Safety Changes Coming To Notorious Somerville Rotary This Month

SOMERVILLE, MA — Improvements to Powder House Circle will officially be underway in mid-August, city officials said Friday. The "antiquated" rotary, notorious for its high volume of crashes, will be converted into a modern roundabout using quick-build materials like pavement markings, signs and flex posts.

The project will shorten crosswalks, relocate bus stops and install protected bike lanes. A single travel lane around the circle is expected to reduce dangerous weaving of cars, officials said.

As a quick-build project, the work will not include any heavy construction, bringing about immediate safety improvements to the rotary. The city is also planning more permanent changes to the area, such as curb extensions and the addition of new green space. A full visual breakdown of the project can be viewed at somervillema.gov/PowderHouseCircle.

"This is Vision Zero in action," Mayor Joseph Curtatone said, referencing the city's strategic plan to eliminate crashes that result in severe injuries and fatalities. "Our community asks us to take bold and proactive steps to reduce risk at locations like Powder House Circle. This new design will make the intersection safer and more predictable for all users. It will also address a major barrier for Somerville families who wish to walk or bike to our wonderful public schools."

One major change: pedestrians will no longer be able to cut through the center of the rotary, which stops vehicular traffic and increases the chances of getting hit by a car. A safer, more efficient pedestrian passage around the outer rim of the circle will be created instead.

For drivers, the new design should enable a steady flow of traffic at reduced speeds, limiting the potential for collisions. Cyclists will have their own lanes leading into and around the circle.

"Somerville residents have advocated for a safer, slower Powder House Circle," Mobility Division Director Brad Rawson said. "Our staff are excited to implement the community’s vision, and we’re working hard to complete these changes in time for the start of school this fall. I want to thank our stakeholders who have been engaged in this project and other safe streets initiatives in Somerville."