Somerville Traffic and Parking Committee Meeting - October 6, 2026

The Traffic and Parking Committee of the Somerville City Council met on October 6, 2026 (per system; meeting minutes list the date as October 5, 2026). The meeting was called to order at 6:05 PM and adjourned at 7:48 PM. Chair Naima Sait presided, with Councilors Ben Wheeler and Wilfred N. Mbah present. Also in attendance were Director of Transportation & Infrastructure Brad Rawson and Director of Engineering Brian Postlewaite. Several agenda items were discussed, including the MBTA bus network redesign, intersection safety improvements, and community path enhancements.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Minutes (ID #26-1148): The minutes from the June 22, 2026 meeting were approved unanimously.

Discussion Items

4. MBTA Bus Network Redesign (ID #26-1183)

• The Pedestrian and Transit Advisory Committee (PTAC) submitted comments on the MBTA's proposal to eliminate Route 80, which currently serves Ball Square, Magoun Square, Gilman Square, East Somerville, and Lechmere. Director Rawson explained that the MBTA’s approved plan would reroute the west side to Davis Square, but the city has consistently expressed concerns. Mayor Wilson has communicated with MBTA General Manager Phil Eng. Route 80 ridership is at approximately 30% of pre-pandemic levels. The MBTA completed a community feedback round in September and will provide an update in winter 2026-2027. Chair Sait noted the potential loss of service for the 115 Sycamore School. Councilor Wheeler highlighted issues with Route 85’s early last bus and limited weekend service. The item was recommended to be marked work complete, with a commitment to submit a new order in January to continue tracking.

5. No Turn on Red Sign at Broadway and Cedar (ID #26-1425)

• Chair Sait described unsafe conditions at the intersection, especially during baseball season due to proximity to Trum Field and heavy truck traffic from DPW. Director Rawson noted that 97% of city-owned signalized intersections already have no-turn-on-red regulations. Staff will assess signal timing and bring a recommendation to the Traffic Commission. The intersection is part of the upcoming Broadway-Magoun reconstruction project (bidding winter 2026-2027, construction next summer). Councilor Wheeler suggested a citywide no-turn-on-red policy similar to Cambridge. The item was kept in committee pending further staff analysis.

6. Vernon and Partridge Intersection Safety (ID #26-1426)

• Director Rawson reported that data has been collected, but the traffic calming program has limited resources. Staff prioritize based on speeds, volumes, and proximity to schools, senior centers, etc. An update is expected in fall 2026. In the meantime, other safety improvements (e.g., Clear Corners program) can be considered. The item was recommended to be marked work complete.

7. Traffic Calming in Prospect Hill (ID #26-1112)

• Director Rawson acknowledged significant resident advocacy. Data collection on identified streets will occur in October 2026, with processing taking a few months. Results will be posted on the city’s traffic calming webpage. The item was recommended to be marked work complete.

8 & 10. Community Path Safety and Signage (IDs #26-0138 & #26-0136)

• Director Rawson presented short-term safety measures: thermoplastic speed humps (already tested), upgraded signage with graphics, and pavement markings. These are based on a 1,200-person survey and are being implemented fall 2026. The measures aim to slow faster-moving users (e-bikes, scooters) and improve sharing of the path. Chair Sait noted that enforcement will be discussed at the next meeting. Item #8 (signage) was recommended approved; item #10 (broader safety strategies) was kept in committee for future enforcement discussions.

9. Lowell and School Street Crosswalks (ID #26-0137)

• Director Postlewaite provided updates: For Lowell Street near Maxwell’s Green, the original crossing at the station was not feasible due to fire department access. A raised crossing at Lowell and Vernon Streets was selected instead, which does not require MassDOT approval. It will be incorporated into the Broadway-Magoun project (bidding winter 2026-2027, construction next summer). For School Street near Montrose, the crossing design is complicated by the bridge structure and fire department turning needs. Staff are working with MassDOT and expect to present a final design for approval before the end of 2026, with construction documents by mid-summer/fall 2027 for the FY28 annual streets contract. The item was recommended approved.

Key Outcomes

• Approvals: Minutes (unanimous), Items #8 and #9 (2-0, Mbah absent), Items #4, #6, #7 (recommended work complete).
• Kept in Committee: Items #2, #3 (parking permits), #5 (no turn on red), and #10 (community path safety strategies).
• Next Steps: Staff to assess signal timing for Broadway/Cedar, continue data collection for Prospect Hill and Vernon/Partridge, implement community path treatments, and advance crosswalk designs. A future meeting in November will address enforcement on the community path and elsewhere.
• Note on Date: The meeting minutes list the date as October 5, 2026, but the official system records the meeting as October 6, 2026. The summary uses the system date as instructed.