
  • Adding centerline hardening at some crosswalks on Elm Street and Beacon Street
  • Changing the traffic signal timing and phasing at
    • Beacon Street at Somerville Avenue
    • Somerville Avenue at Elm Street
    • Elm Street at Cedar Street
    • Elm Street at Russell Street
  • Installing Clear Corners markings at all intersections to increase visibility for all people traveling
  • Relocating and lengthening some of the Route 87 bus stops
  • Building a raised crosswalk across Elm Street at Cherry Street near the Kennedy School (construction of this crossing expect to take place in 2027).
  • Constructing a new curb ramp on Elm Street at Beech Street

Design work began in fall 2024. The concept design was published in February 2025, and the design was finalized in April 2026. To learn more how the City engagement community members and what we heard, please check out the Pre-Concept and Concept Design Community Engagement Reports. Explore this webpage to learn more about the development of the project and see updates about implementation. Please check out the following resources for more details on the design:

If you have any questions, please email transportation@somervillema.gov or call 311 (617-666-3311).

Information in other languages

To get this information in another language, contact the Somerville Office of Immigrant Affairs. To do this, you can:

  • Submit a referral through Somerville Hub
  • Email at soia@somervillema.gov
  • Visit at 42 Cross St., Somerville, MA
  • Or call:
    • Spanish - (617) 625-6600 extensions 2122; 2624
    • Portuguese - (617) 625-6600 extensions 2123; 2627
    • Haitian Creole - (617) 625-6600 extensions 2622; 2625
    • Nepali - (617) 625-6600 extension 2610
    • Chinese - (617) 625-6600 extension 2626
    • For all other languages - (617) 625-6600 extension 2608 

The City of Somerville is installing protected bike lanes and other safety improvements along parts of Elm Street, Somerville Avenue, and Beacon Street and creating a new Neighborway connection on Mossland Street. This work will be completed primarily with quick-build materials which include new pavement markings, flexible plastic posts, signage, and traffic signal upgrades.

This work is part of the implementation of the Somerville Bicycle Network Plan and driven by the City’s Vision Zero commitment to eliminate traffic fatalities and severe injuries, and requirements in the Safe Street Ordinance.

What's Included in this Project?

  • Installing protected bike lanes on
    • Elm Street from Russell Street to Somerville Avenue
    • Beacon Street from Somerville Avenue to Oxford Street
    • and Somerville Avenue from the City Line to Elm Street
  • Adding new stop signs on Elm Street at Beech Street and removing the flashing crosswalk signs
  • Creating a dead-end for motor vehicles on Mossland Street at Elm Street to transform Mossland Street into a Neighborway (two-way connection for people biking)
  • Removing parking primarily on the south side of Elm Street and at some locations on Somerville Avenue
  • Adding parking on Russell Street and Cutter Avenue
  • Installing new loading zones in the project area and new pickup drop-off spaces near the Kennedy School
  • Removing a turn lane on Summer Street at Cutter Avenue
  • Adding centerline hardening at some crosswalks on Elm Street and Beacon Street
  • Changing the traffic signal timing and phasing at
    • Beacon Street at Somerville Avenue
    • Somerville Avenue at Elm Street
    • Elm Street at Cedar Street
    • Elm Street at Russell Street
  • Installing Clear Corners markings at all intersections to increase visibility for all people traveling
  • Relocating and lengthening some of the Route 87 bus stops
  • Building a raised crosswalk across Elm Street at Cherry Street near the Kennedy School (construction of this crossing expect to take place in 2027).
  • Constructing a new curb ramp on Elm Street at Beech Street

Design work began in fall 2024. The concept design was published in February 2025, and the design was finalized in April 2026. To learn more how the City engagement community members and what we heard, please check out the Pre-Concept and Concept Design Community Engagement Reports. Explore this webpage to learn more about the development of the project and see updates about implementation. Please check out the following resources for more details on the design:

If you have any questions, please email transportation@somervillema.gov or call 311 (617-666-3311).

Information in other languages

To get this information in another language, contact the Somerville Office of Immigrant Affairs. To do this, you can:

  • Submit a referral through Somerville Hub
  • Email at soia@somervillema.gov
  • Visit at 42 Cross St., Somerville, MA
  • Or call:
    • Spanish - (617) 625-6600 extensions 2122; 2624
    • Portuguese - (617) 625-6600 extensions 2123; 2627
    • Haitian Creole - (617) 625-6600 extensions 2622; 2625
    • Nepali - (617) 625-6600 extension 2610
    • Chinese - (617) 625-6600 extension 2626
    • For all other languages - (617) 625-6600 extension 2608 

  • Share Your Feedback on the Concept Design for the Elm-Beacon Connector!

    Share Share Your Feedback on the Concept Design for the Elm-Beacon Connector! on Facebook Share Share Your Feedback on the Concept Design for the Elm-Beacon Connector! on X (formerly Twitter) Share Share Your Feedback on the Concept Design for the Elm-Beacon Connector! on Linkedin Email Share Your Feedback on the Concept Design for the Elm-Beacon Connector! link
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    On March 10, the City hosted an open house to share the concept design for the Elm-Beacon Connector Quick-Build project. Thank you to the community members who were able to join, ask questions, and share your feedback. Take a look at the materials below to learn more about the proposed concept design.


    We want to hear from you! Over the next month, we aim to gather as much feedback as possible through a variety of community outreach activities.

    Take our Concept Design Feedback Survey to share your feedback. The survey is now available until April 11, 2025. The survey is available in English, Spanish, Portuguese, Haitian Creole, Nepali, Simplified Chinese and Traditional Chinese.

    Come join us at our upcoming street outreach pop-up on April 2 at the intersection of Elm Street at Hancock Street near the Porter Square Shopping Center from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. to talk to staff in-person, share your ideas, and ask questions. If we change the date due to inclement weather, we will post an update on this project webpage.

    Join our Virtual Office Hour on March 19 from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. to ask your questions or give feedback to the project team. Community members can log into the zoom webinar at any time during the event.

    At any time, please feel free to reach out to the Mobility Division with any of your questions or comments at transportation@somervillema.gov or 311 (617-666-3311).

    The City of Somerville can provide you with an interpreter in your language for free. To request an interpreter, please contact us at somerviva@somervillema.gov or call 311 (617-666-3311) at least 7 days in advance of this event.

    Persons with disabilities who need auxiliary aids and services for effective communication (i.e., CART, ASL), written materials in alternative formats, or reasonable modifications in policies and procedures in order to access the programs, activities, and meetings of the City of Somerville should please contact Adrienne Pomeroy in advance at 617-625-6600 x 2059 or apomeroy@somervillema.gov.

    On March 10, the City hosted an open house to share the concept design for the Elm-Beacon Connector Quick-Build project. Thank you to the community members who were able to join, ask questions, and share your feedback. Take a look at the materials below to learn more about the proposed concept design.


    We want to hear from you! Over the next month, we aim to gather as much feedback as possible through a variety of community outreach activities.

    Take our Concept Design Feedback Survey to share your feedback. The survey is now available until April 11, 2025. The survey is available in English, Spanish, Portuguese, Haitian Creole, Nepali, Simplified Chinese and Traditional Chinese.

    Come join us at our upcoming street outreach pop-up on April 2 at the intersection of Elm Street at Hancock Street near the Porter Square Shopping Center from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. to talk to staff in-person, share your ideas, and ask questions. If we change the date due to inclement weather, we will post an update on this project webpage.

    Join our Virtual Office Hour on March 19 from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. to ask your questions or give feedback to the project team. Community members can log into the zoom webinar at any time during the event.

    At any time, please feel free to reach out to the Mobility Division with any of your questions or comments at transportation@somervillema.gov or 311 (617-666-3311).

    The City of Somerville can provide you with an interpreter in your language for free. To request an interpreter, please contact us at somerviva@somervillema.gov or call 311 (617-666-3311) at least 7 days in advance of this event.

    Persons with disabilities who need auxiliary aids and services for effective communication (i.e., CART, ASL), written materials in alternative formats, or reasonable modifications in policies and procedures in order to access the programs, activities, and meetings of the City of Somerville should please contact Adrienne Pomeroy in advance at 617-625-6600 x 2059 or apomeroy@somervillema.gov.

  • Visit the Elm-Beacon Connector Project Open House on March 10

    Share Visit the Elm-Beacon Connector Project Open House on March 10 on Facebook Share Visit the Elm-Beacon Connector Project Open House on March 10 on X (formerly Twitter) Share Visit the Elm-Beacon Connector Project Open House on March 10 on Linkedin Email Visit the Elm-Beacon Connector Project Open House on March 10 link
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    Information available in: English | Español | Português | 繁體中文 | 简体中文 | Kreyòl Ayisyen | नेपाली

    Open House Will Showcase Concept Design for Quick-Build Safety Improvements and Provide Opportunity to Share Feedback

    Mayor Katjana Ballantyne, Ward 6 Councilor Lance Davis, Ward 5 Councilor Naima Sait, Ward 3 Councilor Ben Ewen-Campen, Ward 2 Councilor J.T. Scott, and City Staff invite you to an open house to discuss proposed new quick-build designs for Elm Street between Russell Street and Somerville Avenue, Somerville Avenue between Acadia Park and Elm Street, Beacon Street between Somerville Avenue and Oxford Street, and Mossland Street. The event will be held on Monday, March 10, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the John F. Kennedy School Cafetorium. Please enter the cafetorium through the Sartwell Avenue entrance.

    In the fall of 2024, we launched this project with the goal of making safety improvements along these key routes. Community members shared their safety concerns, priorities, and ideas for improvements. We reviewed all the feedback we collected and used it to shape our new conceptual design for these streets. To learn more about what we heard, please check out the Pre-Concept Design Community Engagement Report.

    The open house will feature multiple stations where community members can learn about different aspects of the Concept Design and share their feedback and questions with City staff. We will also have pizza and refreshments.

    Following the open house, we will publish all of the material and a recorded presentation on this project webpage. We will also provide other opportunities to participate, including an online survey, virtual office hours, potential street outreach pop-ups (weather dependent), and more. Details will be posted to this project webpage in the coming weeks.

    We also want to share that we are anticipating the project to be completed in 2026 instead of by the end of 2025. We will continue to keep community members posted as we see changes in the timeline.

    If you have any questions, please reach out to our team at transportation@somervillema.gov or by calling 311 (617-666-3311).

    Persons with disabilities who need auxiliary aids and services for effective communication (i.e., CART, ASL), written materials in alternative formats, or reasonable modifications in policies and procedures in order to access the programs, activities, and meetings of the City of Somerville should please contact Adrienne Pomeroy in advance at 617-625-6600 x 2059 or apomeroy@somervillema.gov.

    Interpretation into any language is available upon advance request (at least seven days in advance) by contacting the SomerViva Office of Immigrant Affairs at somervillema.gov/ContactSomerViva or calling 311 at 617-666-3311.

    Information available in: English | Español | Português | 繁體中文 | 简体中文 | Kreyòl Ayisyen | नेपाली

    Open House Will Showcase Concept Design for Quick-Build Safety Improvements and Provide Opportunity to Share Feedback

    Mayor Katjana Ballantyne, Ward 6 Councilor Lance Davis, Ward 5 Councilor Naima Sait, Ward 3 Councilor Ben Ewen-Campen, Ward 2 Councilor J.T. Scott, and City Staff invite you to an open house to discuss proposed new quick-build designs for Elm Street between Russell Street and Somerville Avenue, Somerville Avenue between Acadia Park and Elm Street, Beacon Street between Somerville Avenue and Oxford Street, and Mossland Street. The event will be held on Monday, March 10, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the John F. Kennedy School Cafetorium. Please enter the cafetorium through the Sartwell Avenue entrance.

    In the fall of 2024, we launched this project with the goal of making safety improvements along these key routes. Community members shared their safety concerns, priorities, and ideas for improvements. We reviewed all the feedback we collected and used it to shape our new conceptual design for these streets. To learn more about what we heard, please check out the Pre-Concept Design Community Engagement Report.

    The open house will feature multiple stations where community members can learn about different aspects of the Concept Design and share their feedback and questions with City staff. We will also have pizza and refreshments.

    Following the open house, we will publish all of the material and a recorded presentation on this project webpage. We will also provide other opportunities to participate, including an online survey, virtual office hours, potential street outreach pop-ups (weather dependent), and more. Details will be posted to this project webpage in the coming weeks.

    We also want to share that we are anticipating the project to be completed in 2026 instead of by the end of 2025. We will continue to keep community members posted as we see changes in the timeline.

    If you have any questions, please reach out to our team at transportation@somervillema.gov or by calling 311 (617-666-3311).

    Persons with disabilities who need auxiliary aids and services for effective communication (i.e., CART, ASL), written materials in alternative formats, or reasonable modifications in policies and procedures in order to access the programs, activities, and meetings of the City of Somerville should please contact Adrienne Pomeroy in advance at 617-625-6600 x 2059 or apomeroy@somervillema.gov.

    Interpretation into any language is available upon advance request (at least seven days in advance) by contacting the SomerViva Office of Immigrant Affairs at somervillema.gov/ContactSomerViva or calling 311 at 617-666-3311.

  • Survey deadline extended to October 28!

    Share Survey deadline extended to October 28! on Facebook Share Survey deadline extended to October 28! on X (formerly Twitter) Share Survey deadline extended to October 28! on Linkedin Email Survey deadline extended to October 28! link

    If you haven't had the chance to share your safety concerns, feedback, and priorities for Elm Street, Beacon Street, Somerville Avenue, and Mossland Street in the project area, take our survey!

    Take the survey online in English, Español, Português, Kreyòl Ayisyen, नेपाली, 繁體中文, 简体中文. The survey is deadline has been extended to October 28.

    If you have any questions, reach out to our team at transportation@somervillema.gov.

    If you haven't had the chance to share your safety concerns, feedback, and priorities for Elm Street, Beacon Street, Somerville Avenue, and Mossland Street in the project area, take our survey!

    Take the survey online in English, Español, Português, Kreyòl Ayisyen, नेपाली, 繁體中文, 简体中文. The survey is deadline has been extended to October 28.

    If you have any questions, reach out to our team at transportation@somervillema.gov.

  • Share Your Feedback to Help Shape the Elm-Beacon Connector Project

    Share Share Your Feedback to Help Shape the Elm-Beacon Connector Project on Facebook Share Share Your Feedback to Help Shape the Elm-Beacon Connector Project on X (formerly Twitter) Share Share Your Feedback to Help Shape the Elm-Beacon Connector Project on Linkedin Email Share Your Feedback to Help Shape the Elm-Beacon Connector Project link

    Information available in: English | Español | Português | 繁體中文 | 简体中文 | Kreyòl Ayisyen | नेपाली

    On Wednesday, September 25, from 6 p.m. to 7:45 p.m., we hosted our first community meeting on Zoom. Thank you to all who were able to join. During the meeting, we shared background on the project, related plans and ordinances, community engagement strategies, and potential design options. We also heard input and questions from community members regarding safety challenges and possible solutions.

    Meeting Materials

    We want to continue to hear from you! There are multiple ways to share your input to help us learn more about your transportation safety concerns and gather feedback on design elements we should include in the project.

    • Share your ideas through our survey! Take the survey online in English, Español, Português, Kreyòl Ayisyen, नेपाली, 繁體中文, 简体中文. The survey is available until October 25.
    • Come join us at an upcoming street outreach pop-up to talk to staff in-person, share your ideas, and ask questions. We will be at the intersection of Beacon Street and Somerville Avenue on Thursday, October 3 from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. (inclement weather date: October 16). We will also be at Kennedy School drop off on Tuesday October 8 (weather dependent).
    • Add your comments to our online Public Input Map. Writing your comments on this map will let us know what you see as issues and opportunities in the project area. Use pins to highlight locations that you think it is important for us to prioritize for changes or improvements, as well as locations that are currently working well. Once you add a pin, you can also include comments and images to highlight specific priorities or concerns.

    Check out our Frequently Asked Questions to learn more about the project. We will be adding more questions and answers throughout the development of the project as we gather more questions from community members.

    At anytime, you can always share your ideas or questions via email to transportation@somervillema.gov or via phone at 617-666-3311. Subscribe to the Mobility Monthly Newsletter for project updates.

    Information available in: English | Español | Português | 繁體中文 | 简体中文 | Kreyòl Ayisyen | नेपाली

    On Wednesday, September 25, from 6 p.m. to 7:45 p.m., we hosted our first community meeting on Zoom. Thank you to all who were able to join. During the meeting, we shared background on the project, related plans and ordinances, community engagement strategies, and potential design options. We also heard input and questions from community members regarding safety challenges and possible solutions.

    Meeting Materials

    We want to continue to hear from you! There are multiple ways to share your input to help us learn more about your transportation safety concerns and gather feedback on design elements we should include in the project.

    • Share your ideas through our survey! Take the survey online in English, Español, Português, Kreyòl Ayisyen, नेपाली, 繁體中文, 简体中文. The survey is available until October 25.
    • Come join us at an upcoming street outreach pop-up to talk to staff in-person, share your ideas, and ask questions. We will be at the intersection of Beacon Street and Somerville Avenue on Thursday, October 3 from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. (inclement weather date: October 16). We will also be at Kennedy School drop off on Tuesday October 8 (weather dependent).
    • Add your comments to our online Public Input Map. Writing your comments on this map will let us know what you see as issues and opportunities in the project area. Use pins to highlight locations that you think it is important for us to prioritize for changes or improvements, as well as locations that are currently working well. Once you add a pin, you can also include comments and images to highlight specific priorities or concerns.

    Check out our Frequently Asked Questions to learn more about the project. We will be adding more questions and answers throughout the development of the project as we gather more questions from community members.

    At anytime, you can always share your ideas or questions via email to transportation@somervillema.gov or via phone at 617-666-3311. Subscribe to the Mobility Monthly Newsletter for project updates.

  • Join us for the First Community Meeting on September 25 at 6:00 p.m.

    Share Join us for the First Community Meeting on September 25 at 6:00 p.m. on Facebook Share Join us for the First Community Meeting on September 25 at 6:00 p.m. on X (formerly Twitter) Share Join us for the First Community Meeting on September 25 at 6:00 p.m. on Linkedin Email Join us for the First Community Meeting on September 25 at 6:00 p.m. link
    supporting image

    Meeting flyers available in: English | Español | Português | 繁體中文 | 简体中文 | Kreyòl Ayisyen | नेपाली

    Mayor Katjana Ballantyne, Ward 6 Councilor Lance Davis, Ward 5 Councilor Naima Sait, Ward 3 Councilor Ben Ewen-Campen, Ward 2 Councilor J.T. Scott, and City Staff invite you to a community meeting to discuss the Elm Beacon Connector.

    Come hear an overview of the project, learn more about the opportunities in quick-build projects, and share your questions and feedback.

    Date: Wednesday, September 25

    Time: 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

    Register in Advance: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_6FYX8cSgQBqOgnv3aQ8yAg

    After registering in advance, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the zoom webinar. To join via audio:

    Following the community meeting, we will launch an online survey to gather community input and host a street outreach pop-up on October 3 from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at the intersection of Somerville Avenue and Beacon Street. (Inclement weather date: October 16).

    Meeting flyers available in: English | Español | Português | 繁體中文 | 简体中文 | Kreyòl Ayisyen | नेपाली

    Mayor Katjana Ballantyne, Ward 6 Councilor Lance Davis, Ward 5 Councilor Naima Sait, Ward 3 Councilor Ben Ewen-Campen, Ward 2 Councilor J.T. Scott, and City Staff invite you to a community meeting to discuss the Elm Beacon Connector.

    Come hear an overview of the project, learn more about the opportunities in quick-build projects, and share your questions and feedback.

    Date: Wednesday, September 25

    Time: 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

    Register in Advance: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_6FYX8cSgQBqOgnv3aQ8yAg

    After registering in advance, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the zoom webinar. To join via audio:

    Following the community meeting, we will launch an online survey to gather community input and host a street outreach pop-up on October 3 from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at the intersection of Somerville Avenue and Beacon Street. (Inclement weather date: October 16).

Page last updated: 09 Oct 2026, 12:21 PM