Mass Ave at Albany Intersection Safety

• Serious crashes where a left-turning driver hits a pedestrian or cyclist have happened multiple times over the last ten years at every leg of this intersection.
• This project will add dedicated signal time for left turns on all approaches, meaning left-turning drivers will not have to look for gaps in oncoming traffic while checking that the crosswalk is clear before making their turns.

• Corner islands will be installed to slow right turns off of Mass Ave and one of the right turns off of Albany St.
• The islands will use flex posts and “bumblebee” devices and will be shaped differently based on available space.

• All walk signals will turn on five seconds before any driver sees a green light (a typical Pedestrian Head Start is three seconds).
• This extended head start lets pedestrians enter the crosswalk before drivers start turning right, making them easier to see.
• This treatment used in combination with the Corner Island treatment is expected to reduce the number of severe crashes between right-turning vehicles and pedestrians/cyclists.

• Some of the pavement markings in the intersection have faded and can be hard to see under certain conditions. We will refresh those markings when we install the new Corner Islands
• We will upgrade and verify the operation of APS push buttons to ensure they provide reliable crossing information for people with visual impairments. This makes it easier for those to cross.
• The mast arm (the pole holding the overhead signals) on the east corner of the intersection will be replaced as part of a longer-term capital construction project.

The Higher Crash Locations analysis performed by CDOT in 2025 used a crash reporting period spanning 2014-2024. During this time, there were two projects at the intersection of Mass Ave and Albany Street that improved safety. In 2019, the City of Cambridge added separated bike lanes on Mass Ave, and in 2022, the MBTA added a bus-only lane on Mass Ave towards Boston.

The below graphic details when various safety improvements were added to the intersection.

This crash diagram shows all fatal crashes, crashes resulting in serious injury, and crashes involving pedestrians or cyclists from January 2001 to April 2025. The most noticeable general trend is the high number of turning crashes involving a cyclist or pedestrian. With this trend in mind, this project focuses on having turning drivers proceed at a separate time than when pedestrians and cyclists are crossing the street (Time-Separated Turns). Where that is not possible, the project aims to make cyclists and pedestrians more visible while crossing and slowing vehicle turning speeds through Head Starts and Corner Islands. Click here for a higher resolution.