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Cambridge Street Corridor Improvements
Project Goals
The Cambridge Street Corridor Improvements project was substantially complete in 2005. Project goals were to make the street safer and more inviting for pedestrians, improve the condition of the roadway and sidewalks, improve the look of the street by planting additional street trees, improve the aesthetics and function of the street lighting and improve the open spaces along the corridor.
Public Process
The Cambridge Street Advisory Committee, residents, business owners, city staff and consultants worked together to develop the Cambridge Street Action Plan and subsequent design documents.
This file is in PDF format and requires use of the free Adobe Acrobat viewer.
Go
to Cambridge Street Action Plan - 1997 (162 KB)
Project Plan
Highlights of the completed project are as follows.
Roadway and Sidewalk Improvements
The road and sidewalk surfaces were reconstructed on Cambridge Street between Lechmere Square and Inman Square, to include a typical street cross section of:
- 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 are concrete with a 3 foot brick edging strip. Street trees, lights, signage, parking meters, bicycle parking, benches and trash receptacles have been located in the 3 foot brick edging strip.
On-Street Parking
The total number of free, handicap, and metered parking spaces on Cambridge Street was increased by over 20 spaces.
Curb Extensions
Curb extensions were 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.
Example of Curb Extension
Street Lighting
All of the existing cobra head street lighting on Cambridge Street between Lechmere Square and Inman Square was replaced with attractive pedestrian and vehicular scale lighting fixtures.
Street Trees
Approximately 140 new street trees were 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 were replaced. The new street name signs are larger than the existing ones and easier for people to read. The parking regulation signs have been 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 at the three lots were included i this project.
Open Space Improvements
The Cambridge Street Corridor Improvements project included rebuilding and improvements to three public parks and plazas.
Valente Library Park
The side yard of the Valente Library was 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 new benches in the park are cat-shaped bronze benches designed by Cambridge artist Judy McKie.
Go
to more information about the Valente Library Park artwork
Millers River Park
Millers River Park is located next to the railroad tracks on the north side of Cambridge Street. Improvements include a new lawn area, benches, lighting and a raised planting bed.
Vellucci Community Plaza in Inman Square
Reconstruction of Vellucci Community Plaza in Inman Square is now complete. This area was not originally included in the Cambridge Street project.
Go to more information about the Vellucci
Plaza Park artwork
For More Information
For more information about the Cambridge Street Corridor Improvements project contact Katherine Watkins in the Public Works Department, at kwatkins@cambridgema.gov, or 617/349-4751. The Public Works Department TTY line is 617/349-4805.
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