Overview
The elevated highway (McCarthy Overpass) on McGrath Highway (Route 28) will be demolished and replaced with a ground-level road. The new "McGrath Boulevard" will include space for people to walk, bike, take the bus, and drive.
The project focuses on McGrath Highway between Third Street in Cambridge to the south and Broadway in Somerville to the north. It is next to several Somerville neighborhoods, including East Somerville, Union Square, Brickbottom, Winter Hill, and Prospect Hill. Removing the overpass will help reconnect these neighborhoods.
Why is this happening?
- McCarthy Overpass is aging and needs to be removed
- McGrath Highway is not accessible and has more lanes for cars than needed based on traffic volumes
- The overpass and highway are a barrier between neighborhoods
Project goals
- Safety improvements to support Vision Zero objectives
- Connectivity improvements to neighborhoods and nearby amenities
- Resilient infrastructure to face our changing climate
- Pedestrian and bicycle improvements for safety and comfort
Key design elements
- One travel lane will be removed from both northbound and southbound, leaving two general purpose lanes in each direction
- Separated and buffered bike lanes will be installed in each direction
- Pedestrian and bike connections will be improved, including a new at-grade crossing at Cross Street made possible by the removal of the overpass
- Floating bus stops will improve bus service while accommodating bikes and pedestrians
- Increase green space and shade with street trees and landscaping
The Washington Street intersection in Somerville as it looks now.
This rendering shows how the Washington Street intersection will look when the project is completed.
Community-led design process
The McGrath Boulevard Project Development Working Group informed and advised MassDOT with local knowledge, and helped develop the concept design. The Working Group included representatives from:
- community-based organizations
- public agencies
- elected officials
- and other local stakeholders
Many design options were evaluated including potential cross-sections and intersection configurations. Through a consensus-driven design process, the concept design shown above was selected as the “preferred alternative.”
What is next?
As MassDOT advances the design, there will be opportunities for public feedback. The final design is expected to be completed by 2028, when construction will begin.