From 1997 to 2004, a Citizen Advisory Committee worked with the City’s Community Development Department to analyze many options for improving the safety and function of Porter Square for all users. The Committee agreed upon the following goals:

• Reduce vehicular domination of Porter Square
• Improve conditions for pedestrians, bicyclists, and transit users, particularly for pedestrians crossing Somerville Ave at the T stop
• Reduce cut-through and shopping center related vehicular traffic on neighboring residential streets
• Improve the streetscape and create a sense of place in Porter Square
• Improve traffic safety

Construction on these surface improvements provides an opportunity to make much needed drainage improvements to minimize flooding in this area.

The following surface improvements were designed based on the Citizen Advisory Committee's goals:

• Seven additional crosswalks and improved crosswalk markings to give pedestrians more direct access and more options for crossing
• Reduced delay at signalized crosswalks and additional crossing time
• A left-turn out of the shopping center onto southbound Mass. Ave
• An exclusive right turn lane from northbound Mass Ave to Somerville Ave
• An enlarged plaza to enhance Porter Square and create a new sense of place
• Bicycle lanes added through the project area and partial removal of median

Construction on these surface improvements provides an opportunity to make the following much needed drainage improvements to minimize flooding in this area:

• Installation of 29 catch basins in Mass Ave, Somerville Ave, and White St
• Installation of approximately 550 feet of new storm drain, with associated manholes, in White St
• Lining of approximately 1,200 feet of combined sewer in Mass Ave and Somerville Ave
• Water main replacement and removal of lead services in White St

Construction on this project began in November 2004, and will take approximately 16 months to complete. Final roadway paving and completion of the plaza are scheduled for spring 2006.

General work hours for this construction will be Monday through Friday, 7 AM to 5 PM. Evening and weekend construction will be minimized to the greatest extent possible, and will be limited to certain types of utility work or emergency situations.

The City of Cambridge recognizes that during construction in Porter Square, it is important to consider the needs of businesses, residents, pedestrians, bicyclists, and drivers. We are committed to managing this construction in the most effective manner possible. Bruno Cardarelli, Senior Resident Engineer for SEA Consultants, will be on site daily to ensure that the best construction practices are observed. If you need assistance during construction, please call Bruno at (617) 234-0030.

If you have any questions or concerns during this construction, please contact Rebecca Fuentes, Community Relations Manager for the Department of Public Works at (617) 349-6948/ rfuentes@cambridgema.gov; please also contact Rebecca if you have a special need or disability that requires an accommodation or continuation of special services during construction. If you are directed to Rebecca’s voicemail, you will have the option of leaving a message, or connecting to the receptionist, who can page a member of the project team in the field in the case of an emergency.

If an emergency arises after hours or on weekends, please call the 24-Hour line at (617) 349-4860.

Thank you in advance for your patience during construction. We hope you enjoy these improvements to Porter Square once they are completed.

• To learn more about the Porter Square Advisory Committee, design, and planning, please visit, http://www.cambridgema.gov/~CDD/et/infra/psq/psq.html, or contact Bill Deignan at (617) 349-4632/ wdeignan@cambridgema.gov.
• To learn more about the Arts Council component of the project, please visit, http://www.cambridgema.gov/~CAC/public_progress_11.htm, or contact Lillian Hsu, at (617) 349-4389/ lhsu@cambridgema.gov.