CMA 2017 #329 · Agenda item attachment · Dec 18 2017

City of Cambridge Department of Public Works Owen O'Riordan, Commissioner 147 Hampshire Street Cambridge, MA 02139 theworks@cambridgema.gov Voice: [phone removed] TDD: [phone removed] December 5, 2017 To: Louis DePasquale City Manager From: Katherine F. Watkins, City Engineer Joe Barr, Director, Traffic, Parking and Transportation Re: Awaiting Report O-4, dated September 26, 2017 Regarding traffic calming near the intersection of Thorndike Street and Eighth Street In response to the council order regarding the speed of vehicles and a request traffic calming near the intersection of Throndike Street and Eighth Street, staff report the following: Thorndike Street from Third Street to Fulkerson Street is presently under construction and includes new crosswalks, pedestrian ramps and reconstructed sidewalks which will improve the visibility, safety and comfort for pedestrians. The new pavement markings will highlight the stop sign controls and pedestrian crossings, encouraging drivers to follow safe traffic operations, yield to pedestrians and maintain proper speed. The design of the street was developed through a community process where residents identified issues and worked with staff to develop a design for the street. Based on the input from the residents, the focus of the plan is on making the sidewalks fully ADA compliant, repaving the street and replacing the water main. Residents did not support significant changes to the design of the street. The intersection of Thorndike Street and Eight Street includes new pedestrian ramps and crosswalk markings at the intersection; which will make the intersection more prominent. City staff will contact the residents of the area to discuss specific concerns and investigate opportunities for design changes such as curb extensions to improve sightlines and prioritize pedestrian crossings.