Elmway

The City has previously floated proposals to make Elm St. from Day St. to Grove St. or Russell St. a pedestrian-first space, replacing the current chaotic traffic with tables and trees.

Short-Term Quick-Build Improvement Proposal

In February 2026, the Elmway Action Group expressed support for quick-build safety improvements to Elm St. between Day St. and Grove St. in the short term as we continue refining the long-term plan.

Currently, the Action Group is:

• Seeking a vote of support from the DSNC as a whole at an upcoming meeting

• Talking with the Somerville Mobility Division and Pedestrian & Transit Advisory Committee (PTAC) about the feasibility of the current draft design

• Refining the design in response to feedback

Long-Term Proposals

The committee is discussing a variety of longer-term proposals for Elm St. and the Davis Square Commercial Area, which could include:

• Regular “open streets” days on Elm St.

• Planting additional trees on and around Elm St.

• Adding raised crossings, intersections, or blocks on Elm St.

• Adding modal filters to Elm St. at Day St.

• Partially or fully pedestrianizing Elm St. between Day St. and Russell St.

• Partially or fully pedestrianizing the small triangular parking lot by the corner of Elm St. & Summer St.

• Partially or fully pedestrianizing Dover St. between Holland St. and Meacham Rd.

• Partially or fully pedestrianizing Summer St. between Grove St. and Cutter Ave.

• Making Highland Ave. 2-way between College Ave. and Cutter Ave.

• Making Day St. 2-way for some amount west of Elm St.

• Changing traffic patterns on Meacham Rd.

• Changing traffic patterns on Orchard St.

• Relocating parking around the Davis Square Commercial Area

• Changing bus routes through the Davis Square Commercial Area

• and more!

This will require collaboration with the many groups it will affect, including residents, the Davis Square Merchants Association, Somerville Mobility and Engineering divisions, emergency services, Somerville Bicycle Advisory Committee (SBAC) and Pedestrian & Transit Advisory Committee (PTAC), and MBTA.  We can only reach the best design by involving the diverse perspectives in Davis Square.  Please join the conversation!