Floating bus stops and crosswalk improvements coming to Washington Street at Tufts Street

The MBTA's contractors have begun work to install two new floating bus stops on Washington Street near Tufts Street along with an improved crosswalk across Washington Street. Construction has begun and is anticipated to be completed within the next three weeks.

The new crosswalk will be located closer to the East Somerville Station and will have a push button activated rectangular rapid flashing beacon (flashing yellow crosswalk signs). The westbound bus stop will help shorten the crossing across Washington Street. The new floating bus stops provide dedicated waiting space for bus riders and will help reduce some bus delay as buses will no longer have to pull over to the curb and pull back into traffic. Included are also small segments of protected bike lanes along the floating bus stops, separating the pedestrian waiting areas from bicycle traffic.