The two cities are collaborating on improving traffic flow at an intersection dangerous especially for bicyclists and pedestrians.
Somerville is finishing the bid process for the quick-build construction portions of the Elm-Beacon Connector project, with the goal of completing the safety improvement project by Thanksgiving. Adam Polinski, a senior planner for Somerville’s Mobility Department, said in an email to Cambridge Day that the bid process is nearly complete for markings and signal work. The city has begun changing out signs.
The project, which includes collaboration with Cambridge, will calm Elm Street, making crossings at Willow Avenue and at The Mix (the former Porter Square Shopping Mall) more pedestrian friendly. A raised crosswalk will also be added at Cherry Street by the Kennedy Elementary School, while Mossland Street will be converted to a “Neighborhood Way.”
Beyond the general safety improvements, the project will provide a separated bicycle lane from Davis Square to Union Square with a spur to Beacon Street, feeding into where a raised and separated bike lane runs to Inman and Kendall squares. Cambridge, through its Beech St. at Elm St. Pedestrian Safety Project, will make similar safety improvements on Beech Street, which connects Mass. Ave. to Elm Street.
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