West Broadway Reconstruction

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The City of Somerville is planning to reconstruct sidewalks and repave Broadway between Clarendon Ave and Alewife Brook Parkway (Route 16) as part of the Pavement and Sidewalk Management Program. As part of this effort, we are taking the opportunity to make the street safer for all users.

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Why West Broadway?

Broadway is one of the most used main streets in Somerville. This segment of Broadway serves

The City of Somerville is planning to reconstruct sidewalks and repave Broadway between Clarendon Ave and Alewife Brook Parkway (Route 16) as part of the Pavement and Sidewalk Management Program. As part of this effort, we are taking the opportunity to make the street safer for all users.

Stay in the Loop

Sign up for the Mobility Newsletter and keep an eye on this page for updates on upcoming public meetings, street pop-up community engagement events, and project progress.

Why West Broadway?

Broadway is one of the most used main streets in Somerville. This segment of Broadway serves as a gateway to the City from Arlington, North Cambridge, and Alewife Brook Parkway and Greenway Bike Path, carries the MBTA Route 87, 88, and 89 bus routes, and is home for many residents and local businesses. In the Somerville Bicycle Network Plan, West Broadway is designated for protected bike lanes in at least one direction between Clarendon Ave and Alewife Brook Parkway, except for the small stretch between Endicott Ave and Russell Rd, which is designated for protected bike lanes in both directions. This project does not include the intersection of Alewife Brook Parkway and Broadway, which is under the jurisdiction of the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR). The City is currently working with DCR to plan safety improvements for the intersection under a separate project.

Timeline

Beginning in the Fall of 2023, we will reach out to community members to gather your feedback on transportation safety concerns along this part of Broadway and your ideas to improve the street. Between the Winter of 2023 and the Summer of 2024, we will develop a conceptual design and share back with community members to hear your feedback. By early 2025, we will share out final proposed designs. Construction is anticipated to take place between 2025 and 2026.

Information in other languages

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यदि आफ्नो भाषामा सहायता चाहिन्छ भने कृपया सम्पर्क गर्नुहोस: www.somervillema.gov/ContactSomerviva गर्नुहोस् वा यो ३११ (६१७-६६६-३३११) / 311 (617-666-3311)   

如果您需要語言方面的協助 請撥打 311 (617-666-3311) 或於somervillema.gov/ContactSomerviva 聯絡 彩薩默: 移民事務辦公室。  

如果您需要语言方面的协助,请联系 (somervillema.gov/ContactSomerViva)或者请拨打 311(617-666-3311)。

  • Updated Design Feedback Survey Deadline Extended to December 2

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    We are extending the deadline for the Update Design Feedback Survey to Monday, December 2!

    If you haven't gotten the chance to share your feedback, please consider taking the survey. The survey is available in English, Spanish, Portuguese, Haitian Creole, Nepali, Simplified Chinese and Traditional Chinese.

    If you have any questions, reach out to our team at transportation@somervillema.gov.

  • Share Your Feedback on the Updated Design for West Broadway!

    Share Share Your Feedback on the Updated Design for West Broadway! on Facebook Share Share Your Feedback on the Updated Design for West Broadway! on Twitter Share Share Your Feedback on the Updated Design for West Broadway! on Linkedin Email Share Your Feedback on the Updated Design for West Broadway! link

    On October 22, 2024, the City hosted an open house to share the updated design for the West Broadway Reconstruction project. Building off of the concept design released in April, the City further developed the design with the goals of enhancing safety, sustainability, and comfort.

    Thank you to the community members who were able to join, ask questions, and share your thoughts. Check out the materials below to learn more about the updated design.

    We want to hear from you! Over the next month, we aim to gather as much feedback as possible through a variety of community outreach activities.

    Take our Updated Design Feedback Survey to share your feedback. The survey is now available until November 22, 2024. The survey is available in English, Spanish, Portuguese, Haitian Creole, Nepali, Simplified Chinese and Traditional Chinese.

    Come join us at our upcoming street outreach pop-up on October 28 at the intersection of Broadway and North Street from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. to talk to staff in-person, share your ideas, and ask questions. Our inclement weather date is October 29. Check back on this website for any date updates.

    Join one of our Virtual Office Hours on October 30 and November 20 to ask your questions or give feedback to the project team. Community members can log into the zoom webinar at any time during the event.


    At any time, please feel free to reach out to the Mobility Division with any of your questions or comments at transportation@somervillema.gov or 311 (617-666-3311).

    The City of Somerville can provide you with an interpreter in your language for free. To request an interpreter, please contact us at somervillema.gov/ContactSomerViva or call 311 (617-666-3311) at least 7 days in advance of this event.

    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 Adrienne Pomeroy in advance at 617-625-6600 x 2059 or apomeroy@somervillema.gov.

  • Attend the Next Open House on October 22

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    supporting image

    Meeting information available in: English | Español | Português | 繁體中文 | 简体中文 | Kreyòl Ayisyen | नेपाली

    Open House Will Showcase Updated Design for Street Safety Improvements

    Mayor Katjana Ballantyne, Ward 7 Councilor Judy Pineda Neufeld, and City of Somerville staff invite you to an open house to learn about the updated design for Broadway between Clarendon Avenue and Alewife Brook Parkway and share your feedback. The event will be held on Tuesday, October 22, from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the West Somerville Neighborhood School, 177 Powder House Boulevard.

    In the spring of 2024, community members shared their feedback on the concept design through range of channels, including street outreach, small group meetings, an open house, and a survey. The project team reviewed all feedback and worked to further develop the design for the street to meet the goals of enhanced safety, sustainability, and comfort.

    The open house will feature multiple stations describing different aspects of the project. Drop-in anytime during the event to review the updated design and talk with project team members about your feedback and questions.

    Following the event, a recorded presentation and information about the updated design will be available on this project website. Other opportunities for community members to share feedback will include an online survey (available from October 24 through November 22), virtual office hours with city staff on October 30 and November 20 from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. (virtual meeting links to come), and a street outreach pop-up planned for October 28 from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at the intersection of Broadway and North Street (weather dependent, check this webpage for updates).

    If you have any questions, please reach out to our team at transportation@somervillema.gov or by calling 311 (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 Adrienne Pomeroy in advance at 617-625-6600 x 2059 or apomeroy@somervillema.gov.

    The City of Somerville can provide you with an interpreter in your language for free. To request an interpreter, please contact us at somerviva@somervillema.gov or call 311 (617-666-3311) at least 7 days in advance of this event.

  • Check Out the Concept Design Community Engagement Report

    Share Check Out the Concept Design Community Engagement Report on Facebook Share Check Out the Concept Design Community Engagement Report on Twitter Share Check Out the Concept Design Community Engagement Report on Linkedin Email Check Out the Concept Design Community Engagement Report link

    Thank you to all those who shared your questions and feedback about the concept design at the community open house, street outreach pop-up, small group meetings, community events and online survey in the spring of 2024.

    We are excited to share our Concept Design Community Engagement Report which includes all the feedback we heard during this phase and describes the community engagement strategies we employed.

    If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to reach out to our team at transportation@somervillema.gov.

  • Below surface sewer work beginning in summer 2024

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    The City performs regular sewer pipeline and manhole rehabilitation each year to ensure that sewer and drainage systems function effectively. Locations are identified based on:

    • deficiencies found during annual sewer inspections, and/or
    • coordination with other City projects, such as preparations for reconstructions.

    This work primarily takes place between mid-June and November. This year, the City is focusing on below surface work in the West Somerville neighborhood, including Broadway. Prioritizing this work in 2024 will help reduce the need for underground maintenance after the West Broadway Reconstruction Project is completed.

    This work will not impact the street design process for the West Broadway Reconstruction Project, with final designs expected to be completed in late fall 2024. Full street reconstruction will begin in 2025 or 2026.

    To learn more about the project, visit the Sewer Pipeline and Manhole Rehabilitation project website.

  • Concept Design Survey Deadline Extended to June 4

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    We have extended the concept design survey deadline to Tuesday, June 4, 2024.

    Take the Concept Design Feedback Survey to share your feedback. The survey is available in English, Español, Português, 繁體中文, 简体中文, नेपाली, Kreyòl Ayisyen.

    If you have any questions or prefer to email your feedback, please reach out to our team at transportation@somervillema.gov. If you prefer to call, please call our 311 service at 617-666-3311.

  • Additional Virtual Office Hour on May 30

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    Join our second Virtual Office Hour on Thursday, May 30 from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. to ask your questions to the project team.

    Community members can log into the zoom webinar at any time during the event and either ask questions or share your comments to the whole team or join a breakout room to talk one-on-one with a team member.

    After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.

    To join via audio:
    US: +16465588656,,83321461778#,,,,*058706# or +16469313860,,83321461778#,,,,*058706#
    Webinar ID: 833 2146 1778
    Passcode: 058706

  • Share your feedback on the West Broadway Concept Design

    Share Share your feedback on the West Broadway Concept Design on Facebook Share Share your feedback on the West Broadway Concept Design on Twitter Share Share your feedback on the West Broadway Concept Design on Linkedin Email Share your feedback on the West Broadway Concept Design link

    On April 13, the City hosted an open house to share the concept design for the West Broadway Reconstruction project. Thank you to the community members who were able to join, ask questions, and share your thoughts. Check out the materials below to learn more about the concept design.

    We want to hear from you! Over the next month and a half, we aim to gather as much feedback as possible through a variety of community outreach activities.

    Take our Concept Design Feedback Survey to share your feedback. The survey is now available until May 31, 2024. Available in English, Español, Português, 繁體中文, 简体中文, नेपाली, Kreyòl Ayisyen.

    Come join us at an upcoming street outreach pop-up or community events to talk to staff in-person, share your ideas, and ask questions.

    Join our Virtual Office Hours on Thursday, April 25 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. to ask your questions to the project team. Community members can log into the zoom webinar at any time during the event and either ask questions or share your comments to the whole team or join a breakout room to talk one-on-one with a team member.

    After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.

    To join via audio:
    US: +16465588656,,81036250454#,,,,*160078# or +16469313860,,81036250454#,,,,*160078#
    Webinar ID: 810 3625 0454
    Passcode: 160078

    At any time, please feel free to reach out to the Mobility Division with any of your questions or comments at transportation@somervillema.gov or 311 (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 Adrienne Pomeroy in advance at 617-625-6600 x 2059 or apomeroy@somervillema.gov.

  • Visit the West Broadway Reconstruction Open House on April 13

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    Meeting Flyers Available In: English | Español | Português | 繁體中文 | 简体中文 | Kreyòl Ayisyen | नेपाली

    Open House Will Showcase Proposed Street Safety Improvements and Collect Neighborhood Feedback

    Mayor Katjana Ballantyne, Ward 7 Councilor Judy Pineda Neufeld, and City of Somerville staff invite you to an open house to discuss proposed new designs for Broadway between Clarendon Avenue and Alewife Brook Parkway. The event will be held on Saturday, April 13, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m at the West Somerville Neighborhood School.

    In the fall of 2023, community members shared their transportation safety concerns through a range of channels, including street outreach, community meetings, and a survey. The project team reviewed all feedback and has developed a new conceptual design for the street.

    The open house will feature multiple stations describing different aspects of the project. Drop-in anytime during the event to review the conceptual design, and talk with project team members about your feedback, questions, and ideas. We will also have games, snacks, and more!

    Following the event, a recorded presentation and information about the conceptual design will be available on this project website. Other opportunities for community members to share feedback will include an online survey (available from April 13 through May 30), and virtual office hours with Mobility Division staff on April 25 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. (virtual meeting link to come).

    The City's Pedestrian and Transit Advisory Committee (PTAC) also invites community members to join for a West Broadway Community Walk on April 23 at 6:00 p.m. starting at Lou Ann David Park. PTAC will be walking along West Broadway to generate community feedback that will inform the City's designs. Staff members from the Mobility Division will be at the walk to receive this feedback and answer questions. For details, check out the City Calendar.

    If you have any questions, please reach out to our team at transportation@somervillema.gov or by calling 311 (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 Adrienne Pomeroy in advance at 617-625-6600 x 2059 or apomeroy@somervillema.gov.

    Interpretation into any language is available upon advance request (at least seven days in advance) by contacting the SomerViva Office of Immigrant Affairs at somervillema.gov/ContactSomerViva or calling 311 at 617-666-3311.


  • February 2024 Project Update

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    Thank you to all those who participated community outreach activities for the West Broadway Reconstruction Project. We want to provide an update on the design, and the work that’s taken place over the fall.

    Design Update

    At the October 23 community meeting, we shared that we anticipated publishing a concept design at a community meeting in late winter. We now aim to present that concept design to community members in April. This does not impact the future construction schedule but provides us more time to incorporate community feedback and data collection into design development. We will post information about upcoming community meetings on this website. You can also subscribe to the monthly Mobility newsletter to get email notifications direct to your inbox.

    Fall Community Engagement Report

    From September 19, 2023, to December 6, 2023, the City worked to engage community members and gather feedback around transportation safety issues, concerns, and priorities for the street to inform the future West Broadway redesign.

    In this time period, City staff hosted a virtual community meeting, block walked to local businesses, posted flyers on nearby homes, shared flyers at the nearby mobile farmers’ market, hosted a street outreach pop-up, conducted an online survey, facilitated an online public input map, and hosted an in-person meeting at Clarendon Towers. We also logged emails that came to our team and reviewed past 311 service requests that were submitted regarding the street.

    Check out this report describing all the community outreach activities and specific comments, questions, and ideas we received. There is also a short summary below describing what we heard.

    Transit

    Some community members asked the City to consider a morning peak hour bus lane that could revert to parking after the rush hour. Some asked if transit signal priority would be part of the project to help more buses travel faster through intersections. Some also shared skepticism of the effectiveness of short bus lanes and if it reduced delay while some requested more bus lanes so that the buses could avoid congestion. Some advocated for shared bus/bike lanes in the downhill direction over protected bike lanes on both sides. Some advocated for prioritizing bus riders traveling from Clarendon Hill to improve connectivity. Some requested more benches at bus stops or shelters at high ridership locations.

    Biking

    Community members shared the desire for safe biking facilities in both directions and advocated for more bike parking to access businesses. Some advocated for as many floating bus stops as possible to remove the conflict with people biking as well as provide more curbside access for parking since floating bus stops are shorter than curbside bus stops. Some shared their opposition or concerns about bike infrastructure and conveyed that it negatively impacts older adults or people with disabilities who might rely on walking and driving more. Some suggested that if the design only includes a protected bike lane in one direction, that it should be located in the uphill direction. Many shared that they currently feel unsafe traveling on West Broadway because of the poor pavement quality and having to share the road with vehicles that go at high speeds when the road isn’t congested. Some shared that they would only bike on West Broadway if there were protected bike lanes at sidewalk level or curb separated, while some shared that new protected bike facilities make them feel less safe.

    Sidewalks

    Community members shared that some sidewalk panels need to be fixed as they have been upended by large tree roots or are cracked. Some advocated for new and wider sidewalks to help increase pedestrian traffic and support small business patronage. Some advocated for continuous sidewalks at small intersections or installing raised crosswalks to encourage vehicles to slow down when turning onto side streets. Some community members shared that some of the current sidewalks do not have accessible curb ramps.

    Speeding, unsafe driving, and other safety issues

    Some people shared their safety concerns about the entrance and exits at the gas station by Victoria Street creating additional turning conflicts and vulnerabilities for people walking and rolling. Some advocated for more signage or flashing lights to communicate to people driving to slow down. Others shared that congestion seems to prevent speeding; however, it results in people going through red lights and not yielding to crosswalks.

    Pavement condition

    Some community members shared that Broadway is a key route for buses and trucks so the City should be mindful of ensuring pavement durability with a large number of heavy vehicles. Many described the poor quality of the pavement and how that makes it unsafe to both drive and bike on. Some advocated for simply repaving while others advocated for traffic calming once repaved so that vehicles are less likely to speed.

    Traffic management, signals, and pavement markings

    Many people described that signal timing at the signalized intersections is causing massive congestion at peak times. This was particularly described for Alewife Brook Parkway and in Teele Square. Some described that higher volumes coming in and out of Somerville (rather than from Arlington) in addition to the lack of left turn option from Somerville off of Alewife Brook Parkway, causes congestion and vehicles either taking a “Massachusetts left” or turning on the red light. Severe congestion in Teele Square can hold up buses traveling to Davis Square. Some even described that they’ve chosen to walk instead of taking the bus from Clarendon Hill to Davis Square, and managed to beat the bus to the destination. Around the time of the survey release, some adjustments had been made to the signal system in Teele Square. Contractors couldn’t implement all the proposed adjustments, and this resulted in unexpectedly longer queues.

    Amenities

    Some people requested more trash cans especially closer to North Street to help reduce the prevalence of trash.

    Parking

    Some people shared that parking can be necessary for business operations but walking and biking infrastructure could be more critical for frequent access to small businesses. Some shared that parking or curbside access is critical for picking up food or unloading product. Many businesses shared their need for parking for both loading as well as customer access. Some asked the City to consider EV charging options.

    Environment and greenery

    Community members advocated for more green space with opportunities to sit and enjoy the street with benches and shade coverage. Some advocated for using wide sections of sidewalk for new plantings. Some shared that there are segments with no trees making the street less comfortable to walk on.

    Operations

    Some community members advocated for parking enforcement paired with changes. They described some improvements in other parts of the city aren’t as effective when people park in bus stops or on bike lanes.

    Crossings and intersections

    Many comments, questions, and concerns that we heard focused on intersections and crosswalks along the street. Many people who use the crosswalks along the street say people driving often fail to yield to people waiting to cross and speed through when the street isn’t congested. Many advocated for flashing crosswalk signs, crossing islands, and other features to make intersections safer for all users. Some requested that more of the side street crosswalks be moved closer to Broadway rather than set back to make pedestrians more visible to turning vehicles. Some shared that new protected bike lanes make visibility at crosswalks worse. The survey report provides detailed comments, but some of the most mentioned intersections we heard about within the project limit are the crossings between Clarendon Towers and Stop & Shop, and Clarendon Avenue at Broadway.

    • At Clarendon Towers and Stop & Shop, many cited the lack of safety at the crossing. They described that vehicles turn off Alewife Brook Parkway and speed through the crossing and don’t always yield to people waiting to cross. The crosswalk itself has holes where even some residents have fallen. Some advocated for a traffic signal to make vehicles stop at a red light so people can safely cross. Some asked for improvements sooner than the planned construction for the project. Many advocated for prioritizing this crossing for safety improvements.
    • Many described how the crosswalk at Clarendon Avenue is unsafe to cross. Many shared that they believe vehicles are trying to turn onto Clarendon Avenue to get to Massachusetts Avenue. The high volumes and lack of signal at this specific intersection causes congestion and drivers to quickly take a left from the westbound direction ignoring pedestrians in the crosswalk. Some described that this turn is often blocked as well by vehicles trying to travel into Teele Square causing backups in the westbound direction.
    • Many community members also discussed challenges at Farragut Avenue, Russell Road, Garrison Street, and Victoria Street describing issues like poor visibility for people driving seeing oncoming vehicles when trying to make turns, and difficulties seeing pedestrians trying to cross.
Page last updated: 04 Dec 2024, 04:32 PM