The transformation of Mass. Ave. from a transportation corridor to one of Arlington’s great pedestrian-friendly streets is underway. The Town received confirmation of state and federal funding to redesign the eastern section of Mass. Ave. from the Cambridge city line to Pond Lane. Public Meetings have been scheduled to inform residents about the project, listen to concerns, and solicit ideas.
The primary goal of the project is to create a healthy balance between automobiles, bikes, pedestrians, and transit users. The Redesign will strive to create a truly livable, pedestrian friendly street, where people feel safe and comfortable meeting, shopping, and strolling, while also creating a vehicular traffic system that is safe, efficient, and easy to navigate.
During this process the Town will consider a number of different kinds of improvements, including:
Shorter and more visible crosswalks.
Clearly marked and dedicated bikeways and travel lanes.
Changes in street width and sidewalk width that offer options for seating, cafés and landscaping.
Improved on-street parking to support a healthy retail environment in the East Arlington commercial district.
Improved and coordinated traffic signals.
Pedestrian scale lighting for safety at key locations.
Street furnishings that make using Mass. Ave. more comfortable.
The Town is currently in the design stage of Phase 1 of the project. Phase 1 is focused on the area between the Cambridge city line and Pond Lane (map).
Public meetings have been held to inform residents about the project and solicit input. You can view a history of these meetings and other archive materials here.
Current Plans (in pdf format)
Summary of Mass Ave Corridor Plan approved by the Board of Selectmen August 10, 2009
Mass Ave West originally posted June 16, 2009 - now with close up views - Pond Lane to Oxford St
Mass Ave East originally posted June 16, 2009 - now with close up views - Oxford Street to Alewife Brook Parkway
Historic Chronology - At a glance chronology of project goals and timeline since 1996 compiled by the Transportation Advisory Committee (TAC).
The project is being managed for the Town by the Planning Department and the Department of Public Works, with participation from the Transportation Advisory Committee. Fay, Spofford & Thorndike are the engineering consultants to the Town. A Review Committee has also been established to advise on the project.
Residents are encouraged to send questions or comments to Laura Wiener, Senior Planner, at lwiener@town.arlington.ma.us or call 781-316-3091.
There are plans for future development of the Mass. Ave. Corridor to Arlington Center after the completion of Phase 1.
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