The Somerville Bicycle Advisory Committee is weighing in on its views regarding plans to overhaul sidewalks and repave Tufts Street and its immediate environs. — Photos by Bobbie Toner

By Beatriz Leite

This past Thursday, November 16, the Somerville Bicycle Advisory Committee met to further discuss the plans for Tufts Street reconstruction. The meeting primarily centered on the concept design with a focus on the overarching goals to improve safety and accessibility.

As part of the City of Somerville’s Pavement and Sidewalk Management Program, there are plans to overhaul sidewalks and repave Tufts Street, stretching from Cross Street to Washington Street. This initiative presents an opportunity for the city to introduce a new design that prioritizes the safety and comfort of pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers alike.

Alongside the scheduled enhancements on Tufts Street, the MBTA intends to implement a novel crosswalk on Washington Street adjacent to Tufts Street. This crosswalk will feature a floating bus stop, aiming to reduce crossing distances and enhance visibility. Floating bus stops are sidewalk extensions designed to offer designated waiting and boarding areas for bus passengers. This approach not only streamlines bus services but also enhances accessibility by allowing buses to stop in the travel lane instead of pulling over to the curb.

The Committee’s objective is to enhance safety for cyclists by reducing the number of vehicles, without excluding them from the reconstruction plans.

One of the possible plans involves conducting car pull-overs at intersections of Cross St., Glen St., and Washington St., raising sidewalks, while also creating bicycle pull-overs and a bicycle protected lane. The project is also concerned with buses, and for that a bus stopping island will be built.

For the curb usage, the Committee is proposing pull-overs and two accessible parking spaces. As for the remaining space, which consists of 4-5 parking spaces, the Committee is considering two alternatives. Option A involves maintaining areas for a wider sidewalk, planting approximately one tree per space, and creating green spaces, and option B which consists of adding parking spaces.

 The plan is not yet finalized and remains open to modifications. To gather public input and opinions, the city conducted a Tufts Street Concept Design Feedback session on November 13. Take the survey at somervillema.gov/tuftsstreet to share your comments, thoughts, and ideas. If you have any questions, email transportation@somervillema.gov.