A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 20-45, regarding examining what traffic calming measures may be implemented for Walden Street, Raymond Street and Richdale Avenue

C I T Y O F C A M B R I D G E Community Development Department 1 IRAM FAROOQ Assistant City Manager for Community Development SANDRA CLARKE Deputy Director Chief of Administration KHALIL MOGASSABI Deputy Director Chief Planner To: Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager From: Iram Farooq, Assistant City Manager for Community Development; Joseph Barr, Director, Traffic, Parking, and Transportation Re: Awaiting Report 20-45 regarding implementation of traffic calming measures on Walden Street. Date: November 10, 2020 With respect to the above-mentioned policy order, we report the following. A roadway and sidewalk reconstruction project on Walden Street was completed in 2008. At that time, traffic calming was a priority for the residents participating in the community process. As a result of their input, the following traffic calming tools were included in the project: Walden Street roadway width was narrowed by the bend between Hubbard Avenue/Mt. Pleasant Street and Vincent Street, a raised intersection was built on Walden Street at Raymond Street and a curb extension was built at Richdale Avenue. Installation of these tools resulted in some speed reductions of vehicles and improved pedestrian safety at crossing locations. Larger traffic calming infrastructure changes to streets are completed in conjunction with other roadwork such as paving and sidewalk reconstruction. At this time, Walden Street is not included in the City’s Five-Year Sidewalk and Street and Reconstruction Plan. Since no roadway construction is programmed for Walden Street at present, stand-alone speed management tools, not requiring construction, are being studied. Staff from CDD, TP+T, and the Department of Public Works have reviewed the safety issues and are considering a variety of tools and strategies. • Walden Street is included in the new 20 mph Speed Limit Safety Zones Program and new speed limit signs are anticipated to be installed by the end of the year. • A speed feedback sign will also be considered to make drivers aware of their speed. • The raised intersection at Raymond Street is being reviewed for condition and effectiveness to ensure it provides the speed reduction and pedestrian safety benefits as designed. • City staff will also discuss and review additional markings and/or signage needed to improve pedestrian safety at marked crossing locations and reinforce messaging to drivers to obey the speed limit. Once we have completed evaluating these additional speed control and safety improvements, we expect to install any additional changes starting in the spring of

Awaiting Report 20-45-Walden Street (dated September 14, 2020), continued. 2 2021. Walden Street will also be added to the list of traffic calming requests to reconsider when construction work is programmed in the future.