Central St. between Summer St. and Highland Avenue to become one-way (northbound) for vehicle traffic

On May 30, 2024, in Latest News, by The Somerville Times

Change will precede construction of streetscape improvements including new sidewalks, cycle tracks in each direction, and new tree plantings. — Photo courtesy of City of Somerville

Beginning on Monday, June 17 or soon after, the segment of Central Street between Summer Street and Highland Avenue will become a permanently one-way northbound (travel from Summer St. north toward Highland Ave.) street for vehicle traffic.

This change will facilitate the implementation of a new design and construction of streetscape improvements on Central Street (Summer St. to Highland Ave.).

Over the summer and fall, construction crews will be working to:

Construct a new 12-foot-wide travel lane
Install sidewalk-level cycle tracks in each direction
Prepare tree pits for new plantings
Deliver additional improvements

This work follows the installation of new water, sewer, and drainage utilities along the same stretch of Central Street last fall.

About the Conversion to One-Way Vehicle Traffic

City contractors will install the required signage associated with this change prior to implementation. Message boards will also be placed at key points along Central Street and Highland Avenue to alert people to change in traffic pattern.

During the initial phase construction (beginning June 17, or soon after), Central Street will be closed during work hours (typically weekdays, 7:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.) until the first layer of asphalt is installed.

Access will be retained for residents and notification will be provided prior to paving. Afterwards, the roadway will reopen during normal work hours while construction continues. Emergency services and other essential city operations were consulted during the design process and have been notified of the implementation timeline.

For more information, visit somervillema.gov/springhill. If you have questions, please email construction@somervillema.gov or call the Engineering Division at (617) 625-6600 x 5400.

More on the Spring Hill Sewer Separation Project

Somerville’s Spring Hill neighborhood has historically been served by a combined sewer system, which collects both wastewater and stormwater runoff in the same pipes. Through the Sewer Separation project, the City is working to upgrade these systems by installing new storm drains that separate stormwater from the existing combined sewer.  

In addition to the underground utility improvements, this project will also install street safety improvements and green infrastructure throughout the neighborhood. Green infrastructure includes trees as well as drainage features designed to mimic natural processes such as irrigated planting areas, bioretention basins with select soils and plants that catch and filter stormwater.

This project is one in a series of actions the City is undertaking to reduce water pollution, address flooding, and modernize Somerville’s infrastructure. Construction began in 2022 and is expected to continue through 2025. 

— City of Somerville