Middlesex Avenue Quick-Build Protected Bike Lanes

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Middlesex Avenue is designated for protected bike lanes in both directions as part of the Somerville Bicycle Network Plan. To help meet this goal, the City aims to install quick-build protected bike lanes on Middlesex Avenue from just east of the intersection with Fellsway to Foley Street by the end of 2025.

Many of the pavement markings that were originally put down on Middlesex Avenue faded a long time ago. We have the opportunity to refresh the pavement markings to clarify motor vehicle movements, parking lanes, crosswalks, and create new protected bike lanes to expand available safe bike facilities to travel to and from Assembly Square. These new markings will also complement recent and planned construction on Middlesex Avenue, such as the new streetscape elements that have been built as part of the 5 Middlesex Avenue or 74 Middlesex Avenue development projects.

The new design includes:

  • Parking protected bike lanes where the parking bay is shifted approximately 11 feet from the curb to make space for a bike lane against the sidewalk.

  • Painted curb extensions at side streets to slow down fast motor vehicle turns, reduce exposure for people using the crosswalk and increase safety for all users.

  • Dedicated facilities for bikes at the intersection of Middlesex Avenue and Foley Street with adjusted traffic signal timings and new signal equipment.

Today, most of the street parking on Middlesex Ave is unregulated; meaning there are no limits on who can park there or for how long. While a specific parking regulations proposal has not yet been developed, on of the goals of this project is to convert any remaining unregulated spaces to a combination of metered parking, loading zones, and accessible parking so that it better serves the needs of the area.

We anticipate City contractors to begin striping the new paint markings and working on changes to the traffic signals in October 2025. 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. You can also subscribe to the Mobility Monthly Newsletter for updates on this project and other transportation planning projects in Somerville.

If you have questions regarding design and implementation, please contact the Mobility Division via email at transportation@somervillema.gov or call 311 (617-666-3311)

Middlesex Avenue is designated for protected bike lanes in both directions as part of the Somerville Bicycle Network Plan. To help meet this goal, the City aims to install quick-build protected bike lanes on Middlesex Avenue from just east of the intersection with Fellsway to Foley Street by the end of 2025.

Many of the pavement markings that were originally put down on Middlesex Avenue faded a long time ago. We have the opportunity to refresh the pavement markings to clarify motor vehicle movements, parking lanes, crosswalks, and create new protected bike lanes to expand available safe bike facilities to travel to and from Assembly Square. These new markings will also complement recent and planned construction on Middlesex Avenue, such as the new streetscape elements that have been built as part of the 5 Middlesex Avenue or 74 Middlesex Avenue development projects.

The new design includes:

  • Parking protected bike lanes where the parking bay is shifted approximately 11 feet from the curb to make space for a bike lane against the sidewalk.

  • Painted curb extensions at side streets to slow down fast motor vehicle turns, reduce exposure for people using the crosswalk and increase safety for all users.

  • Dedicated facilities for bikes at the intersection of Middlesex Avenue and Foley Street with adjusted traffic signal timings and new signal equipment.

Today, most of the street parking on Middlesex Ave is unregulated; meaning there are no limits on who can park there or for how long. While a specific parking regulations proposal has not yet been developed, on of the goals of this project is to convert any remaining unregulated spaces to a combination of metered parking, loading zones, and accessible parking so that it better serves the needs of the area.

We anticipate City contractors to begin striping the new paint markings and working on changes to the traffic signals in October 2025. 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. You can also subscribe to the Mobility Monthly Newsletter for updates on this project and other transportation planning projects in Somerville.

If you have questions regarding design and implementation, please contact the Mobility Division via email at transportation@somervillema.gov or call 311 (617-666-3311)

Page published: 30 Jun 2025, 10:09 AM