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Traffic Calming
What Is Traffic Calming?
The goal of traffic calming projects is to improve the quality of life in neighborhoods and allow cars to peacefully coexist with other modes of transportation. Traffic calming involves the creation of physical and visual cues, such as speed tables, sidewalk neck downs, and roadway markings which slow the speed of traffic and increase safety. The Department generally considers implementing these streetscape changes the request of community members, with construction often taking place in the course of other projects, such as street repaving and sewer reconstruction.
Examples of Traffic Calming Techniques
Two common elements of traffic calming projects in Cambridge are raised crosswalks and curb extensions.
View an example of a Raised Crosswalk
View an example of a Curb
Extension
Traffic Calming Projects
FY 07 - Projects Anticipated for Design
Traffic calming projects anticipated during Fiscal Year 2007 (July 2006 to June 2007) include the following :
- Brattle Street - Fresh Pond Parkway to Sparks Street
- Middlesex Street - Rindge Avenue to Pemberton Avenue
- Walden Street - Richdale Avenue to Sherman Street
- Cushing Street - Lawn to Belmont Line
FY 07 - Projects Under Design
Traffic calming projects currently under design include the following:
- Rindge Avenue - Rice Street to Alewife Brook - Curb extensions
- Upland Road - Massachusetts Avenue to Newell Street - Curb extensions, chicanes
- Mount Auburn - Fresh Pond Parkway to Story Street - Curb extensions, crossing islands
- Huron Avenue - Cushing Street to Park Avenue - Curb extensions, crossing island
- Cameron Avenue - Raised intersection at Linear Park
FY 05 - 06 Projects Under Contract or Under Construction
Traffic calming projects currently under contract or under construction include the following:
- Blanchard Road - Concord Avenue to City line - Curb extension, chicane
- Windsor Street - Broadway to Main Street - Raised intersection
- Huron Avenue - Grove Street to Cushing Street - Curb extension, sidewalks
Completed Projects
Completed traffic calming projects include the following among others:
- Clifton Street -Raised Intersection at Dudley Street
- Garden Street - Curb extensions, additional sidewalk along Cambridge Common
- Pemberton Street - Raised crosswalk at Yerxa Road
Resources
These files are in PDF format and require use of the free Adobe Acrobat viewer.
- Traffic Calming Brochure (354 KB)
- Traffic Calming Request form
- Useful Links and a Bibliography are available through the Resources list
For More Information
For more information about Traffic Calming contact Juan Avendano, javendano@cambridgema.gov, at 617/349-4655. The Community Development Department TTY line is 617/349-4621.
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