The next steps detailed in the plan include a number of additional improvements already scheduled for the current construction season as well as some new elements developed this year in response to community input. In addition to other safety interventions, key safety features included are a series of three speed tables near the West Somerville Neighborhood School, a conversion of the signalized intersection at Curtis St. to a 4-way stop, a large sidewalk bump out at North Street that will narrow the western pedestrian crossing from 70 to 30 feet, and a pedestrian-activated HAWK signal in front of the school designed to slow and fully stop traffic with a series of yellow and red lights.

The plan also updates existing plans for a “road diet” for the Boulevard, an effective approach for slowing traffic by narrowing the vehicle travel lanes. To achieve this, single-lane bike lanes had been previously planned for Fall 2019 for the Boulevard to both improve cyclist safety as well to narrow the road. In collaboration with the Somerville Bicycle Committee, discussions will be held from May through the summer to determine if the community prefers the existing plan or a two-lane, two-way bike path that could have additional safety benefits for both cyclists and pedestrians but would require the elimination of a significant amount of parking.

Every action detailed in the plan aims to increase pedestrian and cyclist safety on Powder House Boulevard as well as the safety of all participants in traffic including motorists. Each feature works both independently to calm traffic and increase safety and as part of an overall system of traffic calming. Overall efforts combine both existing and emerging best practices that are well tested for their traffic calming efficacy.

City staff will be set up at the West Somerville Neighborhood School for Office Hours to listen to plan feedback and answer questions at the times noted below. A date for a community meeting in May to update on plan progress and start community discussion on the bike lane options will be announced soon. Please sign up for the City newsletter for updates at www.somervillema.gov/newsletter to get a notice of the meeting date. Anyone with questions about the plan may also email transportation@somervillema.gov.

Powder House Blvd. Traffic Safety Plan Public Office Hours