Highland Avenue Redesign Project
The Mayor and the City Council have both endorsed the community-led vision for a Highland Avenue that includes protected bicycle lanes, pedestrian safety measures, and MBTA bus improvements. As part of the City’s Bicycle Network Plan, Highland Ave is designated for two-way protected facilities by 2030.
While these changes necessitate a reduction in parking, the City is committed to engaging community members to better understand needs in the area and develop strategies for effectively managing shared parking resources. Particular attention will be focused on effective loading zones, pick-up and drop off locations, and accommodating persons with disabilities using all modes of transportation.
The Highland Avenue Redesign follows the completion of the Spring Hill Sewer Separation project to upgrade underground water, sewer and utility infrastructure along the street. The redesign includes sidewalk and roadway surface improvements from Cutter Avenue to Hamlet Street.
Somerville’s Fiscal Year 2023 Capital Investment Plan (FY2023 CIP), presented to the City Council in March 2023, includes design and outreach funding for Highland Avenue available as soon as July 2025, and construction services funding starting July 2026.