Grand Union Boulevard Protected Bike Lanes
In Spring 2023, the City will paint parking-protected bike lanes on both sides of Grand Union Boulevard between Revolution Drive and Great River Road.
Grand Union Blvd was originally constructed over a decade ago, and the paint markings have gradually faded over time. Today, we’re seeing more people bike on Grand Union Boulevard, in Assembly Square, and across the city. We now have an opportunity to create safer biking connections and a more comfortable pedestrian experience in a growing area of the City without removing parking lanes or impacting bus stops.
Click this link to download a PDF of the design.
As part of the new paint markings, parking on each side of the street will be moved approximately eight feet from the curb with protected bike lanes being installed next to the sidewalk curb. Where Grand Union Boulevard and Great River Road meet, the protected bike lane will merge into the vehicle travel lane around the roundabout. Left turn bike boxes will be added at the intersections of Foley Street and Revolution Dr to make it easier for people biking to turn left off Grand Union Boulevard. We are aiming to repurpose the left turn lanes on Canal Street and create new painted medians to make it easier for people crossing in the crosswalks.
The parking regulations will still primarily be a mixture of metered parking and loading zones, with more accessible spaces added on Grand Union Boulevard and adjacent streets.
For any questions or comments regarding design, please reach out to the City’s Mobility Division at transportation@somervillema.gov.
City contractors are expected to begin striping the new paint markings inSpring 2023. Shortly before the painting begins, City staff will install new signage along the street to match the planned markings. To stay up to date, we encourage you to sign up for City Alerts. City Alerts provide up to date notifications via phone, text, or email about upcoming construction, detours, major events, snow emergencies, and more.
If you have questions regarding construction, please call the Engineering Division at 617-625-6600 ext. 5400 or email construction@somervillema.gov.