Explore newly redesigned and reconstructed walk- and bike-friendly street

Come celebrate the transformation of Tufts Street into Somerville’s newest “Neighborway.” On Tuesday, October 6, at 11 a.m., the City of Somerville will host a ribbon cutting to mark the completion of the street’s recent redesign and reconstruction to increase safety for pedestrians and cyclists. The event will be held at Leonard Grimes Park, located at the corner of Tufts Street and Glen Street.

In the Somerville Bicycle Network Plan Tufts Street is designated as a “Neighborway,” which is a walk- and bike-friendly street designed to lower vehicle volumes and speeds. In addition to rebuilding the sidewalks and repaving the street, the redesign includes traffic calming such as raised crossings that make it easier – and safer – to cross the street. The reimagined street also features landscaped areas for plants and trees as well as a new mural to create a more environmentally friendly and welcoming experience for everyone using the street.

“Our neighborhood streets should be built for our community, not someone passing through and looking to skip traffic on McGrath Highway,” said Mayor Jake Wilson. “We are a city that prides ourselves on innovation, and this is an innovative approach to make our streets safer for our residents. I want to thank everyone involved including all the community members who shared their perspectives throughout design and our project partners at Neighborways Design.”

After over a year spent engaging community members, analyzing traffic patterns, testing emergency vehicle operations, and finalizing plans, construction began in late summer of 2025. It is expected to conclude with the planting of approximately 45 new street trees over the coming weeks.

“Tufts Street was a long-neglected road that operated as a cut through for out-of-town traffic. Due to resident advocacy and a responsive city government, Tufts Street is now a safe neighborhood road for pedestrians,” said Ward 1 City Councilor Matt McLaughlin.

Neighborways are an important part of the city’s Bicycle Network Plan. Designed to be low-stress and high-comfort, these residential streets provide two-way connections for people biking and an alternative to busier streets for pedestrians and cyclists.

“The city’s Neighborways are a network of quieter streets that get you to the schools, parks and business districts without a lot of traffic,” said Mark Chase, Founder and Principal at Neighborways Design. “These streets are designed to be calmer, more beautiful, and safer for people biking and walking around town. Tufts Street is getting a lot more trees, and the mural here shows off the work of local artists, adding color and a nature theme that the neighbors wanted on their street.”

For more information on the project including the project’s final design and an overview of the community process that helped inform it, visit somervillema.gov/tuftsstreet.

To view this update and more city news on the city website, visit somervillema.gov/news.