Targeted Intersection Improvements

In addition to Intersection Safety Projects, the Cambridge Department of Transportation (CDOT) is installing Targeted Safety Improvements at some of the Higher Crash Intersections. This systemic approach utilizes treatments from our Safety Treatment Toolkit that do not require significant design or analysis and can be installed with quick-build materials so that the department can implement them as soon as materials and staff are available. This approach allows us to approximately double the number of intersections we address each year through the Intersection Safety Program.

The treatments currently in use include Corner Islands, Raised Centerlines, Crossing Islands, Daylighting, and Bicycle Intersection Markings. Select other treatments may also be approved on a location-by-location basis. Read more about these treatments on CDOT’s Safety Treatment Toolkit page.

The Cambridge Department of Transportation selects intersections for Targeted Safety Improvements in three steps:

Rule out locations slated for safety improvements in the near future and those actively under construction. We do this because targeted improvements are most impactful in locations that otherwise would be left untreated, and to simplify installation and coordination.
Sketch concept designs for the top five intersections left on the Higher Crash Intersection List and field test them. We visit each intersection and put cones in locations where we envision using treatments and observe how they affect driver behavior.
Refine designs and select new intersections if needed. We adjust our designs based on the results of our field test and feedback from other departments. If we have an unsuccessful field test, we drop the intersection from our targeted program and select another intersection to replace it.

2026 Targeted Safety Improvements

Mass Avenue at Windsor Street

Status: Ready for Installation

Higher Crash Intersection Rank: 11
Weighted Crash Score: 65
Reported Vulnerable User Crashes (2014-2024): 13
Reported Injury Crashes (2014-2024): 12
Reported Fatal Crashes (2014-2024): 0

Existing Safety Features:
- Separated bike lanes on Mass Ave
- Crossing Islands
- Corner Island
- Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacon (RRFB) across Mass Ave,
- Bicycle intersection markings across Windsor St

New Treatments

Extended Corner Island

Raised Centerlines

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Intersection Safety Program?

The Intersection Safety Program is a Cambridge Department of Transportation program that focuses on improving safety at intersections. Please review the program’s main page for more information.

How can I view the Higher Crash Locations list?

The GIS map with the most recent Higher Crash Locations list can be viewed here, and the report detailing the methodology used to create the list can be viewed here. Targeted Safety Improvements are one of the methods the Cambridge Department of Transportation uses to improve safety at the intersections that score high on this list.

How can I report a problem with a treatment device?

Maintenance issues regarding traffic signals, flex posts, pavement markings, signs, and “bumblebees” are best reported through Cambridge’s SeeClickFix system.

Do you take public input on Targeted Safety Improvements?

Feedback on already installed locations, reports of unsafe encounters at intersections, or ideas for the program are always welcome. Please feel free to email the project team or call the Cambridge Department of Transportation at 617‑349‑4700. Maintenance issues are best reported through Cambridge’s SeeClickFix system.

Contact Us

Leah Grodstein (she/her)
Street Design Project Manager
Department of Transportation
617-349-4609
lgrodstein@cambridgema.gov