The City of Medford is committed to safe, accessible streets and sidewalks for all users of all ages and abilities: pedestrians, cyclists, transit users, drivers of personal vehicles, and others. We continue to make investments and improvements in our roadway infrastructure to enhance safety and usability of our road network, as well as expand the options for mobility beyond driving. If you have questions, concerns, or suggestions, contact us in one of the following ways:
DCR has installed the much-anticipated pedestrian safety improvements (Solar Powered Push Button Activated Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons, RRFBs) to the two existing crosswalks on Elm St., near Wright's Pond. This is an example of State/City coordination/cooperation to improve safety for all.
Thanks to all who advocated, funded, implemented, etc. Specific thanks to Senator Jehlen/staff, State Rep. Donato/staff, Mayor Lungo-Koehn/staff, DCR Commissioner Arrigo/staff.
We truly believe this project will improve safety for Medford residents/all who may be using the City/State recreational facilities in North Medford.
Pedestrian Signal Equipment
The Transportation Division of DPW/Engineering Department and the Electrical Dept. have collaborated to purchase and install new pedestrian signal equipment ('Countdown' Pedestrian Signal Heads) at 3 locations in Medford. Countdown signals help promote walking by making crossings more user friendly, informing pedestrians how much time they have to cross the street. The 3 locations receiving these upgrades were chosen based on need and spreading these improvements throughout the City somewhat equally. They are as follows:
Main Street at Harvard Street (South Medford)
Boston Avenue at Harvard Avenue (West Medford)
Riverside Avenue at Spring Street (Glenwood/East Medford)
The timeline for these improvements is over the next couple of months (winter 2024) but you may see work starting as early as February 2024. The equipment has already been ordered and received. The Electrical Dept. is working with a contractor on coordinating the installations. These improvements ae made possible by funding from the Transportation Network Company Fees the City receives to offset extra vehicle trips associated with rideshare vehicle trips in Medford.
We look forward to these great new improvements for Medford pedestrians in three different City neighborhoods.
Daylighting on High Street, Salem Street
Daylightingis when parking is prohibited next to corners and crosswalks, improving visibility for both pedestrians and drivers. Hashed pavement striping is used to emphasize which areas must remain clear. Per MA state law, parking is prohibited within 20 feet of any intersection.
(High St at Governors Ave, Medford Square)
Winthrop St speed tables and raised crosswalk
Raised crosswalks and speed tables slow vehicles down to improve pedestrian safety. This is especially important in high-use areas such as Winthrop Street, where many people cross between Veteran’s Memorial Park, the community garden, and the mystic river paths.
Before
After
(Winthrop Street at Veterans’ Memorial Park)
Intersection Improvements Dexter St. & Bow St.
To respondtoresident safety concerns, this intersection was changed to an all-way stop (approved by the Traffic Commission). Additionally, the city repainted edge lines to narrow lanes, repainted crosswalks and stop lines, and added enhanced Stop signs with solar-powered blinking LED borders.
(Dexter St & Bow St)
Before
After
School zone warning beacons and radar signs at Medford High School
Bike lanes were added in both directions along the Winthrop street corridor. This key connection provides access to Medford High School, Victory Park, the western edge of the Middlesex Fells, and south to the Mystic River parks & paths.
Before
After
Rivers Edge Dr. bike lane upgrades
This pre-existing bike lane was re-striped and improved with an added buffer and increased lane width.
Before
After
George St. bike lane
An eastbound bike lane was installed on George Street. This is the first segment in a key network connection linking the Medford/Tufts Green Line station with Medford Square. Bike lanes on College Ave (from Boston Ave to George St) and Main St (from existing bike lane on Main Street to George Street) will be added in Spring 2024.
Before
After
Riverside Ave bike lanes
Buffered bike lanes were added to both sides of Riverside Ave, from Commercial Street to the Fellsway, as part of a partial repaving project. Plans are being developed for a proposed expansion of these lanes when the entire corridor is due for repaving.
Salem St (Haines Square) eastbound bike lane
A short segment of bike lane was added to the south side of Salem Street as part of the larger Haines Square complete streets project. In the future, this lane will extend further west to Paris Street.
Bluebikes is the Boston area’s bike share system, which began in 2011 and has expanded to serve 13 cities and towns. It is owned by its member communities and operated by Motivate (a subsidiary of Lyft). Since joining in 2022, the people of Medford have been using Bluebikes for single rides, daylong excursions, workday commutes, running errands, and more. There are a variety of membership options, and you may be eligible for a discounted membership through your workplace, school, or community organization. See https://bluebikes.com/pricing/annual-membership for more details.
Medford's 15 Current Stations Are:
Auburn Street at Mystic River
Hormel Stadium
Harris Park
Haines Square
Hickey Park
Logan Park
Main Street at Brooks Park
Medford Square (opposite Riverside Plaza)
Tufts Square
Wellington MBTA Station
West Medford
Medford High School
Carr Park
Winthrop Circle
Governors Ave. at Lawrence Rd.
Future developments:
In late 2024, MassDOT awarded the City a Shared Streets and Spaces grant for BlueBike Operating and Maintenance Fees as well as one additional station. Tufts University plans to add two stations near campus and the MBTA Green Line in early 2024.
(Installation of the Auburn St/Mystic Valley Parkway Bluebike station)
The Bus Network Redesign reflects rider feedback collected during one of the early phases of the Better Bus Project. It builds on the work the MBTA has already done, and guides recommendations for changes that address route design, frequency of service, hours of service, and coverage area.
The process includes examining the system as a whole to create a network that responds to the changing needs of the region. Learn more about the Bus Network Redesign at www.mbta.com/projects/bus-network-redesign
MBTA Title VI Changes:
The MBTA held a series of public meetings about proposed Title VI policy changes. The complete list of proposed changes is available at www.mbta.com/draftpolicies
There are currently three shared-use path projects underway along the Mystic River. This work is coordinated by the Office of Planning, Development, and Sustainability.
Haines Square is a busy business district that underwent a transformative project completed in 2023. The reconstruction of the square included improvements such as lessening curb radii to slow vehicle turning speeds, reducing pedestrian crossing distances, an upgraded pedestrian refuge island, curb extensions, better street lighting, expanded sidewalks, and ADA-compliant ramps.
Before
After
New accessible parking spaces
Main St in South Medford, Boston Ave outside Medford/Tufts station
The Traffic Commission is the appointed body that adopts, amends, alters, and repeals rules and regulations relative to street traffic in the city. The commission meets monthly via Zoom. Information about upcoming meetings is published on the City events calendar.
Speed Management Grant - Using various traffic calming measures, the goal of this project was to reduce vehicle speeds to achieve speeds that match the context of the street and the posted speed limit.