Somerville Davis Square Improvement Work Scheduled To Resume

SOMERVILLE, MA — The City of Somerville is reminding residents that the next round of safety and accessibility improvements in David Square is scheduled to start next month.

Beginning in September, city contractors will be working to improve crossings and sidewalks, according to Somerville's Department of Infrastructure and Asset Management.

The work will involve replacing bricks on Elm Street and Grove Street.

"Reconstructed sidewalks will consist of concrete panels with brick accents," city officials said. " Concrete sidewalks increase safety and mobility for people of all ages and abilities."

In early October, the City of Somerville will be working with the MBTA to upgrade traffic signal equipment and timing at the intersection of Highland Avenue, Holland Street and College Avenue.

The changes will include:

• Adding a flashing yellow signal to indicate that traffic turning right onto Holland Street from College Avenue is required to yield to people crossing.
• Installing a priority transit signal to improve bus service in Davis Square.
• Phase changes that are intended to improve safety for people crossing Highland Avenue, Dover Street and College Avenue.
• Adding bicycle signals at Highland Avenue and the Davis Square busway.

"These changes are intended to increase safety and improve the experience of moving through Davis Square for all users of our roads," city officials said.

City officials said that temporary parking restrictions and short-term detours are anticipated during construction, and signs will be posted informing the public about these changes.

Additionally, sidewalk access may be restricted at times to facilitate construction. When that's the case, temporary sidewalks will be installed to maintain a safe crossing and allow access to nearby businesses and homes, officials said.

Last fall, crews installed seven new Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA)-compliant accessible curb ramps around Davis Square. Plus, contractors installed new crosswalks across Holland Street, Dover Street, Day Street, College Avenue and Highland Avenue, replacing the brick surface with asphalt.

More information about Davis Square upgrades is available on the City of Somerville website.