Roadway
and Sidewalk Improvements
The road and sidewalk surfaces will be reconstructed
on Cambridge Street between Lechmere Square
and Inman Square. The typical street cross
section will be:
- One parking lane (7.5 feet wide) adjacent
to the curb on each side of the street.
- Two travel lanes, one eastbound and
one westbound. Each travel lane will be
striped for an 11 foot vehicular travel
lane and a 5 foot buffer zone to minimize
conflicts between moving vehicles and
parked cars.
- Sidewalks will be concrete with a 3-foot
brick-edging strip. Street trees, lights,
signage, parking meters, bicycle parking,
benches and trash receptacles will be
located in the 3 foot brick-edging strip.
On-Street Parking
The availability of on-street parking spaces
has been and remains an important concern
for residents, business owners and patrons
along Cambridge Street. Throughout the planning
process, maintaining existing on-street
parking spaces has been a priority. The
total number of free, handicap, and metered
parking spaces on Cambridge Street will
be increased by over 20 spaces.
Curb Extensions
Curb extensions will be constructed along
Cambridge Street. Curb extensions enlarge
sidewalks at intersections. They make it
easier for pedestrians and drivers to see
each other, shorten the distance pedestrians
have to cross and slow turning vehicles.
Street Lighting
All of the existing cobra head street lighting
on Cambridge Street between Lechmere Square
and Inman Square will be replaced. The new
lighting includes attractive pedestrian
and vehicular scale lighting fixtures.
Street Trees
Approximately 140 new street trees will
be planted along Cambridge Street. The location
and species of the street trees have been
carefully selected to minimize conflicts
with utilities, parking, street lights,
loading zones and bus stops.
Signage
All of the street name and regulatory signs
on Cambridge Street will be replaced. The
new street name signs will be larger than
the existing ones and easier for people
to read. The parking regulation signs will
be located in such a way as to minimize
their number.
Municipal Parking Lots
The Springfield Street, Windsor Street and
Warren Street municipal parking lots provide
vital parking for the Cambridge Street business
community. Signage, landscaping and lighting
improvements will be constructed at the
three lots.
OPEN SPACES
Valente Library Park
The current side yard of the Valente Library
will be transformed into a park with a reading
garden. The improvements include benches,
plantings, lighting and reconfiguring the
Library’s front entrance to accommodate
an accessible ramp. Three of the benches
in the park will be cat-shaped bronze benches
designed by Cambridge artist Judy McKie.
[please
click here for
more on the Valente Library artwork]
Millers River Park
Millers River Park is located next to the
railroad tracks on the north side of Cambridge
Street. It is currently an under utilized
open space that is in need of attention.
The improvements include a new lawn area,
benches, lighting and a raised planting
bed.
Vellucci Community Plaza in Inman
Square
This plaza, in the heart of Inman Square,
will be upgraded to include nicer plantings
and trees as well as better opportunities
to sit and gather.
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