The Elm-Beacon Connector

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:

• Sign, Pavement Markings and Signal Plans
• Traffic Analysis & Recommendations
• Parking Changes Presentation

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