End of Fall Construction Update

Crews have been working throughout the fall to install new sidewalks along Tufts Street. Crews recently finished installing new sidewalks on the even-numbered (or eastern) side of Tufts Street and began work on the odd-numbered or western sidewalks. With this work underway, a new, narrower Tufts Street is taking shape.

Why narrower?

During the community engagement and design process, residents expressed concerns about vehicle speeding and high amounts of traffic using the street as a way to bypass McGrath Highway.

By adding pinch points and other traffic calming, the new design is intended to slow vehicles and discourage cut-through traffic.

What’s Next?

Crews are wrapping up sidewalk work for the season. Colder weather prohibits the installation of new sidewalks because lower temperatures affect how concrete cures and can have negative impacts on the quality of the final product.

Some additional drainage work may take place this winter (as weather permits) before crews break for the season.

Remaining sidewalks, other streetscape improvements, and repaving of the roadway will occur in spring/summer of ‘26.

If you have questions, please email construction@somervillema.gov or call the Engineering Division at (617) 625-6600 ext. 5400.