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)

  • City of Somerville Finalizes Design for Middlesex Avenue Quick-Build Protected Bike Lanes

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    In September 2025, the City of Somerville finalized the design for the Middlesex Avenue Quick-Build Protected Bike Lanes project. After announcing the project in early July, the Mobility team worked with internal City departments, collected feedback from the Somerville Bicycle Advisory Committee and Pedestrian and Transit Advisory Committee, and received approval for the proposed parking regulations changes from the Traffic Commission at their September meeting.

    The final plans include:

    • Protected bike lanes
    • On-street parking on both sides of the street, including the addition of meters and accessible parking to previously unregulated spaces
    • Upgrades to signal equipment and timing at Middlesex Avenue and Foley Street

    We are excited to be able to construct this new design to increase safety and create more sustainable and accessible transportation options.

    Looking Ahead to Construction

    Implementation is set to begin in early October, starting with changes to parking signs and meters. Sign changes will be followed by the layout and striping of new lines, which is weather-dependent but expected to take a couple weeks. Finish work, such as adding green paint and flex posts, is expected to take place in late October or early November. Associated signal equipment and timing changes at the intersection of Middlesex Avenue and Foley Street are also expected to take place around the same time as the new pavement markings are being completed.

    Overnight parking bans will be required for most or all of Middlesex Avenue for a few days a week to allow crews to make the necessary changes. Signs will be posted on the street at least 48 hours prior to any construction-related bans. The flow of traffic is expected to be largely maintained as crews implement all of these changes, but any minor detours or road closures associated with this work will only occur between the hours of 8 PM and 4 AM.

    How you can stay informed

    Once construction begins, we’ll post updates on this page.

    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.

    Getting in touch with the project team

    The Mobility Division staff will be available to answer questions about the new street design and construction. We can be reached directly at transportation@somervillema.gov or by contacting 311 (617-666-3311).

Page last updated: 25 Sep 2025, 03:27 PM