The aim of the project is to advance mobility for people moving between Tufts Street and the city line of Boston

By Ewan Henrie

The Mobility Division of Somerville held a meeting on June 17 where it announced a project designed to improve the safety of East Washington Street.

The aim of the project is to advance mobility for people moving between Tufts Street and the city line of Boston. This project was designed to connect with the Somerville Bike Network Plan and to meet the goals of the Somerville Safe Streets Ordinance.

The first topic discussed was the implementation of protected bike lanes in both directions of Washington Street. This will be achieved by moving the bike lanes next to the curb and also installing new areas that are buffered with barriers between the parking and vehicle lanes.

The next topic covered was increasing visibility for people using the sidewalks. The decision was made to restrict adjacent parking to clear corners of the crosswalk in all intersections of East Washington St.

The experience of bus riders will also be enhanced, due to evaluations of stops for potential relocation to reduce delay and improve accessibility. Another delay being shortened is the transit delay, as bus lanes will also be evaluated for relocation and possible expansion.

Finally, the Mobility Division discussed working with the citizens of Somerville and its businesses to discover where parking regulations on the street can be updated. Side streets will also be updated for the benefit of customers and residents.