During parking day last year they closed it to all non-bus traffic (allowing bikes and delivery drivers). It'd be great if we could implement that permanently due to the high-pedestrian volumes and low auto usage. The closure didn't seem to affect auto traffic (it seems like only a handful of cars go through that area) all that much, and there are plenty of other roads in the area they can use to bypass Kendall.

That’s not a viable solution. This crosswalk needs a light where it can give pedestrians and cars the chance to travel. Plus, the traffic on Broadway and Mass Ave is already bad, taking away Main Street would be a disaster. Schools will be back in session in September and the roadways will be packed again. The City needs to address these issues with resolutions where cars, buses, bicycles, pedestrians and trucks can all coexist. We can’t just banish cars from roadways as a solution.

Why isn't it a viable solution? There's no garages and only one or two parking spots (which could be converted to delivery/truck/bus parking) on that stretch of road (between Ames and Hayward) There's no destination for private vehicles (delivery trucks and buses would obviously need to be exempted) on that segment and numerous other roads that are parallel. And it's been demonstrated during the school season without ill effects!

What isn't viable is continuing to encourage use of private vehicles on a daily basis during a climate emergency that also creates detrimental health effects to anyone near them. Installing a traffic light would probably just encourage drivers to speed up to beat it (not to mention all the drivers that are always running lights and crosswalks!) I drive too sometimes when necessary, and have friends who drive, but there's a time and place for it (outside Kendall station during rush hour isn't it!)

Issue 6349687 has been marked as a duplicate of this issue.

Thank you for reporting your concern to City of Cambridge via Commonwealth Connect. We have reviewed the information you provided our staff and will be investigating this issue further.

A detailed study was performed by a traffic engineering consultant as part of the design process for the Main Street reconstruction project to determine the best configuration for this crosswalk. The study indicated that pedestrian volumes at the intersection are more than double the vehicular volumes, and that the vast majority (over 90%) of pedestrians did not comply with the DON'T WALK signal. Pedestrians crossing against a green light are not expected by drivers, and therefore represent a much more significant safety hazard than those crossing at an unsignalized crosswalk

Given these data, the study recommended that the signal be removed and the crosswalk improved for pedestrian safety. Improvements included a raised intersection, curb extensions to reduce the length of the crosswalk, enhanced signage, and improved lighting. These features have combined to create a much safer pedestrian environment than was provided with the traffic signal.

Thank you for your report.

Thanks for fixing this request!