Plans for Arlington Center Traffic Improvement Underway

Arlington officials are looking at a number of options to improve biking access and traffic at the corner of Massachusetts Avenue and Route 60, and the different plans will soon be brought for public review at a hearing.

Last spring, the town contracted Boston-based Howard/Stein-Hudson, a traffic engineering firm, to improve safety and mobility for bicyclists, drivers and pedestrians at the intersection.

The firm has developed several ideas to connect the gap on the Minuteman Bikeway between Swan Place and Route 60, which town officials say has resulted in confusion and violations of the town bylaw prohibiting sidewalk bicycle riding.

All of the options include:

• Extending the bikeway along the sidewalk edge of Uncle Sam Park for biking in both directions;
• Elongated left turn lane on Mystic Street approaching Massachusetts Avenue to move more drivers through the intersection during each light cycle;
• Curb extensions at and  corners to shorten crossing distance and time for pedestrians;
• Signal timing adjustments at three signals—Chestnut and Mystic streets, Mystic Street and Massachusetts Avenue and Medford Street and Massachusetts Avenue;
• Modernization of signal equipment at Massachusetts Avenue and Route 60
• And accessible ramps at Swan Place.

To view the details of each proposal, scroll through the pictures to the right of this article.

"Our intent is to take all these options and get input from the public," said Mike Rademacher, director of the Public Works Department.

The project will be funded by a $290,000 grant from the Massachusetts Department of Transportation. The grant targets reducing air pollution by encouraging walking and biking.

A public hearing on the proposal will be scheduled soon, Rademacher said.