Project background
In 2021, MassDOT carried out a pilot program to study the effects of traffic calming measures along the Mass Ave Bridge. Cones were used to widen the bridge’s bike lanes and the double lanes of traffic were merged into one lane in each direction. MassDOT analyzed the effects of the new layout and will be making the improvements permanent.
Proposed improvements
The Massachusetts Avenue Safety Improvements project aims to improve safety for all users along the corridor by permanently reducing the cross section from 2 to 1 lane in each direction over the bridge, providing buffered bicycle lanes throughout the project limits, and improving operations for transit at both the Beacon Street and Memorial Drive intersections.
A roll plan can be found under "additional resources" that shows our proposed safety improvements on Mass Ave between Beacon Street and Memorial Drive.
Below are cross sections showing the proposed safety improvements at Mass Ave at Beacon Street, Mass Ave at Memorial Drive, and in the middle of the bridge.
Mass Ave at Beacon Street
Mass Ave at Memorial Drive
Harvard Bridge
Additional Resources
Project timeline
- Fall 2021 – Implement pilot program over the Mass Ave Bridge
- October 2022 – Finalize design and coordination with stakeholders
- November 2022 – Implement permanent configuration under the direction of MassDOT's District 6 Office. Work to be included consists of bicycle lane and bus lane pavement markings, permanent flex posts to replace the temporary cones, new signal heads for transit priority, and traffic signal phasing modifications.