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 

  • Elm Street Pavement Marking Beginning Week of August 10

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    Weather permitting beginning the week of August 10 or soon after, City contractors will begin removing some existing pavement markings and installing new markings on Elm Street between Russell Street and Somerville Avenue.

    Schedule of Work

    • Pavement marking work on Elm Street is expected to begin this upcoming week of 8/10 and is anticipated to be completed by mid-September.
    • Work hours are overnight between the hours of 8 p.m. and 4 a.m.
    • Nightwork required for any particular segment of roadway is expected to be limited to approximately 3-4 nights across the duration of the project’s implementation.

    All schedules are subject to change due to weather or other factors.

    Construction Impacts

    • Elevated noise levels and lights from construction vehicles and equipment is expected near work zones.
      • Crews are not expected to remain in any one particular location for an extended period as they will be proceeding along the street as they work.
    • Temporary on-street parking restrictions will be in place to facilitate work.
      • Please observe posted signage.

    More Information/Questions

    If you have questions about project implementation/construction email construction@somervillema.gov. If you have questions about the new street design, email transportation@somervillema.gov. Or you can call 311 (617-666-3311) with any questions.

    Weather permitting beginning the week of August 10 or soon after, City contractors will begin removing some existing pavement markings and installing new markings on Elm Street between Russell Street and Somerville Avenue.

    Schedule of Work

    • Pavement marking work on Elm Street is expected to begin this upcoming week of 8/10 and is anticipated to be completed by mid-September.
    • Work hours are overnight between the hours of 8 p.m. and 4 a.m.
    • Nightwork required for any particular segment of roadway is expected to be limited to approximately 3-4 nights across the duration of the project’s implementation.

    All schedules are subject to change due to weather or other factors.

    Construction Impacts

    • Elevated noise levels and lights from construction vehicles and equipment is expected near work zones.
      • Crews are not expected to remain in any one particular location for an extended period as they will be proceeding along the street as they work.
    • Temporary on-street parking restrictions will be in place to facilitate work.
      • Please observe posted signage.

    More Information/Questions

    If you have questions about project implementation/construction email construction@somervillema.gov. If you have questions about the new street design, email transportation@somervillema.gov. Or you can call 311 (617-666-3311) with any questions.

  • Preliminary Parking Changes and Pavement Markings Work Begin This Summer

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    This Thursday, July 30, or soon after, City contractors will begin implementation for the Elm-Beacon Connector.

    New Parking Signage and Pavement Markings Installation on Elm Street

    As the first phase of this project, crews will install new parking signage and pavement markings (street paint) on Elm Street and at adjoining side streets.

    Schedule of Work (subject to change due to weather or other factors)

    • Signage installation is expected to take place between late July and mid-August
      • Work hours are weekdays between 7 a.m. and approximately 3 p.m.
    • Pavement markings are expected to be installed starting in mid-August
      • Work hours are overnight between the hours of 8 p.m. and 4 a.m.
      • Nightwork required for any particular section of roadway within the project area is expected to limited to approximately 3-4 nights across the duration of the project’s implementation.

    Implementation Lookahead

    Following this initial phase of work on Elm Street, crews will shift their efforts to segments of the project area on Somerville Avenue, Beacon Street, and Mossland Street. We anticipate that traffic signal upgrades will be installed in September. When all pavement markings work is complete, we will then move to close motor vehicle access to Mossland Street from Elm Street. As work progresses, we will post updates to this project webpage.

    Construction Impacts

    While this work is underway residents should expect,

    • Temporary parking restrictions to facilitate the installation of new pavement markings.
    • Permanent parking changes will also be going into effect as new signage is installed.
    • Some elevated noise levels and lights from construction trucks and equipment

    We do not anticipate that MBTA Bus Routes 87 and 83 will be impacted during the implementation of this work.

    Have questions? Want more information?

    If you have questions about project implementation/construction email construction@somervillema.gov.

    If you have questions about the new streets design email transportation@somervillema.gov.

    This Thursday, July 30, or soon after, City contractors will begin implementation for the Elm-Beacon Connector.

    New Parking Signage and Pavement Markings Installation on Elm Street

    As the first phase of this project, crews will install new parking signage and pavement markings (street paint) on Elm Street and at adjoining side streets.

    Schedule of Work (subject to change due to weather or other factors)

    • Signage installation is expected to take place between late July and mid-August
      • Work hours are weekdays between 7 a.m. and approximately 3 p.m.
    • Pavement markings are expected to be installed starting in mid-August
      • Work hours are overnight between the hours of 8 p.m. and 4 a.m.
      • Nightwork required for any particular section of roadway within the project area is expected to limited to approximately 3-4 nights across the duration of the project’s implementation.

    Implementation Lookahead

    Following this initial phase of work on Elm Street, crews will shift their efforts to segments of the project area on Somerville Avenue, Beacon Street, and Mossland Street. We anticipate that traffic signal upgrades will be installed in September. When all pavement markings work is complete, we will then move to close motor vehicle access to Mossland Street from Elm Street. As work progresses, we will post updates to this project webpage.

    Construction Impacts

    While this work is underway residents should expect,

    • Temporary parking restrictions to facilitate the installation of new pavement markings.
    • Permanent parking changes will also be going into effect as new signage is installed.
    • Some elevated noise levels and lights from construction trucks and equipment

    We do not anticipate that MBTA Bus Routes 87 and 83 will be impacted during the implementation of this work.

    Have questions? Want more information?

    If you have questions about project implementation/construction email construction@somervillema.gov.

    If you have questions about the new streets design email transportation@somervillema.gov.

  • Check out the Final Signage and Pavement Marking plans and Learn About Opportunities for Engagement

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    Rendering of Mossland Street at Elm Street

    On April 9, 2026, the Traffic Commission approved the proposed curb regulation changes for the Elm-Beacon Connector Project.

    Final construction plans

    The City of Somerville has completed the final construction plans for the Elm Beacon Connector project. Click here to see the Sign and Pavement Markings Plan and Signal Plan. While the design has not changed since the roll plan was released earlier this month, these plans include additional engineering details such as sign placement and traffic signal timing information. Since approval of the plans at the Traffic Commission meeting, the City has started the bidding process to secure pavement markings and traffic signal contractors. That process is expected to be complete in July.

    Provided that the City receives bids from qualified contractors within the project budget, implementation is anticipated to begin as early as July and be completed by November 2026. The Mobility Division will be coordinating design and implementation timelines with the project team for the Kennedy School Playground Renovations. More information on the implementation schedule will be shared once we have selected a contractor.

    City of Cambridge Beech Street Updates

    Cambridge will install the redesign of the Beech St/Elm St intersection this summer. The new T-shaped layout will shorten crossings, reduce conflicts, and create a more predictable experience for people travelling through. This work is being coordinated with the City of Somerville as part of the Elm–Beacon Connector project. Work is planned for Summer 2026 and will include repaving and new markings. About six resident parking spaces will be removed. Join a pop-up meeting on May 21, 5–6:30 PM at the intersection to meet with city staff and hear about the plans (View the event flyer here).

    Mossland Street Block Party

    Join the City of Somerville at a block party on Mossland Street to kick off SustainaVille week! We will have opportunities to learn, play and eat with Somerville City Departments, commissions, and local organizations. As a part of this event, the City’s Mobility Division will share updates on the Elm-Beacon Connector project including a demonstration of the future Neighborway plan for Mossland Street.

    • Date: Saturday, May 2, 2026
    • Time: 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
    • Location: Mossland Street, Somerville, MA

    How you can stay informed or ask questions

    • This website - Once implementation begins, we’ll post regular detailed updates about ongoing and upcoming works on this page.
    • Sign up for City Alerts – Sign up for City Alerts to receive notifications about this project and other essential information. Alerts are geographically targeted so make sure your address is updated to receive all alerts related to this project.
    • If you have any questions prior or during implementation, please reach out to the Mobility Division staff via transportation@somervillema.gov or by contacting 311 (617-666-3311).

    Rendering of Mossland Street at Elm Street

    On April 9, 2026, the Traffic Commission approved the proposed curb regulation changes for the Elm-Beacon Connector Project.

    Final construction plans

    The City of Somerville has completed the final construction plans for the Elm Beacon Connector project. Click here to see the Sign and Pavement Markings Plan and Signal Plan. While the design has not changed since the roll plan was released earlier this month, these plans include additional engineering details such as sign placement and traffic signal timing information. Since approval of the plans at the Traffic Commission meeting, the City has started the bidding process to secure pavement markings and traffic signal contractors. That process is expected to be complete in July.

    Provided that the City receives bids from qualified contractors within the project budget, implementation is anticipated to begin as early as July and be completed by November 2026. The Mobility Division will be coordinating design and implementation timelines with the project team for the Kennedy School Playground Renovations. More information on the implementation schedule will be shared once we have selected a contractor.

    City of Cambridge Beech Street Updates

    Cambridge will install the redesign of the Beech St/Elm St intersection this summer. The new T-shaped layout will shorten crossings, reduce conflicts, and create a more predictable experience for people travelling through. This work is being coordinated with the City of Somerville as part of the Elm–Beacon Connector project. Work is planned for Summer 2026 and will include repaving and new markings. About six resident parking spaces will be removed. Join a pop-up meeting on May 21, 5–6:30 PM at the intersection to meet with city staff and hear about the plans (View the event flyer here).

    Mossland Street Block Party

    Join the City of Somerville at a block party on Mossland Street to kick off SustainaVille week! We will have opportunities to learn, play and eat with Somerville City Departments, commissions, and local organizations. As a part of this event, the City’s Mobility Division will share updates on the Elm-Beacon Connector project including a demonstration of the future Neighborway plan for Mossland Street.

    • Date: Saturday, May 2, 2026
    • Time: 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
    • Location: Mossland Street, Somerville, MA

    How you can stay informed or ask questions

    • This website - Once implementation begins, we’ll post regular detailed updates about ongoing and upcoming works on this page.
    • Sign up for City Alerts – Sign up for City Alerts to receive notifications about this project and other essential information. Alerts are geographically targeted so make sure your address is updated to receive all alerts related to this project.
    • If you have any questions prior or during implementation, please reach out to the Mobility Division staff via transportation@somervillema.gov or by contacting 311 (617-666-3311).

  • City of Somerville Publishes Final Design for Elm-Beacon Connector

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    Rendering of Elm Street at Cherry Street

    Final Design Update

    After a year of engaging community members, analyzing traffic patterns, developing traffic signal options, testing emergency and public transit operations, collaborating with City of Cambridge, and developing a full design, the City has prepared a final layout for Elm Street between Russell Street and Somerville Avenue, Somerville Avenue between the City Line and Elm Street, Beacon Street between Somerville Avenue and Oxford Street, and Mossland Street.

    This design follows the goals set out in the City’s Vision Zero Action Plan to eliminate all traffic fatalities and severe injuries on our streets and the vision of the Somerville Bicycle Network Plan to create a connected network for people of all ages and abilities to travel by bike.

    We are so grateful to all the community members who participated in the development of this design sharing their transportation safety concerns, preferences for design directions and conceptual design options, and providing ideas to incorporate. To learn more about what community members shared with us throughout design development as well as to see how we engaged people, please check out our Pre-Concept and Concept Design Community Engagement Reports. You can also learn more about the story of this project by exploring the newsfeed on this project website.

    Next Steps for Design and Implementation

    On April 9, we will present to the City’s Traffic Commission to seek approval for the traffic and parking regulation changes. Pending Traffic Commission approval, the City will begin the bidding process to secure pavement markings and traffic signal contractors. That process is expected to be complete in July.

    If the City receives bids from qualified contractors within the project budget, implementation could begin as early as July and be completed by November 2026. Once we have selected a contractor and have a preliminary implementation schedule, we will provide an update on this project website indicating when and where we anticipate work will begin. Most pavement markings work will likely occur overnight.

    The City has been coordinating design and implementation timelines with the project team for the Kennedy School Playground Renovations. We will work together to ensure that both projects are implemented within their anticipated timelines and minimum impact on daily operations for the Kennedy School.

    How you can stay informed or ask questions

    • This website - Once implementation begins, we’ll post regular detailed updates about ongoing and upcoming works on this page.

    • The City of Cambridge will be responsible for the removal of the Beech Street pedestrian island. This will include repaving of the street and new markings. Cambridge’s work will take place in Spring or Summer 2026 and once it begins, they anticipate completion within 3-4 weeks. Please refer to the project website for more information and updates.

    • If you have any questions prior or during implementation, please reach out to the Mobility Division staff via transportation@somervillema.gov or by contacting 311 (617-666-3311).

    • You can also join us at the Mossland Street Block Party planned for Saturday, May 2 from 1 – 4 p.m. as part of SustainaVille!

    Rendering of Elm Street at Cherry Street

    Final Design Update

    After a year of engaging community members, analyzing traffic patterns, developing traffic signal options, testing emergency and public transit operations, collaborating with City of Cambridge, and developing a full design, the City has prepared a final layout for Elm Street between Russell Street and Somerville Avenue, Somerville Avenue between the City Line and Elm Street, Beacon Street between Somerville Avenue and Oxford Street, and Mossland Street.

    This design follows the goals set out in the City’s Vision Zero Action Plan to eliminate all traffic fatalities and severe injuries on our streets and the vision of the Somerville Bicycle Network Plan to create a connected network for people of all ages and abilities to travel by bike.

    We are so grateful to all the community members who participated in the development of this design sharing their transportation safety concerns, preferences for design directions and conceptual design options, and providing ideas to incorporate. To learn more about what community members shared with us throughout design development as well as to see how we engaged people, please check out our Pre-Concept and Concept Design Community Engagement Reports. You can also learn more about the story of this project by exploring the newsfeed on this project website.

    Next Steps for Design and Implementation

    On April 9, we will present to the City’s Traffic Commission to seek approval for the traffic and parking regulation changes. Pending Traffic Commission approval, the City will begin the bidding process to secure pavement markings and traffic signal contractors. That process is expected to be complete in July.

    If the City receives bids from qualified contractors within the project budget, implementation could begin as early as July and be completed by November 2026. Once we have selected a contractor and have a preliminary implementation schedule, we will provide an update on this project website indicating when and where we anticipate work will begin. Most pavement markings work will likely occur overnight.

    The City has been coordinating design and implementation timelines with the project team for the Kennedy School Playground Renovations. We will work together to ensure that both projects are implemented within their anticipated timelines and minimum impact on daily operations for the Kennedy School.

    How you can stay informed or ask questions

    • This website - Once implementation begins, we’ll post regular detailed updates about ongoing and upcoming works on this page.

    • The City of Cambridge will be responsible for the removal of the Beech Street pedestrian island. This will include repaving of the street and new markings. Cambridge’s work will take place in Spring or Summer 2026 and once it begins, they anticipate completion within 3-4 weeks. Please refer to the project website for more information and updates.

    • If you have any questions prior or during implementation, please reach out to the Mobility Division staff via transportation@somervillema.gov or by contacting 311 (617-666-3311).

    • You can also join us at the Mossland Street Block Party planned for Saturday, May 2 from 1 – 4 p.m. as part of SustainaVille!

  • Learn More About the Updated Project Timeline and New Project Elements

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    Updated Timeline

    In August of 2025, we shared that we anticipated finalizing and publishing the Elm-Beacon Connector Design in January 2026. Over the past five months, we have been working closely with other departments in the City, as well as with the City of Cambridge and the MBTA to ensure that we develop the safest and most effective design for this quick-build project. At the same time, we’ve been exploring ways to increase the scope to meet more of the needs and feedback we heard from community members. We now expect to publish our final design in April 2026, and we anticipate project implementation to begin in the summer of 2026 and wrap up in the fall of 2026.

    While this extra due diligence and design review has pushed back our project schedule by a few months, we believe it is important to take the time to explore ways to solve potential unintended ripple effects and see if there are more ways to meet our community goals.

    More About Ongoing Additional Design Work

    • Continuing and refining simulations with the Somerville Fire Department to ensure that all intersections work with emergency operations.
    • Continuing coordination with the City of Cambridge for both municipalities’ work at the intersection of Elm Street and Beech Street to ensure that Somerville’s quick-build designs align with Cambridge’s plans to remove the concrete islands.
    • Continuing collaboration with the MBTA to ensure that all bus stop changes or relocations align with ideal service planning and exploring transit signal priority opportunities.

    We appreciate your patience as we do our due diligence to finalize quick-build designs for the Elm-Beacon Connector project.

    New Project Elements

    We are excited to share that we have worked to include new elements to the Elm-Beacon Connector project as part of our annual Pavement and Sidewalk Management Program. This includes:

    • A new raised crosswalk across Elm Street at Cherry Street near the Kennedy School.
    • An accessible curb ramp on the northside of Elm Street at Beech Street.

    We appreciate all the community members who shared their concerns about these specific locations during our community engagement process. Your advocacy has helped us improve this project and make it safer for kids, families and the general public to travel safely in this neighborhood. We anticipate this construction work to take place in 2026 or 2027. It may not occur at the same time that the quick-build designs are being implemented. We will have more details once we have secured a construction contractor.

    If you have any questions at any time, please reach out to transportation@somervillema.gov or contact us through 311 (617-666-3311).

    Updated Timeline

    In August of 2025, we shared that we anticipated finalizing and publishing the Elm-Beacon Connector Design in January 2026. Over the past five months, we have been working closely with other departments in the City, as well as with the City of Cambridge and the MBTA to ensure that we develop the safest and most effective design for this quick-build project. At the same time, we’ve been exploring ways to increase the scope to meet more of the needs and feedback we heard from community members. We now expect to publish our final design in April 2026, and we anticipate project implementation to begin in the summer of 2026 and wrap up in the fall of 2026.

    While this extra due diligence and design review has pushed back our project schedule by a few months, we believe it is important to take the time to explore ways to solve potential unintended ripple effects and see if there are more ways to meet our community goals.

    More About Ongoing Additional Design Work

    • Continuing and refining simulations with the Somerville Fire Department to ensure that all intersections work with emergency operations.
    • Continuing coordination with the City of Cambridge for both municipalities’ work at the intersection of Elm Street and Beech Street to ensure that Somerville’s quick-build designs align with Cambridge’s plans to remove the concrete islands.
    • Continuing collaboration with the MBTA to ensure that all bus stop changes or relocations align with ideal service planning and exploring transit signal priority opportunities.

    We appreciate your patience as we do our due diligence to finalize quick-build designs for the Elm-Beacon Connector project.

    New Project Elements

    We are excited to share that we have worked to include new elements to the Elm-Beacon Connector project as part of our annual Pavement and Sidewalk Management Program. This includes:

    • A new raised crosswalk across Elm Street at Cherry Street near the Kennedy School.
    • An accessible curb ramp on the northside of Elm Street at Beech Street.

    We appreciate all the community members who shared their concerns about these specific locations during our community engagement process. Your advocacy has helped us improve this project and make it safer for kids, families and the general public to travel safely in this neighborhood. We anticipate this construction work to take place in 2026 or 2027. It may not occur at the same time that the quick-build designs are being implemented. We will have more details once we have secured a construction contractor.

    If you have any questions at any time, please reach out to transportation@somervillema.gov or contact us through 311 (617-666-3311).

  • Check Out the Elm-Beacon Connector Concept Design Community Engagement Report, New Limit of Work and Update on Project Timeline

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    Community Engagement Report

    In March of 2025, the City published a concept design for the Elm-Beacon Connector project. The design included quick-build protected bike lanes, clear corners, parking regulation proposals, traffic signal changes and closing the southbound motor vehicle connection between Mossland Street and Cedar Street.

    We shared these designs at an open house on March 10 at the Kennedy School and spent the following month engaging community members to gather feedback and promote awareness about the project. This included outreach activities like

    • Tabling at the Kennedy School parent teacher conferences
    • Hosting a street outreach pop-up on Elm Street at Hancock Street
    • Holding a virtual office hour
    • Conducting an online feedback survey
    • Meeting with businesses one-on-one along the street
    • Posting fliers on over 400 homes in the project area
    • And meeting with our Pedestrian and Transit Advisory Committee and Somerville Bicycle Advisory Committee.

    We’d like to thank community members who participated and shared feedback. Please check out our Elm-Beacon Connector Concept Design Community Engagement Report which describes all the outreach activities we held and what we heard. We estimate that we spoke with over 571 people in these efforts.

    Updated Limit of Work

    We are excited to announce that we have expanded the scope of the project to include the intersection of Somerville Avenue at Craigie Street. We appreciate all the community members who shared their safety concerns about this specific location. We will now be including quick-build changes at this intersection to increase safety and comfort. We will share the new design when we publish final designs for this project. This work will connect to the future quick-build protected bike lanes planned for Somerville Avenue between Elm Street and Bow Street.

    Updated Timeline City staff are working to incorporate the feedback we heard into a final design. We had originally hoped to begin delivering this project in late 2025, however, we ended up dedicating more time in the early summer to review and process all the community input we heard. It has also taken more time than anticipated to incorporate all of that feedback into the next phase of the design plans. We are now expecting to finalize the design by the end of the year and publish the final plans in January 2026. We will then conduct the bidding process over the rest of the winter and start implementation first thing in the Spring of 2026.

    If you have any questions, please reach out to transportation@somervillema.gov.

    Community Engagement Report

    In March of 2025, the City published a concept design for the Elm-Beacon Connector project. The design included quick-build protected bike lanes, clear corners, parking regulation proposals, traffic signal changes and closing the southbound motor vehicle connection between Mossland Street and Cedar Street.

    We shared these designs at an open house on March 10 at the Kennedy School and spent the following month engaging community members to gather feedback and promote awareness about the project. This included outreach activities like

    • Tabling at the Kennedy School parent teacher conferences
    • Hosting a street outreach pop-up on Elm Street at Hancock Street
    • Holding a virtual office hour
    • Conducting an online feedback survey
    • Meeting with businesses one-on-one along the street
    • Posting fliers on over 400 homes in the project area
    • And meeting with our Pedestrian and Transit Advisory Committee and Somerville Bicycle Advisory Committee.

    We’d like to thank community members who participated and shared feedback. Please check out our Elm-Beacon Connector Concept Design Community Engagement Report which describes all the outreach activities we held and what we heard. We estimate that we spoke with over 571 people in these efforts.

    Updated Limit of Work

    We are excited to announce that we have expanded the scope of the project to include the intersection of Somerville Avenue at Craigie Street. We appreciate all the community members who shared their safety concerns about this specific location. We will now be including quick-build changes at this intersection to increase safety and comfort. We will share the new design when we publish final designs for this project. This work will connect to the future quick-build protected bike lanes planned for Somerville Avenue between Elm Street and Bow Street.

    Updated Timeline City staff are working to incorporate the feedback we heard into a final design. We had originally hoped to begin delivering this project in late 2025, however, we ended up dedicating more time in the early summer to review and process all the community input we heard. It has also taken more time than anticipated to incorporate all of that feedback into the next phase of the design plans. We are now expecting to finalize the design by the end of the year and publish the final plans in January 2026. We will then conduct the bidding process over the rest of the winter and start implementation first thing in the Spring of 2026.

    If you have any questions, please reach out to transportation@somervillema.gov.

  • 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.

Page last updated: 06 Aug 2026, 05:04 PM