Panel backs Lowell Street crosswalk design, 2-0
Somerville's Traffic and Parking Committee voted 2-0 to recommend approval of a long-awaited crosswalk design near Magoun Square and pressed staff on the MBTA's plan to cut the Route 80 bus. Chair Saeed and Councilor Wheeler voted yes; a third member had logged off before the roll was taken.
Traffic and Parking Committee · Meeting of October 6, 2026
Somerville's Traffic and Parking Committee voted 2-0 to recommend approval of a long-awaited crosswalk design near Magoun Square and pressed staff on the MBTA's plan to cut the Route 80 bus. Chair Saeed and Councilor Wheeler voted yes; a third member had logged off before the roll was taken. Director of Engineering Brian Postoway said a raised crossing at Vernon and Lowell streets is moving into full design and will go out to bid between December and February as part of the fiscal year 2027 streets contract.
Director of Mobility Brad Rawson told the committee Route 80, now running at about 30 percent of pre-pandemic ridership versus 50 to 70 percent on other Somerville routes, remains formally approved for elimination, with MBTA updates expected "after the new year." Staff also said 97 percent of city-owned signalized intersections already prohibit turns on red.
In the full story:
- Who Was There
- Organizations And Documents Referenced
- The complete report — 3,098 words
Source: the Traffic and Parking Committee meeting of October 6, 2026, reported from the official video recording and transcript.
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