Inman Square

Inman Square Reopening Celebration & Rededication of the Mayor Alfred E. Vellucci Community Plaza

Saturday, October 21 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Vellucci Plaza at Cambridge and Hampshire streets (in front of Moona)

Join us to celebrate the completion of the Inman Square Improvements! Check out new pedestrian crossings, separated bike lanes, new public art installation, an improved Vellucci Community Plaza, and much more. Learn about the plaza’s namesake, Alfred E. Vellucci, who served as the Mayor of Cambridge for 4 terms between 1960-1990. Mayor Vellucci was known for his advocacy on behalf of the working-class residents, especially those facing economic hardships. His legacy lives on in the City today. This event is free. There will be live music and refreshments after the speaking program.


Please click here to view the full flyer for the event

Final Milling and Paving of Inman Square the Week of July 24

Map of approximate limits of upcoming milling and paving in Inman Square

As we near the end of the Inman Square Intersection Improvements project, the City’s contractor Newport Construction will perform roadway milling (grinding), and final paving during the week of July 24-28, 2023. The work areas are shown in yellow to the right. There will be roadway closures and detours required as part of this work (see details below).

We encourage vehicular and bicycle travelers to avoid this area if at all possible, particularly on July 27-28.

What to expect during this construction: (Dates below are "weather permitting"!)

• Work will occur during weekday hours of 7:00 AM - 6:00 PM.

• 7/24-7/26: Cambridge and Hampshire will be open to traffic but will be in a milled/rough surface condition, with raised manhole covers. All traffic, particularly bicycles and motorcycles, should operate with caution. The roadway will be lower, making the curbs higher for parked cars. Please use caution when opening car doors as to not damage them on the
  curbs.

• Thursday/Friday 7/27-28: The following patterns will be in place for much of 7/27 and possibly into part of 7/28, progress and weather depending:
  • Cambridge Street will be closed to all eastbound traffic between Springfield and Prospect Street during work hours. Eastbound traffic will be detoured via Hampshire and Prospect Streets. The detour will be similar to the pattern during much of 2020 and 2021. See solid lines and arrows labeled 1 on map above
  • Hampshire Street will be closed to all westbound traffic between Prospect Street and the Somerville City line during work hours. Westbound traffic will be detoured via Prospect, Cambridge, and Line Streets to Kirkland Street. See dashed lines and arrows labeled 2 on map above
  • Access to Fayette, Antrim. Inman, and Dickinson Streets will be restricted during a portion of the work. These streets may be restricted to abutters only and require "wrong way" travel at times. Residents of these streets should allow extra time for travel and pay careful attention to signs and detail officer directives

Parking, Loading, and Abutter Access

• On-street parking spaces will be impacted during this work. Drivers should pay careful attention to parking restrictions, which will be posted at least 24 hours in advance.

• Newport and the City will work with individual businesses to accommodate loading and driveway access during construction.

• Pedestrian access to abutting businesses and residences will be maintained.

• Bicycle traffic will be maintained on the new separated facilities as much as possible. Cyclists should pay attention to signs and police officer directives.

• Certain changes to MBTA bus routes and stops will be in effect on 7/27-28. Signs will be posted at MBTA bus stops in advance.

For Information and Assistance During Construction
Cambridge DPW staff will be on-site during this work and will be available to respond to questions and concerns.

In addition, if you have general questions or concerns about this work or the Inman Square project in general, you may contact Kristen Kelleher, DPW Community Relations Manager at (617) 349-4825 or kkelleher@cambridgema.gov. More information about the project in general can be found at www.cambridgema.gov/InmanSquare.

In case of a construction emergency, please call the Cambridge Public Works Department 24-hour hotline at 617-349-4800.

As we near the finish line of the Inman Square Improvements Project we want to thank you for your continued patience and understanding during this construction.

Construction Notice - Roadway Paving in Inman Square

On Thursday, July 27 (weather permitting), crews will pave the roadways inside of Inman Square including Cambridge Street, Fayette at Cambridge St. as well as Hampshire and Beacon Streets during the day and into the night. An application for a Special Noise Variance was submitted to the Cambridge Board of License Commissioners. Public Comment for consideration by the Board can be sent to noise@cambridgema.gov. 

During paving operations on Thursday, there will be road closures at Fayette-Inman- Antrim and Dickinson Streets.

Any vehicles in driveways within this area must be removed in the beginning of the workday at 7 AM. Please plan vehicle trips accordingly.

Project Schedule

• Work hours are 7 AM to 10 PM.

•  Paving is expected to be complete by the end of the day on Thursday.

What to Expect during Construction

• Oak-Oakland Street will be open.

• Springfield will be open- Left turn only onto Cambridge St. at times.

• Fayette will be closed at Cambridge Street; road will be open to abutters.

• Antrim Street will be closed at Cambridge Street; road will be open to abutters.

• Inman will be closed at Hampshire Street; road will be open to abutters.
  
  
• “No Parking” signs will be posted; please be sure to check dates/times. Traffic signs and
  police details will be in place to assist neighbors.

• Emergency vehicles will have access at all times.
  

For Information or Assistance
If you have any questions regarding construction, please call Eric Breen, Project Manager, at 617.349.6954 or ebreen@cambridgema.gov. Please also contact Kristen Kelleher, Community Relations
Manager at kkelleher@cambridgema.gov if you have any special need or disability that requires special accommodations.

Construction Notice - Oak and Springfield St Roadway Paving 

On Thursday, July 13 (weather permitting), crews will pave roadway on Oak Street and Springfield Street between the City line and Cambridge Street.

During paving operations on Thursday, these sections of Oak Street and Springfield Street will be CLOSED. Any vehicles in driveways within this area must be removed in the beginning of the work day at 7 AM. Please plan vehicle trips accordingly.

Project Schedule

• Work hours are 7 AM to 4 PM.
• Paving is expected to be complete by the end of the day on Thursday.

What to Expect during Construction

• Oak Street will be closed between the City Line and Cambridge Street.
• Springfield Street will be closed between the City line and Cambridge Street.
• “No Parking” signs will be posted; please be sure to check dates/times. Traffic signs and police details will be in place to assist neighbors.
• Emergency vehicles will have access at all times.

For Information or Assistance
If you have any questions regarding construction, please call Eric Breen, Project Manager, at 617-349-6954 or ebreen@cambridgema.gov. Please also contact Kristen Kelleher, Community Relations Manager at kkelleher@cambridgema.gov or 617-349-4825. If you have any special need or disability, please contact us to arrange special accommodations.

Inman Square Intersection Improvements - Spring Project Update

As we near the completion of the Inman Square Intersection Improvements project, we wanted to provide this update on what the remaining major work items are. We expect the project to be substantially complete (except for minor punch-list items) by the end of June. We will also continue to distribute specific notices in advance of work items which may impact you.

Roadway/sidewalk/bike lanes:

• Completion of concrete sidewalks on Springfield Street, Oak Street, and miscellaneous areas that have been temporarily patched during the project.
• Permanent concrete apron between the bike lane and roadway at the Fire Station.
• Final roadway milling, paving, and markings. This is for the "middle" of the intersection which was not done with the previous Hampshire and Cambridge Street paving.

Vellucci Plaza (work is in both east and west plazas unless otherwise noted)

• Excavate east plaza to subgrade and place sand-based structural soils and horticultural soils
• Pervious and non-pervious unit pavers at east plaza
• Tree and landscape plantings in east plaza
• Complete and activate irrigation systems
• New fence for the rear of west plaza
• Re-installation of Mayor Vellucci bust at west plaza
• Install wooden bench tops and metal bench backs on granite bench bases
• Place moveable tables and chairs
• Install and activate overhead festoon lighting strings
• Place "Edge of the Forest" (Deer) artwork in east plaza

Traffic Signals

• Implement revised timing which gives more time for intersection to "clear out" and mitigates congestion

If you have general questions or concerns about the Inman Square project in general, you may contact Kristen Kelleher, DPW Community Relations Manager at (617) 349-4825 or kkelleher@cambridge.gov. More information about the project in general can be found at www.cambridgema.gov/InmanSquare.

In case of a construction emergency, please call the Cambridge Public Works Department 24-hour hotline at 617-349-4800.

Thank you in advance for your patience and understanding during this construction.

Sincerely,
Kristen Kelleher
Community Relations Manager

Construction Notice - Work Impacting Vehicle Access to Antrim Street

As part of the Inman Square Intersection Improvements project, the City’s contractor Newport Construction will be completing installation of a raised crosswalk at the intersection of Antrim and Cambridge Streets. This work is scheduled for the week of March 27-31.

What to expect during this construction:

• Vehicular access into Antrim Street from Cambridge Street will be blocked at times during working hours of 7 AM -4 PM. Vehicles may travel “wrong-way” on Antrim Street from the Broadway end, but we encourage residents to minimize these trips if possible.
• Pedestrian access and access to abutting properties will be maintained. Pedestrians should please follow posted signs which may direct them onto temporary walkways at times. All temporary walkways will be ADA accessible.
• The raised bicycle lane on Cambridge Street eastbound between Fayette and Hampshire Street will be closed at times. Cyclists will share the road with vehicles in this segment.
• Drivers should pay careful attention to parking restrictions, which will be posted at least 24 hours in advance.

For Information and Assistance During Construction

Cambridge DPW staff will be on-site during this work and will be available to respond to questions and concerns.  

In addition, if you have general questions or concerns about this work or the Inman Square project in general, you may contact Kristen Kelleher, DPW Community Relations Manager at (617) 349-4825 or kkelleher@cambridge.gov.  More information about the project in general can be found at www.cambridgema.gov/InmanSquare.

In case of a construction emergency, please call the Cambridge Public Works Department 24-hour hotline at 617-349-4800. 

Thank you in advance for your patience and understanding during this construction. 

Construction Notice - Cambridge Street Reopening to Two Way Traffic

As part of the Inman Square Intersection Improvements project, Cambridge Street will re-open to two-way traffic between Hampshire Street and Prospect Street within the next two weeks.

Newport Construction will perform the following activities in advance of this change:

• Complete the "fourth" lane on Cambridge Street between Antrim and Hampshire. This will provide the permanent layout of two eastbound and two westbound lanes in the intersection. There will be dedicated "through" and "right turn" lanes in each direction. These will be indicated by pavement markings and overhead signs on the traffic signal arms.
  
• Complete the installation of pavement markings and signs.
  
• Finish the separated bike lane on the north side of Cambridge Street. This will complete full separation for bicycles throughout the project area.
  
•  Activate traffic signal phases which allow for eastbound Cambridge Street movement. The intersection has not been operating at full efficiency due to the temporary "1-Way Cambridge" configuration. The reopening of Cambridge Street eastbound will alleviate the congestion which has been occurring the past several months.
•  Install remaining bus shelters at the permanent bus stop locations.
  
  

Oak Street to Prospect Street: Additional Changes to markings, signs, parking and loading

As Cambridge Street returns to 2-way traffic, the City will make additional changes to the section between Oak and Prospect, which is beyond the original limits of the Inman Square project. The main features coming to the Oak-Prospect segment include:

• Retaining space for in-street outdoor dining, parking, and loading on the north side of the street.
  
•  Physical separation (using flex-posts) for the eastbound bike lane (towards Lechmere)
  
•  A painted buffer for the westbound bike lane (towards Harvard Square)

There will be more changes to Cambridge Street east of Oak Street in the future. Within the next few years, the City will begin a community engagement process for the addition of separated bike lanes the full length of Cambridge Street, to meet the requirements of the City's Cycling Safety Ordinance.

For Information and Assistance During Construction
Cambridge DPW staff will be on-site during the upcoming work and will be available to respond to questions and concerns.

In addition, if you have general questions or concerns about this work or the Inman Square project in general, you may contact Kristen Kelleher, DPW Community Relations Manager at (617) 349-4825 or kkelleher@cambridgema.gov. More information about the project in general can be found at www.cambridgema.gov/InmanSquare.

If you have specific questions about the Oak Street to Prospect Street changes, you may contact Stephen Meuse, of the Traffic, Parking and Transportation Department at (617) 349-4713 or smeuse@cambridgema.gov.

In case of a construction emergency, please call the Cambridge Public Works Department 24-hour hotline at 617-349-4800.

Thank you in advance for your patience and understanding during this construction.

Construction Notice - Updated Milling and Paving Dates Due to Weather

As part of the Inman Square Intersection Improvements project, the City’s contractor Newport Construction will perform roadway milling (grinding), and final paving, of portions of Hampshire and Cambridge Streets beginning on or about October 19, 2022. The work areas are shown in yellow below. There will be roadway closures and detours required as part of this work (see details below).

What to expect during this construction: (Dates below are "weather permitting"!)
•Work will occur during normal weekday hours of 7:00 AM - 4:00 PM.

•10/22-11/1: Cambridge and Hampshire will be open to traffic but will be in a milled/rough surface condition, with raised manhole covers. All traffic, particularly bicycles and motorcycles, should operate with caution. The roadway will be lower, making the curbs higher for parked cars. Please use caution when opening car doors as to not damage them on the curbs.

•Wednesday 10/26: Cambridge Street will be closed to all westbound vehicular and bicycle traffic between Springfield and Prospect Street during work hours. Traffic will be detoured via Prospect and Hampshire Streets. The closure is to allow final adjustment of manhole covers.

•Week of 11/1-11/5: Final paving of Cambridge Street and Hampshire Street within the limits indicated above. Cambridge Street will be closed on Wednesday November 2, with westbound traffic detoured via Prospect and Hampshire.

•Mid-November: Final roadway markings will be applied after the new asphalt has cured. Cambridge Street will re-open to 2-way traffic, in its final configuration.

Parking, Loading, and Abutter Access
•On-street parking spaces will be impacted during this work. Drivers should pay careful attention to parking restrictions, which will be posted at least 24 hours in advance.
•Newport and the City will work with individual businesses to accommodate loading and driveway access during construction.
•Pedestrian access to abutting businesses and residences will be maintained.

For Information and Assistance During Construction
Cambridge DPW staff will be on-site during this work and will be available to respond to questions and concerns.

In addition, if you have general questions or concerns about this work or the Inman Square project in general, you may contact Kristen Kelleher, DPW Community Relations Manager at (617) 349-4825 or kkelleher@cambridgema.gov. More information about the project in general can be found at www.cambridgema.gov/InmanSquare.

In case of a construction emergency, please call the Cambridge Public Works Department 24-hour hotline at 617-349-4800.

Thank you in advance for your patience and understanding during this construction.

Construction Notice - Roadway Milling and Paving Cambridge Street and Hampshire Street

As part of the Inman Square Intersection Improvements project, the City’s contractor Newport Construction will perform roadway milling (grinding), and final paving, of portions of Hampshire and Cambridge Streets beginning on or about October 19, 2022. The work areas are shown in yellow below. There will be roadway closures and detours required as part of this work (see details below).

What to expect during this construction: (Dates below are "weather permitting"!)
•Work will occur during normal weekday hours of 7:00 AM - 4:00 PM.

•Wednesday 10/19 and Friday 10/21: Cambridge Street will be closed to all westbound vehicular and bicycle traffic between Springfield and Prospect Street during work hours. Traffic will be detoured via Prospect and Hampshire Streets. The closure is to allow roadway milling and final adjustment of manhole covers.

•Thursday 10/20: Hampshire Street will be milled between Inman and Prospect Street. The street will remain open to 2-way traffic during this work.

•Weekend of 10/22-10/23: Cambridge and Hampshire will be open to traffic, but will be in a milled/rough surface condition, with raised manhole covers. All traffic, particularly bicycles and motorcycles, should operate with caution. The roadway will be lower, making the curbs higher for parked cars. Please use caution when opening car doors as to not damage them on the curbs.

•Week of 10/24-10/28 (actual dates to be determined): Final paving of Cambridge Street and Hampshire Street within the limits indicated above. Cambridge Street will again be closed for one day, with westbound traffic detoured via Prospect and Hampshire.

•Mid-November: Final roadway markings will be applied after the new asphalt has cured. Cambridge Street will re-open to 2-way traffic, in its final configuration.

Parking, Loading, and Abutter Access
•On-street parking spaces will be impacted during this work. Drivers should pay careful attention to parking restrictions, which will be posted at least 24 hours in advance.
•Newport and the City will work with individual businesses to accommodate loading and driveway access during construction.
•Pedestrian access to abutting businesses and residences will be maintained.

For Information and Assistance During Construction
Cambridge DPW staff will be on-site during this work and will be available to respond to questions and concerns.

In addition, if you have general questions or concerns about this work or the Inman Square project in general, you may contact Kristen Kelleher, DPW Community Relations Manager at (617) 349-4825 or kkelleher@cambridgema.gov. More information about the project in general can be found at www.cambridgema.gov/InmanSquare.

In case of a construction emergency, please call the Cambridge Public Works Department 24-hour hotline at 617-349-4800.

Construction Notice - Curb and Sidewalk Construction – Cambridge Street

As part of the Inman Square Intersection Improvements project, the City’s contractor Newport Construction will begin installation of new granite curb and concrete sidewalk on Cambridge Street between Springfield Street and just east of Oak Street on or about August 15, 2022.

• The approximate work areas are shown in yellow below.
• This work will be phased in sections and is anticipated to take approximately 4-6 weeks to complete. We expect the south side work will be performed first, followed by the north side.

What to expect during this construction:

• Work will occur during normal weekday hours of 7:00 AM - 4:00 PM.

• Pedestrian traffic will be maintained to abutting properties, but at times “through” pedestrians may be diverted across Cambridge Street using the crosswalks at Springfield Street and Oak Street. Please follow posted routes and police officer directions at all times for your safety.

• Westbound bicycle traffic will be maintained, but at times may operate in a shared lane with vehicles through the work zone. Maintaining the eastbound contra-flow bicycle lane will be a priority, but at times it may be necessary to detour cyclists via Hampshire and Prospect Streets.

• Vehicular and MBTA service will be maintained in their current "westbound only" direction.

• The MBTA bus stop at 1369 Cambridge Street will need to be temporarily relocated during portions of this work. Please follow posted signs which will indicate when, and where, this stop is relocated.

Parking, Loading, and Abutter Access

• City staff will notify direct abutters of this work, to let them know more precisely when work will occur adjacent to their residence or business.
• On-street parking spaces will be impacted during this work. Drivers should pay careful attention to parking restrictions, which will be posted at least 24 hours in advance.
• Newport and the City will work with individual businesses to accommodate loading and driveway access during construction.
• Pedestrian access to abutting businesses and residences will be maintained.
  
  

For Information and Assistance During Construction
Cambridge DPW staff will be on-site during this work and will be available to respond to questions and concerns.

In addition, if you have general questions or concerns about this work or the Inman Square project in general, you may contact Kate Riley, DPW Community Relations Manager at (617) 349-4870 or kriley@cambridgema.gov. More information about the project in general can be found at www.cambridgema.gov/InmanSquare.

In case of a construction emergency, please call the Cambridge Public Works Department 24-hour hotline at 617-349-4800.

Thank you in advance for your patience and understanding during this construction.

Construction Notice - New Traffic Pattern Coming August 6, 2022

As part of the Inman Square Intersection Improvements project, portions of the new, permanent traffic pattern will be implemented on Saturday, August 6, 2022.

• Diagrams of the "old" and "new" traffic patterns are shown below
• As part of this change, the new vehicle, pedestrian and bicycle signals will be put into operation. All users should pay close attention to the new signal operations.
• Traffic officers and City personnel will be on-site to assist users during this change.
• In the days leading up to the change, advance message boards will be placed on the major approaches to the intersection.

Significant items to note include the following:

• Hampshire Street will curve into the former Vellucci Plaza location, rather than running straight. Drivers and cyclists should pay close attention approaching from Somerville.

   

• Inman Square will begin to operate as two, coordinated intersections, rather than as one large intersection.This will result in shorter signal cycle lengths; shorter crosswalks, more crossing time and shorter wait times for pedestrians; and fewer conflicts between modes.

   

• It will once again be possible for vehicles to turn left from Hampshire northbound to Cambridge westbound. (This fall, when Cambridge Street is returned to 2-way operation, it will also be possible to turn left from Hampshire southbound to Cambridge eastbound)

   

• Southbound cyclists on Hampshire Street, and eastbound cyclists on Cambridge Street, will use the new separated bike facilities and signals through the Square.For the time being, other cyclists will use existing bike lanes, or share the lane with motor vehicles, as construction of the remaining separated facilities continues.

   

• Note that not all of the lanes, crosswalks, sidewalks and bicycle facilities shown on the accompanying plan will be placed in operation on "Day One".Please pay close attention to signage, markings, signals, and traffic officers.

• Cambridge Street to remain 1-way through Fall 2022.

Existing Intersection Layout

New Intersection Layout (note: not all features shown will be in place on August 6) Cambridge Street to remain 1-way through Fall 2022.

Inman Square Coffee Talk, Wednesday 6/22 10:00-11:00 a.m. 

Residents, and business owners and staff are invited to stop by a Coffee Talk to meet with City staff and contractors and ask questions related to current and upcoming construction in Inman Square

Wednesday, June 22, 2022
10:00 - 11:00 a.m.
Location: Inman Square Public Patio, in front of 1309 Cambridge St.

As part of the Inman Square Intersection Improvements project, the City’s contractor Newport Construction will begin installation of new granite curb and concrete sidewalk on portions of Hampshire Street on or about May 23, 2022.

• The approximate work areas are shown in yellow below.
• This work will be phased in sections and is anticipated to take approximately 4-6 weeks to complete. We anticipate the work will be performed in the sequence shown by the red numbers below.

• Work will occur during normal weekday hours of 7:00 AM - 4:00 PM.
• Pedestrian traffic will be maintained to abutting properties, but at times “through” pedestrians may be diverted across Hampshire Street using temporary crosswalks at Dickinson Street and Amory Street.  Please follow posted routes and police officer directions at all times for your safety.
• Bicycle traffic will be maintained but will operate in a shared lane with vehicles through the work zone.
• Vehicular and MBTA service will be maintained in both directions.
• The two MBTA bus stops on Hampshire Street near Inman Street will be temporarily relocated during portions of this work. Please follow posted signs which will indicate when, and where, stops are relocated.

Parking, Loading, and Abutter Access

• City staff will notify direct abutters of this work, to let them know more precisely when work will occur adjacent to their residence or business.
• On-street parking spaces will be impacted during this work. Drivers should pay careful attention to parking restrictions, which will be posted at least 24 hours in advance.
• Newport and the City will work with individual businesses to accommodate loading and driveway access during construction.
• Pedestrian access to abutting businesses and residences will be maintained. 

POSTPONED: Inman Square Coffee Talk, Wednesday 5/26 10:00-11:00 a.m. 

Residents, and business owners and staff are invited to stop by a Coffee Talk to meet with City staff and contractors and ask questions related to current and upcoming construction in Inman Square

Wednesday, May 26, 2022
10:00 - 11:00 a.m.
Location: Inman Square Public Plaza, in front of 1309 Cambridge St.

Construction Update - Spring 2022

We would like to provide an update on the Inman Square Intersection Improvements project and notify you of upcoming construction activities this Spring.

This spring will bring significant changes to intersection operations and traffic patterns. We are excited to be moving towards the final, permanent configuration for pedestrians, vehicles, and bicycles, and the start of construction on the new east and west Vellucci Plaza spaces.  The major changes include:

• Realignment of Hampshire Street through the former Vellucci Plaza area; and
• Splitting the current, single large intersection into two, smaller intersections.

You may recall from previous presentations and information  at  www.cambridgema.gov/InmanSquare  that these changes will allow for improved safety for all users. Benefits include shorter and more direct crosswalks; signal phasing which allows for non-conflicting movements among users; physically separated and signal controlled bicycle facilities; and shorter signal wait times for all modes.  The design also restores legal vehicular left turns from Hampshire Street to Cambridge Street, in both directions. 

Upcoming work Associated with the new configuation

To allow for vehicles, pedestrians, and bicycles to safely switch to the new configuration, Newport Construction is proceeding with the following work over the next several weeks:

• Completion of final drainage, curb, and bike paths in what has been the Newport staging area at the old Plaza site.Much of the new roadway through this space was actually completed some time ago, and final installation and clean-up is occurring now.
• Removal of a fire hydrant in front of the Inman Pharmacy. This work will start April 4, and will cause some traffic disruption on Cambridge Street, as the pipe connection to the water main in the middle of the street must be exposed and removed.
• Completion of the separated bicycle lane along the Fire Station.Now that the weather is warmer, it is again “paving season” and this work can be completed.This section of bicycle facility is requiredfor cyclists to safely traverse the new configuration from one end to the other.
• Testing and placing into operation the new traffic signals.

Other work coming up this spring

• Once traffic is routed onto the “new” section of upper Hampshire Street, Newport will begin to demolish the old roadway in front of Cambridge Family Health and Punjabi Dhaba, and begin to construct the “new” Vellucci Plaza in that space.
• Reconstruction of curb, sidewalks, and new separated bicycle facilities will also begin on Cambridge Street, between Springfield and Oak. This work was deferred from last season to allow for outdoor dining in 2021.

Project Completion and Restoration of 2-Way Traffic on Cambridge Street

We expect that the work of the project will be substantially complete by the end of this summer, with some final surface finishes, including tree and landscape plantings, into the fall.

Cambridge Street between Hampshire and Prospect will continue to operate as one-way westbound, with a contra-flow eastbound bike lane, through the end of the project.  This will facilitate the upcoming curb and sidewalk work in that section, and also allows for outdoor dining between Oak and Prospect, outside of the construction zone.

As part of project completion, after final paving, Cambridge Street will return to 2-way operation between Inman Square and Prospect Street.

Construction Notice: Storm Drain Connection - Inman St. and Hampshire St. 

As part of the Inman Square Intersection Improvements project, the City’s contractor Newport Construction will begin to install a new storm drain connection from Inman Street into Hampshire Street starting on or about January 10, 2022. This work is expected to take approximately 3-4 weeks to complete.  

This work has been added to the project to help alleviate stormwater flooding on Inman Street and St. Mary Road.  We have recently updated our precipitation flood-modeling for this area, and we are seeing the potential for some street flooding in the “Year 2030 scenario” for larger storm events, particularly in the slightly lower-lying area near the Inman/St. Mary intersection.  By rerouting Inman Street drainage into a larger storm drain pipe on Hampshire Street, the risk and extent of flooding will be reduced.

The approximate limits of the upcoming work are shown by the yellow line on the photo below. Due to the complexity of underground utilities at the Inman/Hampshire intersection, it will be necessary to perform a large exploratory excavation at this location, and to proceed cautiously across other utilities.

What to expect during this construction:

• Work will occur during normal weekday hours of 7:00 AM - 4:00 PM
• Inman Street & St. Mary Road Impacts: There will be periods of time when, during working hours, it will not be possible for traffic to turn into Inman Street from Hampshire Street and/or Springfield Street. During these times, access to the northern section of Inman Street will be “wrong-way” via Amory Street and St. Mary Road. St. Mary Road will operate as a 2-way street between Amory and Inman as required, with appropriate signage and/or Police officer control as needed. Note that it may be necessary to prohibit parking on St. Mary Road between Amory and Inman during these times. Please pay close attention to all posted signs.
• Pedestrian access and access to abutting properties will be maintained. Pedestrians should please follow posted signs which may direct them onto temporary walkways at times. All temporary walkways will be ADA accessible.

For Information and Assistance During Construction

Cambridge DPW staff will be on-site during this work and will be available to respond to questions and concerns.  

In addition, if you have general questions or concerns about this work or the Inman Square project in general, you may contact Kate Riley, DPW Community Relations Manager at (617) 349-4870 or kriley@cambridgema.gov.  More information about the project in general, as well as the April 2021 Construction Update newsletter can be found at www.cambridgema.gov/InmanSquare.

In case of a construction emergency, please call the Cambridge Public Works Department 24-hour hotline at 617-349-4800. 

Thank you in advance for your patience and understanding during this construction. 

Construction Notice: Utility and Curb Construction - Cambridge Street

As part of the Inman Square Intersection Improvements project, the City’s contractor Newport Construction will be performing the following construction activities in the area of Cambridge/Fayette/Antrim Streets, beginning on or about October 28, 2021.

• Relocation of fire hydrant from 1427 Cambridge Street to approximately 120 feet eastward
• Installation of drain line from end of Antrim Street into Cambridge Street
• Installation of granite curb along north side of Cambridge Street, in new permanent alignment, from west project limit to Vellucci Plaza

The approximate work areas are shown in yellow below.  This work is anticipated to take approximately 3 weeks to complete.

What to expect during this construction:

• Work will occur during normal weekday hours of 7:00 AM - 4:00 PM.
• Pedestrian traffic will be maintained, at times on the existing sidewalk, and at times within a temporary walkway. Please follow posted routes and police officer directions at all times for your safety.
• Bicycle traffic will be maintained but will operate in a shared lane with vehicles through the work zone.
• Vehicular and MBTA service will be maintained in both directions. Note: The MBTA westbound bus stop at 1427 Cambridge Street will be temporarily closed during portions of this work.Please see posted notices.This stop will be reopened as soon as possible and will remain in service until the MBTA’s March 2022 schedule change, at which time it is proposed to be permanently closed.There will be additional outreach from MBTA during the winter regarding this change.

Parking, Loading, and Abutter Access

• At the completion of this phase of the work, the remaining parking on the north side of Cambridge Street between Fayette and Hampshire Streets will be permanently removed. Other area parking spaces may be temporarily impacted by the work, and drivers should pay careful attention to parking restrictions, which will be posted at least 24 hours in advance.
• The existing Accessible/Handicap parking space at 1423 Cambridge Street will be permanently relocated to the Antrim Street side of the Inman Pharmacy.
• Pedestrian access to abutting residences will be maintained during this work.

For Information and Assistance During Construction

Cambridge DPW staff will be on-site during this work and will be available to respond to questions and concerns.  

In addition, if you have general questions or concerns about this work or the Inman Square project in general, you may contact Kate Riley, DPW Community Relations Manager at (617) 349-4870 or kriley@cambridgema.gov.  More information about the project in general, as well as the April 2021 Construction Update newsletter can be found at www.cambridgema.gov/InmanSquare.

In case of a construction emergency, please call the Cambridge Public Works Department 24-hour hotline at 617-349-4800. 

Thank you in advance for your patience and understanding during this construction. 

Construction Notice: Curb and Sidewalk Construction - Hampshire Street

As part of the Inman Square Intersection Improvements project, the City’s contractor Newport Construction will begin installation of granite curb and new sidewalk on the southbound side of Hampshire Street between the City Line and Cambridge Street on or about October 21, 2021.

• The approximate work area is shown in yellow below.
• This work is anticipated to take approximately 2 weeks to complete. 

What to expect during this construction:

• Work will occur during normal weekday hours of 7:00 AM - 4:00 PM.
• Pedestrian traffic will be maintained to abutting properties, but at times “through” pedestrians may be diverted to the other side of Hampshire Street using the temporary crosswalk at Dickinson Street. Please follow posted routes and police officer directions at all times for your safety.
• Bicycle traffic will be maintained but will operate in a shared lane with vehicles through the work zone.
• Vehicular and MBTA service will be maintained in both directions. Parking, Loading, and Abutter Access
• On-street parking spaces will be impacted during this work. Drivers should pay careful attention to parking restrictions, which will be posted at least 24 hours in advance.
• We will work to restore parking in its new permanent configuration as soon as possible after this work is completed.
• Newport and the City will work with individual businesses to accommodate loading requirements during construction.
• Pedestrian access to abutting businesses and residences will be maintained.

For Information and Assistance During Construction
Cambridge DPW staff will be on-site during this work and will be available to respond to questions and concerns.

In addition, if you have general questions or concerns about this work or the Inman Square project in general, you may contact Kate Riley, DPW Community Relations Manager at (617) 349-4870 or kriley@cambridgema.gov. More information about the project in general, as well as the April 2021 Construction Update newsletter can be found at www.cambridgema.gov/InmanSquare.

In case of a construction emergency, please call the Cambridge Public Works Department 24-hour hotline at 617-349-4800.

Thank you in advance for your patience and understanding during this construction.

Construction Notice: Sidewalk/Driveway Installation - Hampshire Street

As part of the Inman Square Intersection Improvements project, the City’s contractor Newport Construction will begin reconstruction of the sidewalk / driveway apron at the Inman Square fire station on or about September 27, 2021.

•The approximate work area is shown in yellow below.
•This work is anticipated to take approximately 1-2 weeks to complete.

What to expect during this construction:
•Work will occur during normal weekday hours of 7:00 AM - 4:00 PM.

•Pedestrian traffic will be maintained on this block, at times on the existing sidewalk, and at times within a temporary walkway. Please follow posted routes and police officer directions at all times for your safety.

•To allow for the pedestrian detour, bicycle traffic will be maintained but will operate southbound in a shared lane with vehicles through the work zone.

•Vehicular and MBTA service will be maintained in both directions.

Cambridge Fire Department Operations
•The work is being closely coordinated with the Cambridge Fire Department and will be done in phases to allow for continued fire station operations.
•At times during this work, fire apparatus may be parked on Inman Street, facing the “wrong way” towards Hampshire Street. Please use caution and look for signs indicating any parking restrictions.

For Information and Assistance During Construction
Cambridge DPW staff will be on-site during this work and will be available to respond to questions and concerns.

In addition, if you have general questions or concerns about this work or the Inman Square project in general, you may contact Kate Riley, DPW Community Relations Manager at (617) 349-4870 or kriley@cambridgema.gov. More information about the project in general, as well as the April 2021 Construction Update newsletter can be found at www.cambridgema.gov/InmanSquare.

In case of a construction emergency, please call the Cambridge Public Works Department 24-hour hotline at 617-349-4800.

Thank you in advance for your patience and understanding during this construction.

Construction Notice: Full depth Roadway Construction - Cambridge Street/Springfield Street

As part of the Inman Square Intersection Improvements project, the City’s contractor Newport Construction will begin full-depth roadway reconstruction on portions of Cambridge Street and Springfield Street on or about October 4, 2021. The work will be done in phases and is expected to take approximately 4 weeks to complete.

• The limits of the upcoming full-depth construction are shown on the map below.
• Full-depth construction ensures that roadway conditions will be favorable for many years to
come. It involves removing and replacing the existing roadway and underlying materials down to
a depth of approximately 18-24 inches.
• This operation may encounter and require removal of buried materials such as cobblestones and
streetcar rails and ties. This can sometimes slow the work.

What to expect during this construction:
• Work will occur during normal weekday hours of 7:00 AM - 4:00 PM.

• Pedestrian traffic will be maintained, but certain sidewalks and crosswalks will be closed, relocated, or limited to resident or business access only during portions of the work. Please see the graphic above for anticipated pedestrian routes, and please follow posted routes and police officer directions at all times for your safety.

• The temporary outdoor dining and patio spaces will be removed from Cambridge Street between Springfield and Oak Streets.

• Bicycles: The current traffic pattern of “westbound general traffic and bicycles” and “eastbound bicycles only” will be maintained. Westbound bicycles will operate in a shared lane with vehicles through the work zone. At times when the asphalt paving has been removed, cyclists may prefer to detour off of Cambridge Street rather than ride on a gravel surface. Alternatively, bicycles may be walked through the established pedestrian routes. Advance signs will be posted on area streets to alert cyclists of unpaved roadway conditions.

• Vehicular and MBTA service will continue to be westbound only. There may be times when vehicles must be operated slowly and cautiously on an un-paved gravel surface. Note there will be times when Springfield Street cannot be accessed by vehicles from Cambridge Street. Please follow posted detour signs.

• The MBTA westbound bus stop on Cambridge Street at Springfield may need to be relocated at times. Please follow posted signs.

For Information and Assistance During Construction
Cambridge DPW staff will be on-site during this work and will be available to respond to questions and concerns.

In addition, if you have general questions or concerns about this work or the Inman Square project in general, you may contact Kate Riley, DPW Community Relations Manager at (617) 349-4870 or kriley@cambridgema.gov. More information about the project in general, as well as the April 2021 Construction Update newsletter can be found at www.cambridgema.gov/InmanSquare.

In case of a construction emergency, please call the Cambridge Public Works Department 24-hour hotline at 617-349-4800.

Thank you in advance for your patience and understanding during this construction.

Inman Square Coffee Talk, Monday 9/20 10:30-11:30 a.m. 

Full-depth roadway reconstruction of Cambridge Street (Springfield to Oak) will begin in October 2021. Residents, and business owners and staff are invited to attend this info session to learn more about this, and other, upcoming work.

Monday, September 20, 2021
10:30 - 11:30 a.m.
Location: Outside at Ole (Springfield St. parking lot), 11 Springfield St.

Construction Notice: Granite Curb Installation - Cambridge Street

As part of the Inman Square Intersection Improvements project, the City’s contractor Newport Construction will begin installation of granite curb on the south side of Cambridge Street between Fayette Street and Antrim Street on or about August 16, 2021.

• The approximate work area is shown in yellow below.
• This work is anticipated to take approximately 1-2 weeks to complete.

What to expect during this construction:

• Work will occur during normal weekday hours of 7:00 AM - 4:00 PM.
• Pedestrian traffic will be maintained on this block, at times on the existing sidewalk, and at times within a temporary walkway. Please follow posted routes and police officer directions at all times for your safety.
• Bicycle traffic will be maintained but will operate in a shared lane with vehicles through the work zone.
• Vehicular and MBTA service will be maintained in both directions.

Parking, Loading, and Abutter Access

• On-street parking spaces will be impacted during this work. Drivers should pay careful attention to parking restrictions, which will be posted at least 24 hours in advance.
• Newport and the City will work with individual businesses to accommodate loading requirements during construction.
• Pedestrian access to abutting businesses and residences will be maintained.
  

For Information and Assistance During Construction
Cambridge DPW staff will be on-site during this work and will be available to respond to questions and concerns.

In addition, if you have general questions or concerns about this work or the Inman Square project in general, you may contact Kate Riley, DPW Community Relations Manager at (617) 349-4870 or kriley@cambridgema.gov. More information about the project in general, as well as the April 2021 Construction Update newsletter can be found at www.cambridgema.gov/InmanSquare.

In case of a construction emergency, please call the Cambridge Public Works Department 24-hour hotline at 617-349-4800.

Thank you in advance for your patience and understanding during this construction.

Construction Notice: Full Depth Road Construction on Hampshire Street

As part of the Inman Square Intersection Improvements project, the City’s contractor Newport Construction will begin full-depth roadway reconstruction on the southeastern portion of Hampshire Street on or about July 19, 2021.

• The limits of the upcoming full-depth construction are shown on the map below (the limit extends to approximately Amory Street, off of the map).
• Full-depth construction ensures that roadway conditions will be favorable for many years to come. It involves removing and replacing the existing roadway and underlying materials down to a depth of approximately 18-24 inches.
• This operation may encounter and require removal of buried materials such as cobblestones and streetcar rails and ties. This can sometimes slow the work.

What to expect during this construction:

• Work will occur during normal weekday hours of 7:00 AM - 4:00 PM.

• Pedestrian traffic will be maintained but certain sidewalks and crosswalks will be closed. A temporary crosswalk may be installed across Hampshire Street near Amory Street. Please see the graphic above for anticipated pedestrian routes, and please follow posted routes and police officer directions at all times for your safety.

• Bicycle traffic will be maintained but will operate in a shared lane with vehicles through the work zone. At times when the asphalt paving has been removed, cyclists may prefer to detour off of Hampshire Street rather than ride on a gravel surface. Alternatively, bicycles may be walked through the established pedestrian routes. Advance signs will be posted on Hampshire and Beacons Streets to alert cyclists of unpaved roadway conditions.

• Vehicular and MBTA service will be maintained in both directions. There may be times when vehicles must be operated slowly and cautiously on an un-paved gravel surface. Note there will be times when Inman Street cannot be accessed by vehicles from Hampshire Street. Vehicles may travel “wrong-way” on Inman Street from the Broadway end, but we encourage residents to minimize these trips if possible.

• The MBTA bus stops on Hampshire Street may need to be relocated at times. Please follow posted signs.
  
  

Parking and Loading

• On-street parking spaces will be impacted during this work. The exact number and location of the impacted spaces is related to the actual size and location of the work zone and associated traffic lane shifts, and will change as the work progresses. Drivers should pay careful attention to parking restrictions, which will be posted at least 24 hours in advance.
• During portions of this work, the roadway will be lower, making the curbs higher for parked cars. Please use caution when opening car doors as to not damage them on the curbs.
• Newport and the City will work with individual businesses to accommodate loading requirements during construction.

For Information and Assistance During Construction
Cambridge DPW staff will be on-site during this work and will be available to respond to questions and concerns.

In addition, if you have general questions or concerns about this work or the Inman Square project in general, you may contact Kate Riley, DPW Community Relations Manager at (617) 349-4870 or kriley@cambridgema.gov. More information about the project in general, as well as the April 2021 Construction Update newsletter can be found at www.cambridgema.gov/InmanSquare.

In case of a construction emergency, please call the Cambridge Public Works Department 24-hour hotline at 617-349-4800.

Thank you in advance for your patience and understanding during this construction.

Construction Notice: Full Depth Road Construction on Cambridge St. and Antrim St.

As part of the Inman Square Intersection Improvements project, the City’s contractor Newport Construction will begin full-depth roadway reconstruction on portions of Cambridge Street and the north end of Antrim Street on or about July 6, 2021.

• The limits of the upcoming full-depth construction are shown on the map below.
• Full-depth construction ensures that roadway conditions will be favorable for many years to come. It involves removing and replacing the existing roadway and underlying materials down to a depth of approximately 18-24 inches.
• This operation may encounter and require removal of buried materials such as cobblestones and streetcar rails and ties. This can sometimes slow the work.

What to expect during this construction:

• Work will occur during normal weekday hours of 7:00 AM - 4:00 PM.
• Pedestrian traffic will be maintained but certain sidewalks and crosswalks will be closed.Please see the graphic above for anticipated pedestrian routes, and please follow posted routes and police officer directions at all times for your safety.
• Bicycle traffic will be maintained but will operate in a shared lane with vehicles through the work zone. At times when the asphalt paving has been removed, cyclists may prefer to detour off of Cambridge Street rather than ride on a gravel surface. Alternatively, bicycles may be walked through the established pedestrian routes. Advance signs will be posted on Cambridge Street to alert cyclists of unpaved roadway conditions.
• Vehicular and MBTA bus service will be maintained in both directions. There may be times when vehicles must be operated slowly and cautiously on an un-paved gravel surface. Note there will be times when Antrim Street cannot be accessed by vehicles from Cambridge Street. Vehicles may travel “wrong-way” on Antrim Street from the Broadway end, but we encourage residents to minimize these trips if possible.

Parking and Loading:

• On-street parking spaces will be impacted during this work.The exact number and location of the impacted spaces is related to the actual size and location of the work zone and associated traffic lane shifts, and will change as the work progresses.Drivers should pay careful attention to parking restrictions, which will be posted at least 24 hours in advance.
• During portions of this work, the roadway will be lower, making the curbs higher for parked cars.Please use caution when opening car doors as to not damage them on the curbs.
• Newport and the City will work with individual businesses to accommodate loading requirements during construction.

For Information and Assistance During Construction

Cambridge DPW staff will be on-site during this work and will be available to respond to questions and concerns.  

In addition, if you have general questions or concerns about this work or the Inman Square project in general, you may contact Kate Riley, DPW Community Relations Manager at (617) 349-4870 or kriley@cambridgema.gov.  More information about the project in general, as well as the April 2021 Construction Update newsletter can be found at www.cambridgema.gov/InmanSquare.

In case of a construction emergency, please call the Cambridge Public Works Department 24-hour hotline at 617-349-4800. 

Thank you in advance for your patience and understanding during this construction.

Construction Notice: Full Depth Road Construction on Hampshire Street

As part of the Inman Square Intersection Improvements project, the City’s contractor Newport Construction will begin full-depth roadway reconstruction on portions of Hampshire Street on or about June 21, 2021.  

• The limits of the upcoming full-depth construction are shown on the map below. It includes constructing the new alignment of Hampshire Street through the existing Vellucci Plaza; and also begins to prepare the ground for the “new” Vellucci Plazas which will be located on the east and west sides of the street.
• Full-depth construction ensures that roadway and plaza conditions will be favorable for many years to come. It involves removing and replacing the existing roadway and underlying materials down to a depth of approximately 18-24 inches.
• This operation may encounter and require removal of buried materials such as cobblestones and streetcar rails and ties. This can sometimes slow the work.  

What to expect during this construction:

• Work will occur during normal weekday hours of 7:00 AM - 4:00 PM.
• Pedestrian traffic will be maintained but certain sidewalks and crosswalks will be closed. A temporary crosswalk will be installed across Beacon/Hampshire Street north of Dickinson Street. Please see the graphic above for anticipated pedestrian routes, and please follow posted routes and police officer directions at all times for your safety.
• Bicycle traffic will be maintained but will operate in a shared lane with vehicles through the work zone. At times when the asphalt paving has been removed, cyclists may prefer to detour off of Hampshire Street rather than ride on a gravel surface. Alternatively, bicycles may be walked through the established pedestrian routes. Advance signs will be posted on Beacon and Hampshire Streets, when needed, to alert cyclists of unpaved roadway conditions.
• Vehicular and MBTA bus service will be maintained in both directions. There may be times when vehicles must be operated slowly and cautiously on an un-paved gravel surface. Note there will be a time when Dickinson Street cannot be accessed by vehicles to/from Hampshire Street. A signed detour route will be provided.

Parking and Loading 

• On-street parking spaces will be impacted during this work. The exact number and location of the impacted spaces is related to the actual size and location of the work zone and associated traffic lane shifts, and will change as the work progresses. Drivers should pay careful attention to parking restrictions, which will be posted at least 24 hours in advance.
• Efforts will be made to impact parking during weekday working hours only and restore parking after working hours and on weekends. It may be necessary, however, for parking spaces to remain impacted during off-hours due to roadway conditions.
• During portions of this work, the roadway will be lower, making the curbs higher for parked cars. Please use caution when opening car doors as to not damage them on the curbs.
• Newport and the City will work with individual businesses to accommodate loading requirements during construction.

For Information and Assistance During Construction Cambridge

DPW staff will be on-site during this work and will be available to respond to questions and concerns.

In addition, if you have general questions or concerns about this work or the Inman Square project in general, you may contact Kate Riley, DPW Community Relations Manager at (617) 349-4870 or kriley@cambridgema.gov. More information about the project in general, as well as the April 2021 Construction Update newsletter can be found at www.cambridgema.gov/InmanSquare.

In case of a construction emergency, please call the Cambridge Public Works Department 24-hour hotline at 617-349-4800.

Thank you in advance for your patience and understanding during this construction.  

Construction Notice: Inman Square Improvements Project - Work impacting vehicle access to Antrim Street

As part of the Inman Square Intersection Improvements project, Eversource Electric will be replacing the roof of a large underground sidewalk vault at the intersection of Cambridge Street and Antrim Street in early June 2021. The exact start date of this work, which will take place over several days, is not known at this time, but the work is expected to occur within the first two weeks of June.

What to expect during this construction:

• Vehicular access into Antrim Street from Cambridge Street will be blocked at times during working hours of 7 AM - 4 PM. Vehicles may travel “wrong-way” on Antrim Street from the Broadway end, but we encourage residents to minimize these trips if possible.

• Pedestrian access and access to abutting properties will be maintained. Pedestrians should please follow posted signs which may direct them onto temporary walkways at times. All temporary walkways will be ADA accessible.
  
  
• Drivers should pay careful attention to parking restrictions, which will be posted at least 24 hours in advance.

For Information and Assistance During Construction

Cambridge DPW and Water Department staff will be on-site during this work and will be available to respond to questions and concerns.

In addition, if you have general questions or concerns about this work or the Inman Square project in general, you may contact Kate Riley, DPW Community Relations Manager at (617) 349-4870 or kriley@cambridgema.gov. More information about the project in general can be found at www.cambridgema.gov/InmanSquare.

In case of a construction emergency, please call the Cambridge Public Works Department 24-hour hotline at 617-349-4800.

Thank you in advance for your patience and understanding during this construction.

Virtual Coffee Talk, Monday May 17, 2021 11-11:30AM

The latest Inman Square Newsletter is now available to view. 

Construction Notice: Inman Square Intersection Improvements Project - Full-Depth Roadway Construction Hampshire St. & Springfield St.

As part of the Inman Square Intersection Improvements project, the City’s contractor Newport Construction will begin full-depth roadway reconstruction on portions of Hampshire Street and Springfield Street in early April.

• Full-depth roadway construction ensures that roadway conditions will be favorable for many years to come. It involves removing and replacing the existing roadway and underlying materials down to a depth of approximately 18-24 inches.
• This operation may encounter and require removal of, buried materials such as cobblestone pavers and streetcar rails and ties. This can sometimes slow the work.
• The limits of the upcoming full-depth construction are shown on the map below. It includes constructing the new alignment of Hampshire Street through the existing Vellucci Plaza.
• The Springfield Street work will be performed first, followed by Hampshire Street.
  

What to expect during this construction:

• Work will occur during normal weekday hours of 7:00 AM - 4:00 PM.

• On Springfield Street:
       -Pedestrian and bicycle traffic will be maintained. Pedestrian traffic may be limited to one sidewalk or the other, depending on the phase of construction.
       -Vehicular traffic may be limited to one-way operation at times. Please follow posted detour signs and traffic officer directions.

• On Hampshire Street:
       -Pedestrian traffic will be maintained but may be limited to one side or the other depending on the phase of construction. We are investigating locations for a temporary crosswalk      to be installed between the existing crosswalks at Concord Ave in Somerville and Cambridge Street at Inman Square.
       -Bicycle traffic will be maintained but will operate in a shared lane with vehicles. At times when the asphalt paving has been removed, it may be necessary to establish detour            routes off of the corridor. Alternatively, bicycles may be walked through the established pedestrian detour routes.
       -Vehicular and MBTA bus service will be maintained in both directions. There may be times when vehicles must be operated slowly and cautiously on an un-paved surface.

Parking and Loading

• On-street parking spaces will be impacted during this work. The exact number and location of the impacted spaces is related to the actual size and location of the work zone, and the associated traffic lane shifts, and will change as the work progresses. Drivers should pay careful attention to parking restrictions, which will be posted at least 24 hours in advance.
• Efforts will be made to restrict parking during weekday working hours only and restore parking after working hours and on weekends. It may be necessary, however, for parking spaces to remain restricted during off-hours due to roadway conditions.
• During portions of this work, the roadway will be lower, making the curbs higher for parked cars. Please use caution when opening car doors as to not damage them on the curbs.
• Newport and the City will work with individual businesses to accommodate loading requirements during construction. 
  

For Information and Assistance During Construction
Cambridge DPW staff will be on-site during this work and will be available to respond to questions and concerns.

In addition, if you have general questions or concerns about this work or the Inman Square project in general, you may contact Kate Riley, DPW Community Relations Manager at (617) 349-4870 or kriley@cambridgema.gov. More information about the project in general, as well as the September 2019 Construction Update newsletter can be found at www.cambridgema.gov/InmanSquare.

In case of a construction emergency, please call the Cambridge Public Works Department 24-hour hotline at 617-349-4800.

Thank you in advance for your patience and understanding during this construction.

Construction Update: Inman Square Intersection Improvements Project

We would like to provide an update on the Inman Square Intersection Improvements project and notify you of upcoming construction activities.

• The City’s contractor Newport Construction has completed most mainline water, sewer, and drainage work, except for some drainage work in Cambridge Street which was deferred due to the outdoor dining set-ups last year. 

• Newport has also completed most of the underground conduits for the new traffic signal system, along with foundations for many of the traffic signal mast arms, signal posts, and the controller cabinet. (Some of these cannot be installed yet as they are in what are presently active roadway areas).

• Newport has recently begun work in the Springfield St. parking lot, including removing existing curbing and lighting.
  
  

Upcoming Work

With most of the deeper utility construction now complete, the following work will be occurring beginning on or about February 22, 2021 (weather permitting):

• Newport will continue work in the Springfield Street lot, including setting curb for the new landscaped islands, new perimeter curb, resetting and reconnecting lighting, and construction of the new accessible ramp adjacent to the Ole restaurant. 

• In the Square itself, Newport will start to remove stored equipment and materials from their staging area in Vellucci Plaza, so that construction work can begin in that area. 

• Upcoming work in Vellucci Plaza will include removal of the granite walls, benches, and other features at the “rear” of the Plaza. (Note: the two trees at the rear of the Plaza are to remain and will be protected). Newport will then begin construction of the re-aligned Hampshire Street through the Plaza.

• Comcast will be working in Cambridge and Hampshire Streets, to lower their fiber optic conduits between Antrim and Inman Streets. These conduits are currently too shallow to accommodate the upcoming roadway construction.
  
  

What to expect during this construction:

• Work will occur during normal weekday hours of 7:00 AM - 4:00 PM.
• The sidewalk at the “rear” of Vellucci Plaza will soon be closed. Pedestrians should use the sidewalk along the Hampshire and Cambridge Street edges of the Plaza. As the work of re-aligning Hampshire Street advances, pedestrians should please follow posted signs which may direct them onto temporary walkways at times. All temporary walkways will be ADA accessible.
  

Overall Project Schedule
The COVID-19 pandemic caused several delays to the project, most notably the City’s Emergency Construction Moratorium in the Spring of 2020, and the implementation of outdoor dining – critical to support local businesses – on Cambridge Street. The City will soon be working with the business community to plan for the return of outdoor dining for the 2021 season. This must be done in a way that allows for the completion of critical Project work on Cambridge Street. Most of the remaining work on Cambridge Street (sidewalk and roadway construction) is of the type that can be performed in warm weather only, coincident with the outdoor dining season.

We expect that the work of the project will be substantially complete by the end of the 2021 construction season, with some minimally disruptive finish work such as landscaping extending into Spring 2022. We will continue to provide updates to the community as the work plan for the remainder of 2021 develops.

For Information and Assistance During Construction
Cambridge DPW staff will be on-site during the work and will be available to respond to questions and concerns.

In addition, if you have general questions or concerns about the work or the Inman Square project in general, you may contact Kate Riley, DPW Community Relations Manager at (617) 349-4870 or kriley@cambridgema.gov. More information about the project in general, can be found at www.cambridgema.gov/InmanSquare.

In case of a construction emergency, please call the Cambridge Public Works Department 24-hour hotline at 617-349-4800.

Thank you in advance for your patience and understanding during this construction.

Construction Notice: Inman Square Intersection Improvements Project - Closure of Springfield Street Parking Lot

As part of the Inman Square Intersection Improvements project, the City’s contractor Newport Construction will begin reconstruction of the City’s Parking Lot 14 on Springfield Street. 

• The parking lot will be closed to the public effective Tuesday, January 19, 2021.
• Weather permitting, we anticipate being able to accommodate partial use of the parking lot near the end of March 2021.
• Final completion of the parking lot, which includes several operations requiring warmer weather, is anticipated for mid-Spring 2021. 
  

As highlighted in public outreach during the design phase of this project, the reconstructed parking lot will be fully compliant with accessibility standards, will be landscaped with trees and other plantings, and will be the permanent location of the Inman Square Bluebikes Station. In addition, as a pilot project, the surface of the lot will receive a special solar reflective coating, which will help reduce the Urban Heat Island Effect. The work also includes reconstruction of the currently non-compliant access ramp adjacent to the Ole restaurant.

We recognize this work, although necessary, may result in inconvenience. We believe that it would be advantageous to perform as much of the work as possible, using the entire area of the lot, during the winter months prior to the return of outdoor dining and other warm weather activities.

What to expect during this construction:

• Work will occur during normal weekday hours of 7:00 AM - 4:00 PM, but the parking lot will be closed at all times including off-hours and weekends.
• Vehicular, pedestrian, and bicycle traffic will be maintained on Springfield Street.
• The Bluebikes station will be maintained in operation, although it’s specific location in the parking lot may shift from time to time to accommodate construction. 
  

Parking and Loading

• The parking lot will not be open to public parking and loading during construction.
• Cambridge Street between Springfield and Prospect will retain the current one-way traffic pattern, but additional parking and loading space will be provided along the north curb in the areas most recently used for outdoor dining. The City has been in contact with local businesses about preferred temporary parking and loading regulations on Cambridge Street during this time period.
• Newport and the City will work with individual businesses to accommodate loading requirements during construction. 
  

For Information and Assistance During Construction
Cambridge DPW staff will be on-site during this work and will be available to respond to questions and concerns.

In addition, if you have general questions or concerns about this work or the Inman Square project in general, you may contact Kate Riley, DPW Community Relations Manager at (617) 349-4870 or kriley@cambridgema.gov. More information about the project in general, as well as the September 2019 Construction Update newsletter can be found at www.cambridgema.gov/InmanSquare.

In case of a construction emergency, please call the Cambridge Public Works Department 24-hour hotline at 617-349-4800.

Thank you in advance for your patience and understanding during this construction.

Construction Notice: Inman Square Intersection Improvements Project - Drainage work in Cambridge Street

What to expect during this construction:
•Work will occur during normal weekday hours of 7:00 AM - 4:00 PM
•Vehicular traffic will be maintained westbound-only on Cambridge Street, in the same pattern as exists today, although there may be temporary lane shifts around the work zones.
•Westbound bicycle traffic may need to share a lane with motor vehicles through the construction zone. Signs will be posted and Police officers will assist with bicycle merging as needed.
•Eastbound bicycle traffic will be detoured via Hampshire and Prospect Streets during working hours, as there will not be sufficient roadway width available at all times to safely maintain the existing contra-flow bicycle lane.
•Pedestrian access and access to abutting properties will be maintained. Pedestrians should please follow posted signs which may direct them onto temporary walkways at times. All temporary walkways will be ADA accessible.

Parking and Loading
•It is expected that some of the daytime loading space on the north side of the street will be impacted during this work. Drivers should pay careful attention to parking and loading restrictions, which will be posted at least 24 hours in advance.
•Newport and the City will work with individual businesses to accommodate loading requirements during construction.


For Information and Assistance During Construction
Cambridge DPW staff will be on-site during this work and will be available to respond to questions and concerns.

In addition, if you have general questions or concerns about this work or the Inman Square project in general, you may contact Kate Riley, DPW Community Relations Manager at (617) 349-4870 or kriley@cambridgema.gov. More information about the project in general, as well as the September 2019 Construction Update newsletter can be found at www.cambridgema.gov/InmanSquare.

In case of a construction emergency, please call the Cambridge Public Works Department 24-hour hotline at 617-349-4800.

Thank you in advance for your patience and understanding during this construction.

December 2020: The project schedule tab has been updated. 

Construction Notice: Inman Square Intersection Improvements Project - Drainage work in Hampshire Street

As part of the Inman Square Intersection Improvements project, the City’s contractor Newport Construction will begin to install drainage infrastructure along the “outbound” side of Hampshire Street northwest of Cambridge Street. This work is anticipated to begin on or about November 9, 2020. The approximate extent of this phase of the work is shown as the yellow rectangle on the map below. This phase of the project is expected to take approximately 1-2 weeks to complete.

This work will provide the new drainage system for the future relocated Vellucci Plaza in this area.

What to expect during this construction:

• Work will occur during normal weekday hours of 7:00 AM - 4:00 PM
• Traffic will be maintained in both directions on Hampshire Street, although there may be lane reductions during working hours.
• Bicycle traffic may need to share a lane with motor vehicles through the construction zone. Signs will be posted and Police officers will assist with bicycle merging as needed.
• Pedestrian access and access to abutting properties will be maintained. Pedestrians should please follow posted signs which may direct them onto temporary walkways at times. All temporary walkways will be ADA accessible.
  
  

Parking and Loading

• It is expected that on-street parking spaces on both sides of Hampshire Street will be impacted during this work. Drivers should pay careful attention to parking restrictions, which will be posted at least 24 hours in advance.
• Most of the impacted parking spaces will be restricted during weekday working hours only, and will return to normal operations after working hours and on weekends. It may be necessary, however, for several parking spaces to remain restricted during off-hours to accommodate storage of contractor materials and equipment.
• Newport and the City will work with individual businesses to accommodate loading requirements during construction.
  

For Information and Assistance During Construction
Cambridge DPW staff will be on-site during this work and will be available to respond to questions and concerns.

In addition, if you have general questions or concerns about this work or the Inman Square project in general, you may contact Kate Riley, DPW Community Relations Manager at (617) 349-4870 or kriley@cambridgema.gov. More information about the project in general, as well as the September 2019 Construction Update newsletter can be found at www.cambridgema.gov/InmanSquare.

In case of a construction emergency, please call the Cambridge Public Works Department 24-hour hotline at 617-349-4800.

Thank you in advance for your patience and understanding during this construction.

Week of 11/1: Crews continue drainage work on Hampshire St. at Cambridge St. They will be working their way towards Amory St. 

Next week: Drainage work on Hampshire St towards DIckinson St. 

Week of 10/25: Crews will be working on drainage and test pits at the intersection of Hampshire and Cambridge. 

Week of 10/4: Crews will be working on drainage on Cambridge St. at Antrim St. and Cambridge St. at Hampshire Street. In addition, there will be drainage work at Vellucci Plaza. 

Week of 9/13: Crews will be working on a hydrant installation on Antrim St. and drainage on Cambridge St. at Fayette St. 

This notice from the water department was distributed to impacted properties on 7/22

Construction Notice: Inman Square Intersection Improvements Project - Overnight water main work in Antrim Street

As part of the Inman Square Intersection Improvements project, the City’s contractor Newport Construction will be performing hydrant relocation and associated water main work at the Cambridge Street end of Antrim Street.  Due to the need to avoid water service impacts to critical health facilities, this work will be performed during overnight hours, starting at approximately 9:00 PM on Thursday, July 30.   Newport will be applying for an exemption from the City’s Noise Ordinance for this work. 
 
What to expect during this construction:

• Work will begin at 9:00 PM Thursday July 30 and end early Friday morning July 31. The exact duration of work is not known at this time. Preparatory work will be done during the day to minimize the duration of the nighttime work. 
• The active work site will extend from the Antrim/Cambridge intersection to approximately #135 Antrim Street. There may be related construction traffic on the remainder of Antrim Street also.
• There will be a water shut-down during this work, which will impact the properties between the Antrim/Cambridge intersection and approximately #79 and #80 Antrim Street.  Properties within this zone will be receiving a separate notice with additional information. 
• Vehicular access into Antrim Street from Cambridge Street will be blocked during the work. Vehicles may travel “wrong-way” on Antrim Street from the Broadway end, but we encourage residents to minimize these trips if possible. 
• Pedestrian access and access to abutting properties will be maintained.  Pedestrians should please follow posted signs which may direct them onto temporary walkways at times.  All temporary walkways will be ADA accessible.
• Drivers should pay careful attention to parking restrictions, which will be posted at least 24 hours in advance.                                                                                                                                

For Information and Assistance During Construction Cambridge DPW and Water Department staff will be on-site during this work and will be available to respond to questions and concerns.    
 
In addition, if you have general questions or concerns about this work or the Inman Square project in general, you may contact Kate Riley, DPW Community Relations Manager at (617) 349-4870 or kriley@cambridgema.gov.  More information about the project in general can be found at www.cambridgema.gov/InmanSquare.    
 
In case of a construction emergency, please call the Cambridge Public Works Department 24-hour hotline at 617-349-4800.   
 
Thank you in advance for your patience and understanding during this construction.

Notice: Inman Square Intersection Improvements Project - Water main work in Hampshire Street

As part of the Inman Square Intersection Improvements project, the City’s contractor Newport Construction will begin to install a new water main from Cambridge Street, through Vellucci Plaza to Hampshire Street, and then northwest along Hampshire Street to the Somerville/Cambridge line, starting on or about July 8, 2020. The approximate extent of this phase of the work is shown on the map below. This phase of the project is expected to take approximately 2-3 weeks to complete.

This work will allow the retirement of an existing water main which is over 125 years old and is critical to ensure that the water infrastructure serving Inman Square and adjoining neighborhoods will be in good condition for years to come. The new water main will also follow the new alignment of Hampshire Street which is being established as part of the project.

The approximate limits of the upcoming water work are shown by yellow lines on the photo below. Note that individual water services off these main lines are not shown. The work will be performed in phases, with approximately 50 to 150 feet of water main under construction at any one time.

What to expect during this construction:

• Work will occur during normal weekday hours of 7:00 AM - 4:00 PM
• Traffic will be maintained in both directions on Cambridge and Hampshire Streets, although there may be lane reductions during working hours.
• Bicycle traffic may need to share a lane with motor vehicles through the construction zone. Signs will be posted and Police officers will assist with bicycle merging as needed.
• Pedestrian access and access to abutting properties will be maintained. Pedestrians should please follow posted signs which may direct them onto temporary walkways at times. All temporary walkways will be ADA accessible.

Parking and Loading / MBTA Bus Stops 

• It is expected that several on-street parking spaces will be impacted at any one time during this work. The exact number and location of the impacted spaces is related to the actual size and location of the work zone, and the associated traffic lane shifts, and will change as the work progresses. Drivers should pay careful attention to parking restrictions, which will be posted at least 24 hours in advance.
• Most of the impacted parking spaces will be restricted during weekday working hours only, and will return to normal operations after working hours and on weekends. It may be necessary, however, for several parking spaces to remain restricted during off-hours to accommodate storage of contractor materials and equipment.
• Newport and the City will work with individual businesses to accommodate loading requirements during construction.
  

Water Service Impacts
The initial work of placing the new water main will not impact existing water services. After the new main is completed and tested, water customers will be individually notified of procedures related to the cut-over of services to the new main.

For Information and Assistance During Construction
Cambridge DPW staff will be on-site during this work and will be available to respond to questions and concerns.

In addition, if you have general questions or concerns about this work or the Inman Square project in general, you may contact Kate Riley, DPW Community Relations Manager at (617) 349-4870 or kriley@cambridgema.gov.

In case of a construction emergency, please call the Cambridge Public Works Department 24-hour hotline at 617-349-4800.

Thank you in advance for your patience and understanding during this construction.

Notice: Inman Square Intersection Improvements Project - Outdoor dining in Inman Square

The City is working to find ways to ensure that our streets are used as efficiently as possible while we all work together to prevent the spread of COVID-19. One type of change that we’re making is reallocating some roadway space to create outdoor dining space. New dining areas will be created on the north and south sides of Cambridge St between Springfield St and Oak St, and on the north side of Cambridge St between Oakland St and Prospect St.

On the north side of the street, the areas will convert to loading and short-term parking when they are not being used for dining. Additional parking will be available in seven back-in angled parking spaces, which will be created on Cambridge St in the block between Oak St and Oakland St. You may view a drawing of the Inman Square Outdoor Dining Plan.

On Cambridge St from Springfield St to Prospect St, motor vehicle travel will be limited to the westbound direction (towards Harvard Square). Motor vehicles going in the eastbound direction will be detoured via Hampshire St and Prospect St. People walking and biking many continue to go in both directions through this area. We are coordinating with the MBTA to determine changes to the bus stops for Route 69 passengers headed towards Lechmere.

Work will continue on the Inman Square Project throughout the remainder of the 2020 construction season. However, in order to provide the outdoor dining and other critical support to local businesses, work will not be performed this season within the section of Cambridge Street, from Springfield St to Prospect St. This restriction, along with the delays associated with the COVID-19 Emergency Construction Moratorium, which was in effect until June 1, 2020, will extend the Project completion date. We are working with Newport Construction Co. to determine a new project schedule and completion date, which will most likely be Summer 2021. We will make this information available to you and other members of the community as soon as possible.

You can learn more about the changes to streets that are being made in response to COVID-19 at www.cambridgema.gov/covid19/streets. If you have questions about the outdoor dining changes please email tpt@cambridgema.gov or call 617-349-4700 (voice), or 311 (relay).

Test Pits in Cambridge Street 6/19-6/23

Beginning Friday, 6/18 and lasting until approximately 6/23, crews will be performing test pits on the north side of Cambridge St. between Springfield and Oak Street to analyze subsurface conditions. Please see posted signs for any parking restrictions and use caution when driving or cycling through this area.  

The following email was sent on May 28, 2020

Dear Neighbor,

On March 18^th, Cambridge issued a Temporary Emergency Construction Moratorium to limit construction in the City to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.   Last week, the City issued an Amended Temporary Emergency Construction Order to allow construction to restart in a phased approach in the coming weeks.   

What does this mean for construction in my neighborhood?

Beginning this week, you may start to see some construction activity related to site safety preparations, including installation of hand wash stations and other site modifications related to COVID-19 safety precautions. Beginning June 1^st, you may start to see increased activity on your street related to the re-starting of construction. We will be in touch via additional notices with a schedule and information specific to the project on your street.

Residents should be aware that No Parking signs will start to appear in relation to construction activity. Contractors will make every effort to provide 48-hours’ notice, but please check the street frequently.

Help Us Spread the Word!

We will not be distributing paper notices to each location at this time. Please encourage your neighbors to sign up to receive email notifications about projects around the City at cambridgema.gov/subscribe.

COVID-19 Control Plan for Construction:

In addition to the stringent safety guidelines required by the State, all contractors will need to submit to the Inspectional Services Department or Department of Public Works, as appropriate, a COVID-19 Control Plan for Cambridge on permitted projects. This plan will require:

•  A cleaning and decontamination checklist; The number of workers expected on the job site; and
•  No non-essential personnel may be present at the worksite.
•  Additionally, contractors will be encouraged, and in some cases required, to conduct a site-specific risk analysis and enhanced COVID-19 safety plan for more complex projects.

As previously announced on May 18, the City of Cambridge will expand currently allowed construction activity in the City in four phases:

• Phase 1, beginning May 25, will add site safety prep work for projects previously permitted by Inspectional Services (ISD) and Public Works (DPW). Forthcoming amendments to the City’s Temporary Emergency Construction Order issued on March 18 will modify the definition of essential construction to include work associated with COVID-19 restaurant modification needed to allow them to safely reopen;
• Phase 2, beginning on June 1, will add horizontal construction, city building projects, 100% affordable housing developments, larger buildings (over 25,000 square feet) previously permitted by ISD or DPW;
• Phase 3, tentatively beginning on June 15, will add all remaining existing construction previously permitted by ISD and DPW; and
• Phase 4, tentatively beginning on June 29, will add new permits. Permits can be submitted, and pre-reviews will occur at any time, but permits will not be formally accepted or issued until this date.

For additional details on the Amended Temporary Emergency Construction Order, please click here. 

Notice: Inman Square Intersection Improvements Project "Coffee Talk" Session

Residents and business owners and their employees are invited to stop by a Coffee Talk to meet with City staff and contractors to ask questions related to the Inman Square Intersection Improvements Project.

Tuesday, March 31, 2020
6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
PCA
1360 Cambridge Street

Questions?
Contact Kate Riley, Department of Public Works
kriley@cambridgema.gov

Notice: Inman St. and St. Mary Rd. Impacts

Over the next few weeks, there will be periods of time when, during working hours, it will not be possible for traffic to turn into Inman Street from Hampshire Street and/or Springfield Street. During these times, access to the northern section of Inman Street will be via Amory Street and St. Mary Road. St. Mary Road will operate as a 2-way street between Amory and Inman as required, with appropriate signage and/or Police officer control as needed. Note that it may be necessary to prohibit parking on St. Mary Road between Amory and Inman during these times. Please pay close attention to all posted signs.

Construction Notice: Inman Square Intersection Improvements: Water Main Work in Hampshire Street

As part of the Inman Square Intersection Improvements project, the City’s contractor Newport Construction will begin to install a new water main from Inman Square southeast along Hampshire Street, including a connection into Inman Street, starting on or about February 24, 2020. The approximate extent of this phase of the work is shown on the map below. This phase of the project is expected to take approximately 3-4 weeks to complete.

This work will allow the retirement of an existing water main which is over 125 years old, and is critical to ensure that the water infrastructure serving Inman Square and adjoining neighborhoods will be in good condition for years to come:

The approximate limits of the upcoming water work are shown by yellow lines on the photo below. Note that individual water services off these main lines are not shown. The work will be performed in phases, with approximately 50 to 150 feet of water main under construction at any one time. 

What to expect during this construction:

• Work will occur during normal weekday hours of 7:00 AM - 4:00 PM
• Traffic will be maintained in both directions on Cambridge and Hampshire Streets, although there may be lane reductions during working hours.
• Inman Street: When the connection into Inman Street is being constructed, there will be a period of time when, during working hours, it will not be possible for traffic to turn into Inman Street from Hampshire Street. DPW will provide additional notice and information to Inman Street abutters before this restriction goes into effect.
• Bicycle traffic may need to share a lane with motor vehicles through the construction zone. Signs will be posted and Police officers will assist with bicycle merging as needed
• Pedestrian access and access to abutting properties will be maintained. Pedestrians should please follow posted signs which may direct them onto temporary walkways at times. All temporary walkways will be ADA accessible.

Parking and Loading / MBTA Bus Stops

• It is expected that several on-street parking spaces will be impacted at any one time during this work. The exact number and location of the impacted spaces is related to the actual size and location of the work zone, and the associated traffic lane shifts, and will change as the work progresses. Drivers should pay careful attention to parking restrictions, which will be posted at least 24 hours in advance.
• Most of the impacted parking spaces will be restricted during weekday working hours only, and will return to normal operations after working hours and on weekends. It may be necessary, however, for several parking spaces to remain restricted during off-hours to accommodate storage of contractor materials and equipment.
• Newport and the City will work with individual businesses to accommodate loading requirements during construction.
• MBTA bus stops serving the #83 on Hampshire Street may be impacted as a result of the work. Passengers should look for signage indicating temporary stops which will be established as needed.

Water Service Impacts

The initial work of placing the new water main will not impact existing water services. After the new main is completed and tested, water customers will be individually notified of procedures related to the cut-over of services to the new main.

For Information and Assistance During Construction

In addition, if you have general questions or concerns about this work or the Inman Square project in general, you may contact Kate Riley, DPW Community Relations Manager at (617) 349-4870 or kriley@cambridgema.gov. More information about the project in general, as well as the September 2019 Construction Update newsletter can be found at www.cambridgema.gov/InmanSquare. 

In case of a construction emergency, please call the Cambridge Public Works Department 24-hour hotline at 617-349-4800.

Thank you in advance for your patience and understanding during this construction.  

Notice: Inman Square Intersection Improvements Project "Coffee Talk" Session

Construction Notice: Inman Square Intersection Improvements: Work in Springfield St. Parking Lot

• The work is expected to take up to 2 weeks.
• During this time, the parking lot will remain open, however approximately 3-6 parking spaces will be unavailable for public use during normal work hours (7 AM – 4 PM weekdays).
• One of the two driveways may be closed during work hours, and the remaining driveway will serve as both an entry and an exit
• We anticipate being able to have the parking lot at or near full availability, with both driveways open, during non-work hours (i.e. evenings and weekends).
• Existing handicap accessible parking spaces will be maintained, although they may be relocated.

CONSTRUCTION NOTICE Inman Square Intersection Improvement Initial Mobilization and Work on Springfield St.

Beginning approximately Monday, November 18, 2019, the City’s contractor for the Inman Square Project, Newport Construction, will begin to mobilize materials and equipment and start test pits and underground utility work.

Mobilization and Staging Area at Vellucci Plaza

Newport will establish a fenced-in and secured staging area in Vellucci Plaza. This set-up will be similar to what Eversource Gas has had in place during their work.  (Eversource has completed their work and will be de-mobilizing from the Plaza prior to November 18).  The site fence will be equipped with a wind-screen to reduce aesthetic and dust impacts.  In addition, the City is working with the East Cambridge Business Association to further enhance the fence with graphics promoting the Square.

Springfield Street Utility Construction

After establishing their staging area, Newport will excavate test pits and perform water main and drainage work in Springfield Street between Cambridge Street and the City Parking Lot.  Given the size and location of the work zone needed, vehicular access to Springfield Street from Cambridge Street will need to be blocked during working hours. This work is expected to be completed within 4-6 weeks.  

Access to the parking lot from the Somerville end of Springfield Street will be maintained at all times, as will pedestrian access on Springfield Street from each end.

Detour signage will be provided, directing vehicles to alternate routes to Springfield Street and the City Parking Lot (see graphic on next page).  Normal street access is expected to resume at the completion of each construction working day.

What to expect during construction:

• General work hours will be from 7AM to 4PM, Monday through Friday.

• During the above work hours, vehicles will not have access to Springfield Street from the Cambridge Street end.  Detour signs will be posted in Cambridge and Somerville, directing vehicles to access Springfield Street and specifically the City Parking Lot from Concord Avenue (Somerville).  

• Pedestrians will be able to access Springfield Street from Cambridge Street at all times.  Vehicular access will be restored at the end of each work day and will be available on weekends.

• Depending on specific daily construction operations, bicycles may have access to the Springfield Street roadway from Cambridge Street. Signs will be posted as appropriate.  Bicycles are also permitted on the Springfield Street sidewalks, but per City regulations must be ridden at walking speed, and yield to pedestrians.  Cyclists are reminded that sidewalk riding is not permitted on Cambridge and Hampshire Streets.  

• Police officers will be on-site to assist with vehicular, bicycle, and pedestrian flow.

• “No Parking” signs, if needed to facilitate the work or traffic flow, will be posted at least 24 hours in advance of construction. Please be sure to check posted signs for exact dates and times.

• Any scheduled impacts to water service for direct abutters on Springfield Street will be communicated via separate notices.

For Information and Assistance During Construction

If you have any questions about the construction work or need assistance, including if you have any special needs or disabilities that require special accommodations, please contact Kate Riley, DPW Community Relations Manager at (617) 349-4870 or kriley@cambridgema.gov.  

In case of a construction emergency, please call the Cambridge Public Works Department 24-hour hotline at 617-349-4800. 

Thank you in advance for your patience and understanding during this construction. 

Notice: Sewer Repair- Spot repairs taking place in the area over the next few weeks

Over the next several weeks, the City’s contractor, Mattuchio Construction, will be making spot repairs to the sewer in the area. Repairs can vary based on the condition of the sewer and crews will be moving from one area to another. Due to the unexpected nature of the work, specific dates and times for work in your area cannot be predicted. “No Parking” signs, posted 48-hours in advance, are an indication of upcoming work.

There will be no interruption to sewer service during this work.

What to Expect During Construction
• Work hours are from 7AM-4PM
• “No Parking” signs will be posted; be sure to check dates and times
• Emergency vehicles and abutters will have access to properties at all time
• Impacted streets may be temporarily closed during portions of the work. Abutters may drive against the one-way traffic to access properties.


For Information or Assistance:

If you have any questions about the upcoming work, please contact Kate Riley, Community Relations Manager 617-349-4870 / kriley@cambridgema.gov or Eric Breen 857-233-8860 / ebreen@cambridgema.gov.

If you have any special need or disability, please contact us to arrange for special accommodations that may be necessary.

Thank you in advance for your cooperation and patience.

Construction Notice: Inman Square Intersection Improvements MBTA Bus #91 Re-Route and Pre-Construction Tree Work

This notice is to inform you of upcoming work and changes associated with the Inman Square Intersection Improvements project.

MBTA Bus #91 Permanent Re-Routing and Stop Changes

As presented during the design process and at Inman Square community meetings, the Project includes the permanent re-route of the MBTA #91 bus off of Springfield Street, Concord Avenue, and Newton Streets in Cambridge and Somerville, and onto a more direct route along Prospect Street.  This change, which will occur on or about September 30, is expected to result in faster and more reliable service on the #91, while still serving the important hubs at Inman and Union Squares. A map of the upcoming change is provided below.

Please note that one pair of stops within the City of Cambridge is impacted.  The #91 will no longer serve the stops at Hampshire Street/Inman Street, although these stops will continue to be served by the #83.  The #91 will instead stop on Prospect Street just north of Cambridge Street, adjacent to All-Star Sandwich Bar (southbound), and Inman Square Apartments (northbound).  The City of Somerville is also establishing replacement stops along its segment of Prospect Street.

Please continue to monitor the large Service Advisories which the MBTA has posted at the impacted stops for more information, including the exact date of this change.

Tree Pruning and Protection

On or about September 23, the City’s Contractor Newport Construction, and their subcontracted Certified Arborist, will begin to establish physical tree protection and perform maintenance pruning of the trees within the project area.  The work has been planned in conjunction with, and will be monitored by, the City Arborist.  The pruning work will include removal of dead, diseased and broken branches; removal of branches which are in contact with adjacent buildings; and selective thinning to promote tree canopy health. 

Tree Removal

To facilitate upcoming construction, a 3.5” Oak tree in poor condition at 237 Hampshire Street (in front of Cambridge Family Health) will be removed in coming weeks.

Please note that a public hearing regarding this tree to be removed was held on April 10, 2018. Hearing materials may be viewed at: https://www.cambridgema.gov/~/media/Files/publicworksdepartment/Engineering/cityprojects/inmansquare/inmansquaretreehearing_05092018.pdf

What to expect during this construction:

• Work will occur during normal weekday hours of 7:00 AM - 4:00 PM
• The tree work described above will impact 1-2 parking spaces at a time during working hours. Drivers should pay careful attention to parking restrictions, which will be posted at least 24 hours in advance. 
• Pedestrian access and access to abutting properties will be maintained.  Pedestrians should please follow posted signs which may direct them onto temporary walkways at times.  All temporary walkways will be ADA accessible.

For Information and Assistance During Construction

If you have general questions or concerns about this work or the Inman Square project in general, you may contact Kate Riley, DPW Community Relations Manager at (617) 349-4870 or kriley@cambridgema.gov.  More information about the project in general, as well as the December 2018 Construction Update newsletter can be found at www.cambridgema.gov/InmanSquare.   

In case of a construction emergency, please call the Cambridge Public Works Department 24-hour hotline at 617-349-4800. 

Thank you in advance for your patience and understanding during this construction. 

Notice: Inman Square Intersection Improvements Project "Coffee Talk" Session

Residents, business owners and their employees are invited to stop by a coffee talk to meet with City staff and contractors to ask questions related to the Inman Square Intersection Improvements Project. 

Wednesday, October 2nd

10AM-11:30AM

Gather Here

1343 Cambridge St. 

Construction Notice: Inman Square Intersection Improvements Update on Eversource Gas Work

As part of the Inman Square Intersection Improvements project, Eversource Gas has completed their work in Springfield Street, on Hampshire Street alongside Vellucci Plaza, across the Plaza, and across Cambridge Street to the east side of Antrim Street.  For the next phase of their work, they will begin to install a new gas main across Cambridge Street to the Fire Station, and then southward along Hampshire Street as shown on the map below.   This phase will begin on or about September 9, 2019.  

The purpose of this work is twofold, and will ensure that the gas infrastructure in the Square will be in good condition for years to come:

• Relocation of the Hampshire Street main into the new alignment of Hampshire Street, and away from the future Vellucci Plazas.
• Replacement and/or retirement of existing obsolete gas mains in Hampshire, Cambridge and Springfield Streets, portions of which are now more than 100 years old.
• Replacement of those abutter gas services which consist of older pipe materials.

The approximate limits of the Eversource work are shown on the photo below. (Orange lines indicate completed work, yellow lines indicate work remaining).  Note that individual gas services off of these main lines are not shown.  The work will be performed in phases, with approximately 50 to 150 feet of gas main under construction at any one time.

What to expect during this construction:

• Work will occur during normal weekday hours of 7:00 AM - 4:00 PM
• Traffic will be maintained in both directions on Cambridge and Hampshire Streets, although there may be lane reductions during working hours.
• Traffic will be maintained on side streets, although there may be occasional turn restrictions during working hours to/from Cambridge and Hampshire Streets.
• Pedestrian access and access to abutting properties will be maintained.  Pedestrians should please follow posted signs which may direct them onto temporary walkways at times.  All temporary walkways will be ADA accessible.

Parking and Loading

• It is expected that approximately 5-15 on-street parking spaces will be impacted at any one time during this work.  The exact number and location of the impacted spaces is related to the actual size and location of the work zone, and the associated traffic lane shifts, and will change as the work progresses.  Drivers should pay careful attention to parking restrictions, which will be posted at least 24 hours in advance.  Note that as part of the next phase of the work, parking impacts will be shifting to Cambridge Street east of the Square and Hampshire Street south of the Square.
• Most of the impacted parking spaces will be restricted during weekday working hours only, and will return to normal operations after working hours and on weekends. It may be necessary, however, for several parking spaces to remain restricted during off-hours to accommodate storage of contractor materials and equipment.
• Eversource and the City will work with individual businesses to accommodate loading requirements during construction.

Eversource Customer Information

If your home or business is located directly in or near Inman Square, you will receive additional communications from Eversource with details on temporary impacts to your gas service, replacement of customer gas service pipes and meters, how to obtain new gas service, and similar related matters.

For Information and Assistance During Construction

This work is being performed by Eversource Gas and their contractors and will be under the direct supervision of Eversource.  Cambridge DPW staff will also be on-site during this work and will be available to respond to questions and concerns.  

In addition, if you have general questions or concerns about this work or the Inman Square project in general, you may contact Kate Riley, DPW Community Relations Manager at (617) 349-4870 or kriley@cambridgema.gov.  More information about the project in general, as well as the December 2018 Construction Update newsletter can be found at www.cambridgema.gov/InmanSquare.   

In case of a construction emergency, please call the Cambridge Public Works Department 24-hour hotline at 617-349-4800. 

Notice: Pedestrian Ramp Reconstruction at Cambridge St. and Prospect St. 

Beginning the week of August 12^th and lasting for approximately two weeks, City’s contractor, Fred DeRoma & Son, Inc. will be reconstructing the eight pedestrian ramps at the Cambridge/Prospect St. intersection in order to bring them into compliance with current accessibility requirements.

What to expect during this construction:

• Work will occur during normal weekday hours of 7:00 AM - 4:00 PM
• Pedestrian access will be maintained for abutting businesses
• Please use caution and follow marked pedestrian detours
• No Parking signs, if needed, will be posted 48-hours in advance
• Please take note of dates and times
• Crews will accommodate any deliveries to businesses

For Information and Assistance During Construction

Cambridge DPW staff will be on-site during this work and will be available to respond to questions and concerns.  

In addition, if you have general questions or concerns about this work you may contact Kate Riley, DPW Community Relations Manager at (617) 349-4870 or kriley@cambridgema.gov.  

In case of a construction emergency, please call the Cambridge Public Works Department 24-hour hotline at 617-349-4800. 

Notice: Permanent Memorial Signage Commemorating Amanda Phillips

In 2016 Amanda Phillips was killed while biking in Inman Square. A ghost bike was established shortly thereafter and has been maintained by friends and family as a way to commemorate Ms. Phillips’ life and bring attention to the issue of safety for cyclists.

From GhostBikes.Org:
Ghost Bikes are small and somber memorials for bicyclists who are killed or hit on the street. A bicycle is painted all white and locked to a street sign near the crash site, accompanied by a small plaque. They serve as reminders of the tragedy that took place on an otherwise anonymous street corner, and as quiet statements in support of cyclists' right to safe travel.

The Inman Square project is currently underway and is fully reconstructing Inman Square to be safer for people walking, biking and driving in and through Inman Square. As part of the Inman Square project, city staff have been working with the family of Amanda Phillips to identify a more permanent commemoration of her life in lieu of the ghost bike. Staff have worked closely with Ms. Phillips’ family to develop the memorial signage shown below.

 

In early June, the ghost bike will be removed and delivered to Ms. Phillips’ family and DPW will place the memorial sign on Cambridge Street.

If you have any questions regarding the memorial signage or the removal of the ghost bike, please feel free to contact me at 617-349-4751 / kwatkins@cambridgema.gov.

Final Design Complete- Project is Open to Bid

The final design of the Inman Square project has been completed, and has been recently advertised for public bids from Contractors. Bids are due May 9, 2019. The complete set of plans and technical specifications may be viewed under the “documents” tab.

Notice: Pipe Inspections taking place week of April 1st

Beginning on or about April 3rd and continuing for 1-2 weeks, the City’s Contractor, National Water Main will be in the Inman Square area to analyze subsurface pipe conditions. Crews will be working in select manholes for a few hours at a time on Hampshire St., Cambridge St., Springfield St., Oak St., Oakland St.Fayette St., Antrim St., and Inman St. There will be a few small parking restrictions in order to accommodate machinery. “No Parking” signs will be posted 48 hours in advance.

CONSTRUCTION NOTICE: Inman Square Intersection Improvements - Eversource Gas Construction

As part of the Inman Square Intersection Improvements project, Eversource Gas has completed their work in Springfield Street and will be performing gas main replacement and realignment in Hampshire Street between the Somerville Line and Cambridge Street beginning on or about April 1, 2019. This work is being performed in advance of the City’s intersection project, which is expected to begin in June, 2019.

The purpose of this work is twofold, and will ensure that the gas infrastructure in the Square will be in good condition for years to come:

Relocation of the Hampshire Street main into the new alignment of Hampshire Street, and away from the future Vellucci Plazas.
Replacement and/or retirement of existing obsolete gas mains in Hampshire, Cambridge and Springfield Streets, portions of which are now more than 100 years old.
Replacement of those abutter gas services which consist of older pipe materials.

The approximate limits of the Eversource work are shown on the photo below (yellow lines). Note that individual gas services off of these main lines are not shown. The work will be performed in phases, with approximately 50 to 150 feet of gas main under construction at any one time, and is expected to be completed in early June 2019, before the start of the City project.

• Work will occur during normal weekday hours of 7:00 AM - 4:00 PM
• Traffic will be maintained in both directions on Cambridge and Hampshire Streets, although there may be lane reductions during working hours.
• Traffic will be maintained on side streets, although there may be occasional turn restrictions during working hours to/from Cambridge and Hampshire Streets.
• Pedestrian access and access to abutting properties will be maintained. Pedestrians should please follow posted signs which may direct them onto temporary walkways at times. All temporary walkways will be ADA accessible.

• It is expected that approximately 5-15 on-street parking spaces will be impacted at any one time during this work. The exact number and location of the impacted spaces is related to the actual size and location of the work zone, and the associated traffic lane shifts, and will change as the work progresses. Drivers should pay careful attention to parking restrictions, which will be posted at least 24 hours in advance.
• Most of the impacted parking spaces will be restricted during weekday working hours only, and will return to normal operations after working hours and on weekends. It may be necessary, however, for several parking spaces to remain restricted during off-hours to accommodate storage of contractor materials and equipment.
• Eversource and the City will work with individual businesses to accommodate loading requirements during construction.

If your home or business is located directly in or near Inman Square, you will receive additional communications from Eversource with details on temporary impacts to your gas service, replacement of customer gas service pipes and meters, how to obtain new gas service, and similar related matters.

For Information and Assistance During Construction
This work is being performed by Eversource Gas and their contractors and will be under the direct supervision of Eversource. Cambridge DPW staff will also be on-site during this work and will be available to respond to questions and concerns.

In addition, if you have general questions or concerns about this work or the Inman Square project in general, you may contact Kate Riley, DPW Community Relations Manager at (617) 349-4870 or kriley@cambridgema.gov. More information about the project in general, as well as the December 2018 Construction Update newsletter can be found at www.cambridgema.gov/InmanSquare.

In case of a construction emergency, please call the Cambridge Public Works Department 24-hour hotline at 617-349-4800.

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CONSTRUCTION NOTICE: Inman Square Intersection Improvements - Eversource Gas Construction

As part of the Inman Square Intersection Improvements project, Eversource Gas will be performing gas main replacement and realignment beginning on or about February 25, 2019. This work is being performed in advance of the City’s intersection project, which is expected to begin in June, 2019.

The purpose of this work is twofold, and will ensure that the gas infrastructure in the Square will be in good condition for years to come:

• Relocation of the Hampshire Street main into the new alignment of Hampshire Street, and away from the future Vellucci Plazas.
• Replacement and/or retirement of existing obsolete gas mains in Hampshire, Cambridge and Springfield Streets, portions of which are now more than 100 years old.
• Replacement of those abutter gas services which consist of older pipe materials. 

The approximate limits of the Eversource work are shown on the photo below (yellow lines). Note that individual gas services off of these main lines are not shown. The work will be performed in phases, with approximately 50 to 150 feet of gas main under construction at any one time, and is expected to be completed in early June 2019, before the start of the City project. It is expected that the work will begin on Springfield Street; followed by Hampshire Street north and Hampshire Street south.

 

What to expect during this construction:

• Work will occur during normal weekday hours of 7:00 AM - 4:00 PM
• Traffic will be maintained in both directions on Cambridge and Hampshire Streets, although there may be lane reductions during working hours.
• Traffic will be maintained on side streets, although there may be occasional turn restrictions during working hours to/from Cambridge and Hampshire Streets.
• Pedestrian access and access to abutting properties will be maintained. Pedestrians should please follow posted signs which may direct them onto temporary walkways at times. All temporary walkways will be ADA accessible.
• Bicyclists and motorists will be required to share travel lanes at certain locations and times. The Contractor will be required to erect signs which clearly indicate where this will be occurring.
• Where maintenance of separate bicycle lanes is not possible, the Contractor will also be maximizing the width of travel lanes to the greatest extent possible.

Parking and Loading:

• It is expected that approximately 5-15 on-street parking spaces will be impacted at any one time during this work. The exact number and location of the impacted spaces is related to the actual size and location of the work zone, and the associated traffic lane shifts, and will change as the work progresses. Drivers should pay careful attention to parking restrictions, which will be posted at least 24 hours in advance. 
• Most of the impacted parking spaces will be restricted during weekday working hours only, and will return to normal operations after working hours and on weekends. It may be necessary, however, for several parking spaces to remain restricted during off-hours to accommodate storage of contractor materials and equipment. 
• Eversource and the City will work with individual businesses to accommodate loading requirements during construction. 

Eversource Customer Information:

If your home or business is located directly in or near Inman Square, you will soon receive a separate letter from Eversource with additional details on temporary impacts to your gas service, replacement of customer gas service pipes and meters, how to obtain new gas service, and similar related matters.

For Information and Assistance During Construction:
This work is being performed by Eversource Gas and their contractors, and will be under the direct supervision of Eversource. Please refer to the letter you will receive from Eversource for contact information for the Eversource Construction Supervisor.

Cambridge DPW staff will also be on-site during this work and will be available to respond to questions and concerns.

In addition, if you have general questions or concerns about this work or the Inman Square project in general, you may contact Kate Riley, DPW Community Relations Manager at (617) 349-4870 or kriley@cambridgema.gov. More information about the project in general, as well as the December 2018 Construction Update newsletter can be found at www.cambridgema.gov/InmanSquare.

In case of a construction emergency, please call the Cambridge Public Works Department 24-hour hotline at 617-349-4800.

Thank you in advance for your patience and understanding during this construction.

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Email from City Manager to City Council

This email was sent to the City Council from the City Manager on Wednesday, January 30, 2019 with this newsletter attached. These files can also be found in the "Documents" tab of this project page. 

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Notice from Traffic, Parking and Transportation -We're adding meters around Inman Square

Inman Square construction is scheduled to begin soon. In the next few weeks, the Traffic, Parking, and Transportation Department will install new meters to provide additional short-term parking during the construction period. We’ve provided a map of the metered parking on the back of this flyer.

Questions about the meters? Contact: Patrick Baxter, 617-349-4715 pbaxter@Cambridgema.gov

Learn more about the construction: cambridgema.gov/TheWorks/InmanSquare

For a map of the new locations please click here.

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Notice: Inman Square Intersection Improvements- Tree Removals in Velucci Plaza

To facilitate upcoming construction at Inman Square, the City will be removing 4 honey locust trees (2 each on Cambridge St. and Hampshire St.) beginning on or about January 30th.

Also at this time, the birch trees located in the raised granite planters in Velluci Plaza will be removed for replanting at Danehy Park.

Please note that a public hearing regarding the trees to be removed was held on April 10, 2018. Hearing material may be viewed at: https://www.cambridgema.gov/~/media/Files/publicworksdepartment/Engineering/cityprojects/inmansquare/inmansquaretreehearing_05092018.pdf

What to expect during this operation:

• Work will occur during normal weekday hours of 7 AM - 4 PM
• The work will impact metered parking spaces on Hampshire and Cambridge Streets adjacent to the plaza. Signs will be posted 24 hours in advance.

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**Please note- the re-striping of Springfield St. Parking Lot has been rescheduled for Wednesday, January 16th. The BlueBikes station will still be relocated on Thursday, January 17th.**

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Notice: Inman Square Intersection Improvements- Restriping of Springfield St. Parking Lot and Relocation of Blue Bikes Station

To facilitate upcoming utility construction in Inman Square, the existing Blue Bikes Station in Vellucci Plaza must be relocated out of the plaza. In response to concerns raised by the East Cambridge Business Association about potential impacts on parking, staff have developed a plan that relocates the Blue Bikes Station to the City’s Springfield Street Parking Lot, while maintaining the existing 28 parking spaces in the lot, which are critical to the small businesses in Inman Square. This plan requires restriping the Springfield Street Parking Lot to make more efficient use of the existing site.

Weather permitting, the parking lot will be restriped on Tuesday January 15^th and the Blue Bikes Station will be relocated on Thursday January 17^th.

As part of the overall efforts to offset the loss of parking associated with construction, other smaller improvements to parking will also be implemented.

• The parking spaces dedicated to ZipCar in the Springfield Street Lot will be reduced from 3 to 2.
• The part-time taxi stand that is underutilized in front of Cambridge Savings Bank will be eliminated, so that these 2 spaces will be available full-time for patrons visiting Inman Square.

What to expect during this operation:

Work will occur during normal weekday hours, M-F 7AM-4PM

Restriping of the City’s Springfield St. Parking Lot – Tuesday January 15th

• The 10 parking spots along Ole will not be impacted, but the 18 parking spaces in the middle of the lot need to be restricted to facilitate the restriping. 
• Signs will be posted 24 hours in advance and the impacted parking spaces will be returned to normal operation as soon as they are availab

Relocation of the Blue Bikes Station – Thursday January 17th

• Removal of the station from Vellucci Plaza will impact metered parking spaces on Hampshire Street adjacent to Vellucci Plaza. 
• Placement of the station in the parking lot will impact several spaces in the Springfield Parking Lot. 
• Signs will be posted 24 hours in advance and the impacted parking spaces will be returned to normal operation as soon as they are available.

For Information and Assistance During Construction
If you have any questions about this work, please contact Kate Riley, DPW Community Relations Manager at (617) 349-4870 or kriley@cambridgema.gov. More information about the project in general, including the December 2018 Construction Update newsletter can be found at www.cambridgema.gov/InmanSquare.

In case of a construction emergency, please call the Cambridge Public Works Department 24-hour hotline at 617-349-4800.

Thank you in advance for your patience and understanding during this construction.

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Please see the file "Inman Square Newsletter_1" under the "Documents" tab for an important construction update. 

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The presentation from the October 24, 2018 community meeting is now available under the Documents tab of this page or by clicking here.

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Notice: Inman Square Intersection Improvements, Community Meeting: Wednesday, October 24 6:30PM-8:30PM, Cambridgeport School Gymnasium

The City is developing plans to improve the intersection of Hampshire Street and Cambridge Street in Inman Square. Please join us at an upcoming meeting to learn more about the plaza design and provide input.

Community Meeting - New Plaza Designs

Wednesday, October 24th 

Cambridgeport School Gymnasium - 89 Elm St.

6:30-8:30 pm 

This meeting will focus on presentation and discussion of the landscape and urban design for the reconfigured Vellucci Plaza and presentation of public art concepts by Project Artist Mark Reigelman. We encourage community members to attend to learn more and provide feedback about the design for this important public space.

For more information on this project, please visit www.cambridgema.gov/theworks/inmansquare To be added to the project email list, please contact Kate Riley, Community Relations Manager at 617-349-4870 / kriley@cambridgema.gov.

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A Public Tree Hearing was held on April 10, 2018. Please see the "Documents" tab for additional information.

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Inman Square Intersection Improvements
Community Meeting: Wednesday, March 7th

The City is developing plans to improve the intersection of Hampshire Street and Cambridge Street in Inman Square. There are several upcoming opportunities to learn more about the project and provide input.

Community Meeting - New Plaza Designs

Wednesday, March 7th 

Cambridge Rindge and Latin School Auditorium

459 Broadway

6:30-8:30 pm 

This meeting will focus on presentation and discussion of three alternative concepts for the reconfigured Vellucci Plaza. We encourage community members to attend to learn more and provide feedback about the design for this important public space.

Specific items to be discussed include:

• Trees
• Planting Beds
• Seating and Other Furniture 
• Lighting
• Public Art 
• Paving Types and Patterns

For more information on this project, please visit www.cambridgema.gov/theworks/inmansquare To be added to the project email list, please contact KyAnn Anderson, Community Relations Manager, at community.cambridge@kleinfelder.com.

Open Houses / Review Previous Presentation

Thursday, March 1st

Department of Public Works

147 Hampshire St.

5PM-8PM                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            

Wednesday, March 7th 

CRLS Auditorium

459 Broadway

4:30PM-6:30PM                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                

As a follow-up to the January 30th Community Meeting, join us at your convenience at one of these Open Houses to review various design options which have been considered for the Square over the past year and a half; the strengths and flaws which we discovered during our analyses of each one; and the reasoning behind the decision to move forward with the current option (shown above). City and consultant technical staff will be available for one-on-one discussions including a presentation of traffic simulation modeling and other detailed technical information.

Note that the presentation slides and a video recording of the January 30th meeting may be viewed on the project webpage www.cambridgema.gov/theworks/inmansquare .

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Video of the Inman Square Community Meeting on January 30, 2018 is now available.

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February 1, 2018

Community Meeting #4 for the Inman Square Project was held on January 30, 2018. At that meeting, an Alternative Concept which minimizes impacts to existing Vellucci Plaza and several large street trees was presented and discussed. Initially, the City believed that this Alternative Concept was viable and would meet all project goals. However, after more intensive analysis, and as presented at Community Meeting #4, the City has concluded that the Alternative Concept has significant safety flaws. Therefore, the City intends to continue to move forward with the Current Concept. Please see the “Documents” tab to view the presentation slides. A video recording of the meeting will also be posted here once available.

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Inman Square Intersection Improvements
Community Meeting: Tuesday, January 30th, 2018

We have been listening carefully, have heard you, and want to get this once in a generation project “right”.

The City is developing plans to provide safety improvements benefiting all users at the intersection of Hampshire Street and Cambridge Street in Inman Square. Over the course of the past year, we have incorporated community feedback from several public forums and moved towards a concept plan believed to have broad community and stakeholder support.

Before finalizing the design for this significant capital project, however, the City wants to make sure that it not only meets project safety goals, but also satisfies other community goals and desires. The currently proposed concept involves significant reconfiguration of the public open space of Inman Square, particularly Mayor Alfred E. Vellucci Community Plaza. We have received feedback that we should more fully develop and evaluate an alternative design option, which minimizes changes to the existing footprint of Vellucci Plaza. We have done so, and the main objective of the January 30 meeting will be to present this alternative concept, and to review the differences between the two concepts in terms of various criteria including safety, operations and delay for all modes, convenience and clarity, resident and business parking and loading, environmental and open space impact, and urban design.

The City is confident that either concept will satisfy the main multi-modal safety objectives of the project, while providing acceptable operations for all users, including pedestrians, bicycles, transit users, and private and commercial vehicles. For us to move forward with the project, however, it is critical that we get additional community feedback.

Inman Square Intersection Improvements Community Meeting

Tuesday, January 30th, 2018

Cambridge Public Library (Main Branch), Lower Level (L2)

449 Broadway

Presentation: 6:00-6:45 pm

Community Feedback: 6:45-8:00 pm

For more information on this project, please visit www.cambridgema.gov/theworks/inmansquare To be added to the project email list, please contact KyAnn Anderson, Community Relations Manager, at community.cambridge@kleinfelder.com.

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The Inman Square Intersection Improvements Community Meeting scheduled for Tuesday December 5, 2017, is being postponed and will be rescheduled for a new date in January 2018. The City Manager, Deputy City Manager, and numerous staff have been meeting with various stakeholder groups to discuss the preferred design proposal. Based on the feedback received, the project team needs more time to perform additional analyses and further refine the project design, so that they can present the community with the most complete information regarding the intersection and plaza layout.

Once a new date is confirmed, an additional notice will be sent out announcing the date, time, and location of the rescheduled community meeting.

We apologize for any inconvenience this change may cause and hope you are able to attend the future meeting.

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Inman Square Intersection Improvements
Community Meeting: Tuesday, December 5th - POSTPONED

The City is developing plans to improve the intersection of Hampshire Street and Cambridge Street in Inman Square. The next public meeting for this project will be held on Tuesday, December 5th, at the Main Library, Lower Level (L2) from 6-8pm.

As we move towards a final design for the project, this meeting will focus on design revisions incorporated through community input, traffic simulation modeling, and present three concepts our team has developed for the Vellucci Plaza. We encourage community members to attend to learn more about the design options for this important public space and to provide feedback.

We will also recap the project history to date, provide an overview of the proposed intersection design, and review changes that have been made based on input from residents, business owners, and roadway users. After the presentation, staff will facilitate an open discussion.

For more information on this project, please visit www.cambridgema.gov/theworks/inmansquare To be added to the project email list, please contact KyAnn Anderson, Community Relations Manager, at community.cambridge@kleinfelder.com.

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The City is developing plans to improve the intersection of Hampshire St and Cambridge St in Inman Square.  

At the recent public meeting on Tuesday, July 25,  city and design team staff recapped project history to date, and presented a discussion of opportunities and considerations relevant to the plaza design. 

Please visit the Documents tab for all project-related materials. 

To be added to the project email list, please visit the Contact tab.

 

 

Summer 2021:

• Full depth roadway construction
  • Hampshire Street (Inman Sq to Amory)

     

• Sidewalks and Separated Bike Lanes
  • Hampshire Street (City Line to Inman Square)
  • Cambridge Street (Fayette St to Inman Square)

Fall 2021:

• Full depth roadway construction
  • Cambridge Street (Inman Square to Oak)

     

• Sidewalks and Separated Bike Lanes
  • Hampshire Street (Inman Sq. to Amory)
  • Cambridge Street (Inman Square to Oak)

     

• Traffic switch-over to “new” Hampshire alignment and begin construction of Vellucci Plazas (utilities and foundations)

Winter 2021/2022:

• Continue Vellucci Plazas utilities and foundations (weather dependent)

Spring 2022:

• Vellucci Plazas landscaping and surface features

Summer 2022:

• Final projectwide paving and surface finishes

The project was originally scheduled to be complete in the spring of 2021. However, the project has had to be extended due to COVID-19 related issues. These issues include a late start to the 2020 construction season, and the establishment of outdoor dining on Cambridge Street and in the Springfield St Parking Lot. Both of those areas require construction as part of the project. An updated schedule will be available in early 2021.

The project is anticipated to be complete in Spring 2021.  Work will be phased such that construction is not occurring in all areas of the project area simultaneously. For more details on specific phases of the work, please see the “The Latest” tab on this web page. 

Newport Construction has been awarded the bid. Once a schedule is provided and updated timeline will be given here. 

Please check the Updates tab for more up-to-date information  and visit the Documents tab for more information on the project.

Inman Square is a vibrant commercial and residential area, and is traversed daily by high volumes of drivers, pedestrians, bicyclists and transit riders. It is a complex and unusually large intersection, however, with a confusing layout and a large number of individual roadway approaches. This causes safety and operational challenges for all users, including multiple points of conflict between the different modes, and often lengthy delays for all users. The intersection is a documented crash “hot spot”, with a crash average exceeding the average rate for signalized intersections in Massachusetts.

In 2015, the City began a process of studying the intersection in order to develop short and long term improvements. Findings were presented to the community in mid-2016, and short term improvements including restrictions on left-turns and bicycle intersection markings were implemented in summer and fall 2016. These short-term improvements did not involve significant construction, and are considered an interim measure until a more permanent solution can be implemented.

The process of designing permanent improvements to Inman Square began in late 2016, and continued throughout 2017. A number of different design options were developed and analyzed, and four widely attended public meetings have been held as of the end of January 2018. At this time, the City has recommended a concept which best addresses the safety and operational issues of Inman Square, and meets other project goals including improving transit operations and experience, maximizing the quality and experience of pedestrian plaza space, and providing necessary parking and loading functions. This concept is labeled as the “Current Concept”, on the January 30, 2018 presentation slides, which may be viewed under the “Documents” tab.

• inmansqfinapavingl721eb
• oakandspringfieldstreetpaving
• inmansquarenewsletter_3
• 022120_watermainnotice
• inmansquarenewsletter_2
• Inman Square Final Specifications
• Inman Square Final Plans
• City Manager Email to Councilors - January 30 2019
• 20190130inmansquareparkingflyerandmap
• Inman Square Newsletter_1
• Community Meeting Presentation - October 24, 2018
• Mid-Cambridge Neighborhood Conservation District Commission - May 7, 2018
• Tree Hearing - April 10, 2018
• Community Meeting Presentation - March 7, 2018
• Community Meeting Notice- March 7, 2018
• Community Meeting Presentation - January 30, 2018
• Inman Square Community Meeting Presentation July 25, 2017
• Inman Square Intersection Improvements Community Meeting Notice July 2017
• Community Meeting Presentation May 2 2017
• Inman Square Signalized Concept May 2017
• Inman Square Signal Phasing Diagrams May 2017
• Inman Square Community Meeting Notice April 2017
• inmansquarecommunitymeetingnoticefebruary2017
• inmansquarecommunitymeetingnoticejanuary2017
• communitymeetingpresentationjanuary242017
• inmansquaredesignoptionsanddetailsjanuary2017web
• inmansquareprojectschedule

The City is committed to performing this project safely, and to providing as much useful information to the Community as possible.

If you have questions about the project, including questions or concerns about pedestrian, bicyclist, or motorist safety during the construction process, please contact us as follows:

Kristen Kelleher

Community Relations

Phone: 617-349-4825

Email: kkelleher@cambridgema.gov

Jerry Friedman

Supervising Engineer

Phone: 617-349-9720

Email: jfriedman@cambridgema.gov