Somerville Traffic and Parking Committee Meeting - March 17, 2026

The Somerville City Council Traffic and Parking Committee met virtually on March 17, 2026, at 6:00 PM, chaired by Councilor Naima Sait. The meeting was called to order and adjourned at 7:30 PM with a roll call vote of 3 in favor (Councilors Wheeler, Mbah, and Sait), 0 opposed. Also present were Director of Mobility Brad Rawson, Senior Transportation Planner Justin Schreiber, and Clerk of Committees Delaney Fisher-Cassiol. The committee discussed updates on the McGrath Boulevard project, reviewed recommendations from the Pedestrian and Transit Advisory Committee (PTAC), and approved a new no-turn-on-red sign.

Consent Calendar

• Approved the minutes of the Traffic and Parking Committee meetings of October 27, 2025 (ID #25-1707) and November 17, 2025 (ID #25-1777) by unanimous vote of all three members.

Discussion Items

• McGrath Boulevard Project Update (Items 3, 4, 6): Director Rawson and Planner Schreiber presented an overview of the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) McGrath Boulevard project, which is a $130 million, four-year construction effort to transform the elevated highway into a surface boulevard. The project is at the 25% design milestone, with construction expected to begin in federal fiscal year 2027 (calendar year 2028) at an annual spending of $20–30 million. The committee reviewed PTAC’s technical comments, including:
  • Otis Street Crossing: PTAC requested reinstatement of a full traffic signal instead of a pedestrian hybrid beacon (HAWK) or rectangular rapid-flashing beacon (RFB). Staff noted that MassDOT is constrained by state warrants but are advocating for a RFB or full signal, and highlighted that a raised crosswalk at this location—a first for a high-volume state roadway—was secured through community advocacy.
  • Target Speed: PTAC advocated for a 25 mph target speed instead of the proposed 30 mph. Staff explained that MassDOT has set the target at 30 mph due to intersection spacing, but physical design elements like raised crosswalks and curb extensions are prioritized to reduce operating speeds. Current 85th percentile speeds are around 40 mph, so 30 mph is a significant improvement. A post-construction speed study could allow for a lower posted limit.
  • Prospect Hill Avenue/Cross Street Crossing: The design includes a Z-shaped crossing with ramps to accommodate elevation changes. Councilor Wheeler raised concerns about long crossing distances potentially encouraging jaywalking. Staff noted that the design team is working to minimize the distance and that the crossing was added after earlier designs omitted it.
  • Median Width and Transit: PTAC requested narrower medians to widen sidewalks, but staff argued that a 10-foot median is needed for large trees and pedestrian refuge. Sidewalks are proposed to be 8 feet wide with additional buffer space. The design preserves the ability to add future north-south bus service (e.g., Route 85 along McGrath) without major reconstruction. The MBTA is considering bus stop locations based on this assumption.
  • Aldrich-Virginia Street Closure (Item 6): The committee discussed a resolution to block off the end of Virginia Street and Aldrich Street to through traffic as part of the McGrath project. Staff recommended a “wait and see” approach until after the project is implemented, as the city has not completed its technical review and there are concerns about unintended traffic impacts on nearby streets. No changes will be made in advance of construction.
• No Turn on Red Sign (Item 5): Director Rawson reported that the city’s technical evaluation supports installing a NO TURN ON RED sign at the intersection of Bow Street and Warren Avenue to improve pedestrian and cyclist safety. Installation is scheduled for spring 2026, weather permitting. Councilors thanked staff for the swift action.

Key Outcomes

• All items (3, 4, 5, 6) were recommended to be marked as work completed by unanimous vote of the committee.
• Staff will continue advocating for the best safety treatments at the Otis Street crossing, including full signalization or a RFB, and will push for raised crosswalks at additional locations.
• The no-turn-on-red sign at Bow and Warren Avenue will be installed in spring 2026.
• No changes to the Aldrich-Virginia intersection will be made before the McGrath Boulevard project advances.
• The committee acknowledged the volunteer efforts of PTAC, the Bicycle Advisory Committee, and community groups like the Somerville Alliance for Safe Streets and the McGrath Coalition.