Rebuilding River Street: A Community-Centered Transformation

When you walk or drive down River Street today, it’s easy to see change taking shape. Beneath the construction signs and evolving detours lies one of Cambridge’s most ambitious infrastructure projects — a complete reconstruction of River Street and its connecting public spaces. It’s a project years in the making, built on collaboration, innovation, and a shared commitment to creating a safer, more vibrant, and more resilient neighborhood and City streets.

The River Street Reconstruction Project is transforming the corridor from Memorial Drive to Massachusetts Avenue — including Carl Barron Plaza, Pleasant Street, Norman M. Tubman Square, and surrounding neighborhood streets. What began as a necessary upgrade to century-old underground utilities has evolved into a once-in-a-generation opportunity to reimagine how this critical street serves everyone who lives, works, and travels here.

“River Street is more than just a roadway,” says Jim Wilcox, City Engineer, Department of Public Works. “It’s a connector — between neighborhoods, between businesses, and between people. Every decision in this design process has been rooted in improving that daily experience.”

The project began construction in late 2022 and is expected to be substantially complete by fall 2026, with several sections finishing earlier. Work is performed in short, carefully managed segments to keep the street open and ensure that residents, businesses, and emergency services always have access.

Building for the Future

Much of the work begins below the surface. Parts of River Street’s underground infrastructure are more than 100 years old, so the project includes brand-new sanitary sewers, stormwater systems, and water mains to support modern levels of service and climate resilience.

Above ground, the redesign delivers a safer, more welcoming environment for everyone — whether walking, biking, taking the bus, or driving. Wider sidewalks, improved crossings, and accessible public spaces will make it easier to move through and enjoy the corridor.

Designed with the Community, for the Community

From the very beginning, the River Street project was shaped by the people who know it best. At its outset, the City facilitated a robust community engagement process that invited feedback and ideas at every stage of design.

That process included:

• A working group of residents, businesses, and neighborhood representatives who met 12 times
• Community meetings, project walks, and outdoor open houses that brought people together to share input directly on site
• Visits with local business owners to understand day-to-day needs
• Online tools — including a project webpage, interactive maps, and virtual open houses — that kept everyone informed and engaged

This consistent, transparent approach helped refine the design to reflect what the community values most: safety, accessibility, beauty, and connection.

Investing in the Neighborhood

Beyond River Street itself, nearby neighborhood streets — including Fairmont Avenue, Rockwell Street, Laurel Street, and others — have and will also be rebuilt as part of the City’s ongoing Five-Year Sidewalk and Street Reconstruction Plan.

Fairmont Avenue was redesigned as a Shared Street —a program focused on designing streets that safely serve people of all ages and abilities. Sometimes called “play streets” or “living room streets,” Shared Streets are designed to give pedestrians priority while safely accommodating low-speed vehicles and cyclists.

Together, these improvements represent a major investment in the neighborhood’s long-term vitality and walkability.

Looking Ahead

As construction continues, the City and its partners continue to remain focused on minimizing disruption while keeping communication open and responsive.

Ultimately, the River Street Reconstruction Project isn’t just about new pipes, pavement, or plazas — it’s about renewing a sense of place. When complete, this reimagined corridor will reflect the best of Cambridge: a community that builds its future together, one block at a time.