Check out the Summary of the Design Strategy Report

Design Report Summary

Over the last year, we have been reviewing individual comments, coordinating with internal City departments and developed an implementation strategy for safety improvements on the Community Path. We are ready to share a summary of the Design Strategy Report. This report includes the following:

• Community feedback analysis
• Proposed improvements
• Implementation plan

Thank you to all the community members who shared their feedback and experiences on the Community Path. We will share a more detailed report in the coming weeks that will highlight the design decisions process and implementation scope for safety improvements on the path.

Implementation

Schedule of work

As early as this Wednesday, September 30, or soon after, City contractors will install an initial set of new pavement markings on the eastern side of the intersection of the Somerville Community Path and Central Street. These new markings will indicate the approach to the intersection, encouraging everyone using the path to be aware, slow down and look both ways for pedestrians and vehicles as they make their way through the crossing.

Construction impacts

Pavement marking work will take place overnight and any impacts to travel on the path are expected to be brief.

Implementation lookahead

Additional safety improvements are planned for this fall and include the installation of new pavement markings at crossings, center-line hardening using flex posts, and the installation of new signage. Pending evaluation and monitoring outcomes further improvements may continue through 2027 and 2028.

More information/questions

• Refer to this website page for implementation updates.
• If you have questions about pavement markings/construction, please call the Engineering Division at 617-625-6600 ext. 5400 or email construction@somervillema.gov.
• If you have questions about the project design and safety improvements, please email transportation@somervillema.gov.