Highland Avenue Redesign Project

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Image depicts elements like new drainage and water mains, stormwater infrastructure, sewer repairs and mobility improvements

The city is completely reconstructing Highland Ave from Hamlet St to Cutter Ave. This work is part of the larger Spring Hill Sewer Separation project to upgrade aging underground sewers and stormwater infrastructure and better manage flooding events. Underground work on parts of Highland Ave is underway. The streetscape design has been incorporated into a standalone project based on the extensive feedback the city received from the community requesting an alternate design that adds protected bicycle lanes.

The Mayor and the City Council have both endorsed the community-led vision for a Highland Ave that includes protected bicycle lanes, pedestrian safety measures, and MBTA bus improvements. Achieving this vision requires fewer parking spaces on Highland Ave. Efficient parking management will enable us to create a vibrant streetscape that enhances economic vitality. Particular attention will be focused on effective loading zones, pick and drop off locations, and accommodating persons with disabilities using all modes of transportation. Public engagement for the new design begins Fall 2021 and the project will wrap up in 2024.


The city is completely reconstructing Highland Ave from Hamlet St to Cutter Ave. This work is part of the larger Spring Hill Sewer Separation project to upgrade aging underground sewers and stormwater infrastructure and better manage flooding events. Underground work on parts of Highland Ave is underway. The streetscape design has been incorporated into a standalone project based on the extensive feedback the city received from the community requesting an alternate design that adds protected bicycle lanes.

The Mayor and the City Council have both endorsed the community-led vision for a Highland Ave that includes protected bicycle lanes, pedestrian safety measures, and MBTA bus improvements. Achieving this vision requires fewer parking spaces on Highland Ave. Efficient parking management will enable us to create a vibrant streetscape that enhances economic vitality. Particular attention will be focused on effective loading zones, pick and drop off locations, and accommodating persons with disabilities using all modes of transportation. Public engagement for the new design begins Fall 2021 and the project will wrap up in 2024.


  • Take the Highland Ave Redesign Survey!

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    The City is reconstructing the street to create an improved Highland Ave with pedestrian safety measures, MBTA bus improvements, and protected bicycle lanes. To reach this vision, City staff are looking at how to more efficiently use curb space to make it safer and easier for people traveling Highland Ave by any mode. We also want to learn more about how people use the street today and improvements they would like to see.

    The City presented information about the scope and opportunities at a virtual community meeting on November 17, 2021. Check out the presentation slides and recording to learn more.

    We want to hear from you! Please take the Highland Ave Redesign Survey. The survey is available in English, Español, Portugues, Kreyòl Ayisyen, नेपाली. The information you share will help the City prioritize improvements and develop design concepts for the street.

    The survey deadline has been extended to Tuesday, May 31, 2022.

    You can also put comments in specific locations on the Public Input Map!

  • Highland Ave Redesign Project Community Meeting

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    Mayor Joseph A. Curtatone, Ward 3 Councilor Ben Ewen-Campen, Ward 5 Councilor Mark Niedergang, and Ward 6 Councilor Lance Davis invite you to a virtual community meeting to discuss the Highland Ave Redesign Project.

    At this meeting, City staff will detail the project scope and timeline, present parking data information, share customer and business survey response summaries, and gather public feedback.

    The meeting will take place virtually on Wednesday, November 17, at 6:30 p.m. Please register at the following link: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_OMhPa_R4RnOqXtRTetEpEQ.

    To join by phone:

    • One tap mobile: US: +13126266799,,88299321167# or +16465588656,,88299321167#
    • Or dial a number based on your current location and use the Webinar ID
      • US: +1 312 626 6799 or +1 646 558 8656 or +1 301 715 8592 or +1 346 248 7799 or +1 720 707 2699 or +1 253 215 8782
      • Webinar ID: 882 9932 1167

    For any questions, please email transportation@somervillema.gov(External link).

    Interpretation into Spanish, Portuguese, Haitian Kreyol, or Nepali may be available upon advance request by contacting the SomerViva Office of Immigrant Affairs at somerviva@somervillema.gov(External link) or calling 311 at 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 Nancy Bacci at 617-625-6600 x 2250 or nbacci@somervillema.gov(External link).

Page last updated: 14 Nov 2022, 07:43 AM