Thank you for your inquiries regarding congestion in the Alewife area. This is an area of concern to the City, but our options are limited based on the fact that the Commonwealth of Massachusetts owns many of the transportation assets in the area, the physical realities of the area, and the environmental constraints that exist. That said, please note a few actions we are taking in this area:
- The City recently launched a three-year citywide plan entitled Envision Cambridge (http://www.cambridgema.gov/CDD/Projects/Planning/citywideplanning). The initial focus of this planning effort will be on the Alewife area, acknowledging the issues that exist in that part of Cambridge. I encourage you to participate in that planning process as it rolls out and expands.
- The City is currently finalizing a preliminary design for a pedestrian and bicycle bridge that will better connect from the north side of the railroad tracks to the south side of the railroad tracks, to improve connectivity between the triangle and quadrangle areas of Alewife. As part of this effort, we are also evaluating the feasibility of a new commuter rail station on the Fitchburg commuter rail line, which would further improve access to the area. While construction funding for this bridge has not yet been allocated, we are continuing to move forward with the design and hope to be able to identify additional funding in the future. We are also continually looking for opportunities to further enhance the bicycle and pedestrian connections to the area.
- We regularly advocate for further transit improvements for Alewife, including improvements to capacity and reliability on the Red Line, additional local and express bus services to the Alewife area, and bus priority measures on streets and highways approaching the area.
- We continue to pursue aggressive Transportation Demand Management measures for residents and employers in the Alewife area, including subsidies for transit passes, bicycle parking, and employee shuttle services.

For background, the development in this area is the result of a prior planning effort, the Concord-Alewife Plan (https://www.cambridgema.gov/CDD/Projects/Planning/concordalewife). In addition, most of the individual projects in this area were subsequently reviewed by the Cambridge Planning Board as part of a special permit process, with final building plans reviewed by multiple departments and approved by the City’s Inspectional Services Department. All of these projects include significant transportation mitigation commitments, including transportation demand management, limited parking supply, and financial contributions to the bicycle and pedestrian bridge that I noted above.

Based on both the physical realities of the area and our overall transportation policies, we do not anticipate that we can address the congestion issues in the Alewife area through conventional solutions such as expanding roadway capacity or further prioritizing the movement of cars. In addition, much of the congestion in the area is ultimately caused by traffic on Alewife Brook Parkway, Fresh Pond Parkway, and Route 2, and most of that traffic is through traffic with neither an origin nor a destination in Cambridge. As a result, our ability to impact that traffic is limited, particularly with no direct control over the operation of those roadways. As a result, we are working to promote a sustainable and vibrant mixed-use neighborhood where access by walking, bicycle, and public transit takes on a greater role.

The situation is truly untenable. Having a traffic officer doesn't help. And there's new construction as well so the traffic will be worse.

Responding with a "we know but sorry we can't do anything" it not helpful. When the city of Cambridge allowed all of this new construction onto Cambridgepark Drive they should have taken the traffic into consideration. What if there is a natural disaster or something happens and the area needs to be quickly evacuated? Are you basically telling us, "sorry, but you're out of luck"? I'm sorry, but that's completely unacceptable. The city needs to plan for traffic better. An footbridge and bike path are not going to help CAR TRAFFIC which is the issue.

If your department can't do anything, who do we need to speak to at the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to get this issue addressed? I apologize if this comes across as rude but a person has already been hit by people getting so frustrated they are driving on the wrong side of the road. What more do you need to fix this issue now?

The cross walk just before Alewife Brook Parkway should also have a way to manage when people cross. I don't know how many times the light is green and no one can get through the light because of all the people in the cross walk. This backs up the traffic even more. It also creates a dangerous situation for the people in the cross walk. I've seen cars speed up to get through the cross walk while people are in it in an effort to make it through the light. It's just crazy.

Typical bureaucrat speak.

We're not interested in a response regarding the city wide plan that does nothing to resolve this. We want to know specifically what is being planned to address a worsening problem. A bike and pedestrian bridge is not the solution to this traffic issue. The Commonwealth should and will work with the city to do what is in the best interest of us TAX PAYERS!

- Stop passing the buck: "the development in this area is the result of a prior planning effort"! Who is responsible now that can correct the massive over site on the part of the previous planners?
-Why, if you are aware of the "physical realities of the area", do you allowing the situation to expand with continued development of multi-unit dwellings and office space?

This is not just an annoyance, it's a major issue. Hundreds of people sitting in traffic costs someone money. Worse, it's a safety issue.

An employee of my company was struck while crossing Cambridge Park Drive on the crosswalk when a car, waiting in the long line of traffic, decided to drive up the wrong side of the road and struck this person. Let's hope there aren't other situations or emergencies that put lives in danger because of this avoidable issue.

Here's an idea- add another outbound lane within the existing road space. Time the pedestrian crossing to the traffic light. Minimal cost. Quick short term solution. And I just saved you thousands in consulting fees.

Your planners need to be taken out to the wood shed. Better yet, have them park in one of the garages on Cambridge Park Drive and try to leave at the end of the day- through the gridlock- in time to make a meeting, doctor appointment, a child's baseball game, to be home with your family for dinner, or for an emergency!

And do yourselves a favor. Start responding to these posts in a way that makes us feel as though you really understand and care about the issue, not as a bureaucrat, but as a neighbor.

It's completely ridiculous that it takes 30-45 minutes to move from the 150 Cambridge Park Garage to the light at the end of the street. With the amount of new apartment complexes on this street, I'd also like to echo the comment regarding the issue of if there was ever a need of an evacuation. Heaven forbid anything happens. It is unacceptable and extremely dangerous. If you are going to grant permits for luxury apartments, you may want to consider the safety of those individuals as well. Perhaps by adding an additional exit to another major road off of Cambridge Park Drive.

Traffic - BMcK should not be responding as he/she has zero clue on this situation.

On the 160 Cambridge Park Apartment buildings, you approved this permit, where it HAS caused issue.

(b) traffic generated or patterns of access or egress would cause congestion, hazard, or
substantial change in established neighborhood character.
Page 4 of22
City of Cambridge, MA • Planning Board Decision
PB# 270 -160 CambridgePark Drive
The project is expected to have minimal impact on traffic and will not cause congestion,
hazard, or substantial change to the established neighborhood character. It is also noted that
the traffic generated by the project is anticipated to be less than that associated with the
. office/research and development project on 150, 180 and 180R Cambridge Park Drive for
which entitlements currently exist under a previously granted special permit.

The project will introduce additional residential units in close proximity to transit and
surrounding commercial uses, thereby facilitating walking, biking and transit use and helping
to minimize negative traffic impacts on the neighborhood. The project will also adopt the
Transportation Demand Management measures identified in the TIS, in order to minimize the amount of traffic passing through nearby arterial and neighborhood streets. There will be
shared parking opportunities, resulting in a net reduction in the number of existing registered
parking spaces and a reduction in the existing parking ratios ofthe existing office buildings
at 125 and 150 CambridgePark Drive.

From this last quote, it was even noted that there was a parking issue with the space on Building 125 and 150. How would that cause less problems as you are increasing the total cars on this street for 389 UNITS even if it is permitting more spots for overflow from 125 and 150?

(19.25.1) No substantial adverse impact on City Traffic.
Page 17 of22
City of Cambridge, MA • Planning Board Decision
PB# 270 -160 CambridgePark Drive
As described in the TIS, the project is expected to have minimal impact on traffic and will not
cause congestion, hazard, or substantial change to the established neighborhood character.

IT HAS.

The project will generate a total of.
1,324 daily vehicle trips including, 101 AM and 123 PM peak hour vehicle trips,
1,052 daily transit trips (81 AM Peak/98 PM Peak hour transit trips),
202 daily pedestrian trips (15 AM/IS PM Peak hour transit trips) and
98 daily bicycle trips (7 AM/9 PM Peak hour bicycle trips).

On the Traffic permit, you have 2376 movements on car and foot that DIRECTLY affect this road. Also, how did you determine that there was only 100 AM and 123 PM trips where your total trips for the day is over 1300?

http://www.cambridgema.gov/~/media/Files/CDD/ZoningDevel/SpecialPermits/sp270/sp270_decision.ashx

This is also the special permit for 180 Cambridge Park Drive.

http://www.cambridgema.gov/~/media/Files/CDD/ZoningDevel/SpecialPermits/sp292/sp292_application_part2.pdf

Every. Single. Day.

Thank you N. Waye. It's unacceptable for the City to approve permits motivated by increased tax revenue but have virtually no accountability. We strongly encourage the City to address the traffic issue with urgency.

Fully agreed with the complaints about more construction being permitted on Cambridgepark Drive. It was an irresponsible call.

The situation is completely unacceptable. I can see it drives people crazy from time to time, and I've seen drivers occasionally make risky decisions, increasing risk to pedestrians. This also creates an unbelievable amount of pollution from all the idling cars sitting there for 30-45 minutes which I am sure is impairing the health of the local residents.

Leaving at 5:05 pm and I can't even get out of the parking garage. ...and you want to build MORE apartments?!?! This is completely unacceptable and it's every. single. day.

One thing that frustrates me is this statement by the City in particular:

- The City is currently finalizing a preliminary design for a pedestrian and bicycle bridge that will better connect from the north side of the railroad tracks to the south side of the railroad tracks, to improve connectivity between the triangle and quadrangle areas of Alewife. As part of this effort, we are also evaluating the feasibility of a new commuter rail station on the Fitchburg commuter rail line, which would further improve access to the area. While construction funding for this bridge has not yet been allocated, we are continuing to move forward with the design and hope to be able to identify additional funding in the future. We are also continually looking for opportunities to further enhance the bicycle and pedestrian connections to the area.

Can someone please tell us WHO exactly is doing this preliminary design??? It’s pretty hard to have constructive public input if no one even knows what firm is working on the project! Or is CDD doing the study themselves? We need answers on this!

Separately, it was just announced that the Housing Authority has received $31.8 million in funding to tear down and replace Jefferson Park. Wouldn’t that present a perfect opportunity to at least provide a landing point for a future pedestrian bridge from Rindge Avenue across to the mall and the park and the school beyond??? Can a landing point be included in the design of the new housing? If the City truly believes that it is “continually looking for opportunities to further enhance the bicycle and pedestrian connections to the area,” then here is an opportunity to do just that.

In any case, let's stop paying lip service to improved pedestrian and bicycle connections, and start doing something about it. We've been waiting for a bridge for 20+ years. How much longer must we wait???

Frequently when leaving 150 Cambridge Park Drive and driving toward Alewife, the traffic is blocked and clogged. The traffic gets backed up at the light near Alewife even when there is no cross traffic the light remains red. If the light were either a blinking read or a blinking yellow, the drivers could drive into lanes that are open (either behind Alewife or move forward straight. A traffic cop option can at least let the traffic go using common sense for the intersection. Very very frustrating. Please address this.

A footbridge and bike path are not going to help with CAR TRAFFIC! Out of all the things you could do to fix this issue you're planning to build a footbridge/pedestrian walkway?! Who was bright enough to make this decision?

It is infuriating how nonchalantly the city of Cambridge is dealing with this. So many of us are losing 2 hours of our day, every single day trying to get in and out of CPD, but let the city take its time planning to build a footbridge FOR WHICH THERE IS NO NEED!!

There is need for a 2nd and 3rd exit way out of CPD.There is need for shuttles to nearby towns that are out of the red-line. There is a need to stop building NEW housing and offices in a place that is already so crowded.

While they are in the process of constructing said footbridge, traffic for those of us who HAVE to drive to work will only be getting worse.

Traffic – BMcK wrote "In addition, much of the congestion in the area is ultimately caused by traffic on Alewife Brook Parkway, Fresh Pond Parkway, and Route 2, and most of that traffic is through traffic with neither an origin nor a destination in Cambridge. As a result, our ability to impact that traffic is limited, particularly with no direct control over the operation of those roadways."

While I understand that neither Alewife Brook Parkway, Fresh Pond Parkway or Route 2 have an origin or destination in Cambridge they are in fact main thoroughfares through your community and I would hope that there is some Cambridge city official that has a better opportunity to speak with and collaborate with an official at the organizations that are responsible for those roadways. The pass the buck attitude demonstrated in Traffic – BMcK’s reply above is unacceptable and reflects poorly on the city of Cambridge and its officials.

Traffic – BMcK went on to state "As a result, we are working to promote a sustainable and vibrant mixed-use neighborhood where access by walking, bicycle, and public transit takes on a greater role.” This is inflammatory and insulting to me as a commuter whom is reliant on driving into this traffic nightmare on a daily basis. For many of us there simply are not any other feasible option but driving into the Alewife area. Given the number of complaints you hear over and over don’t you think we would have tried any other possible options by now?

The traffic on Cambridgepark Drive which is dead end street has been nightmarish for years, the City's continual approval of further development on Cambridgepark Drive is nothing short of irresponsible and showcases flaws at every level of your local government. Not to mention, it highlights the fact that the City is more concerned over the increased revenues and tax dollars brought in via developers, permits and real estate taxes than they are with the health and safety of people that need to travel in this area daily.

I truly hope that the elected officials in the city of Cambridge and those holding offices in Safety and Planning read the responses here and do something to take action if for no other reason than to improve the city. As for Traffic – BMcK I would invite you and those on your team to come down to Cambridgepark Drive between the hours of 4:45 PM – 7:00 PM and experience what is a reality for 100’s of people on a daily basis.

Actually, the City of Cambridge plans to come take a look exactly as you suggest. The Envision Cambridge master planning team will be at the Alewife T Station on Wednesday, April 6 from 4:00 to 7:00 PM. Perhaps you should head over there and share your thoughts with them.

As for pedestrian footbridges, they might not solve the COMMUTER TRAFFIC problem for out of towners, but they do help solve the LOCAL MOBILITY problem for residents of the neighborhood. That's why Cambridge residents have been demanding a crossing for so long. If commuters really want to solve the problem of getting to work on time, perhaps they should start demanding better transportation options rather than just more lanes to fill with more commuter cars. Commuter rail station, anyone?

Heres the video of my drive home today.

https://youtu.be/N6toR2tp-Vg

Here's the video of my drive home today.

So wait. You live in Malden, but the solution to your long commute is for the City of Cambridge to spend money to make your drive shorter? Ever hear of something called the T? I seem to recall stations both in Malden and at Alewife. Or, like prior posts, do you HAVE to drive, too?

Doug Brown, in reply to: "If commuters really want to solve the problem of getting to work on time, perhaps they should start demanding better transportation options rather than just more lanes to fill with more commuter cars. Commuter rail station, anyone?"

Yes! And a less expensive, short runway solution is Park n' Ride buses/vans. How about one on Rt 9 Framingham? I've been asking for that for two years. I'd gladly give up my car to gain 3 productive hours a day. The only option I was given was to be responsible for managing the commuter transportation via van myself. Not my business and not a business I'm interested in getting in to. Is this something the City can help facilitate?

@DougBrown, I actually live in Revere, near Broadway. It would take me 1.5 hrs on 2 buses, then taking 3 seperate trains to get to Alewife. So yes I HAVE to drive. I also echo the concerns of those who live even further than myself and their commute is more than my 1.5 hr drive to a location that more than 10 miles away.

Good ideas, Sharon. You might also want to investigate Bridj (http://www.bridj.com/) as a possible stopgap solution. They provide on-demand commuter van service and are based here in Boston, though I'm not sure of they are serving 128 and beyond yet.

@NWaye: the rotary on Broadway in Revere is less than 9 miles away from CambridgePark Drive. Ever consider biking to work?

While I respect the opinions of and the suggestions in the comments above I think it is important to remind everyone that a little empathy goes a long way. Until you have walked in another persons shoes, don't make judgements and assumptions about them or their individual circumstances.

Those that work in this area have to consider the transportation options available and do what is best for them. For some, health issues & other circumstances make biking or walking to work impossible. For others, child care, elder care & continuing education commitments make it so driving is truly your only option. Public transportation in unreliable at best, commuter rail schedules are limited and commuter rail rates combined with parking rates at commuter rail stations are in some cases more expensive than driving into Cambridgepark Drive.

At then end of the day we all want the same thing a safe place for those that are able to walk and bike in the area. A place where those walking or biking can do so without the fear of being hit by a car or the inconvenience of a 5 minute walk taking 20-30 minutes. An reasonable option so those that drive do not have to spend 90+ minutes to reach a main road. By putting our own personal opinions aside we can work together to help the city determine the best short, mid & long term solution for all.

There is a public hearing with the City of Cambridge at Alewife Station tomorrow evening from 4:00 - 7:00pm ET. Many of the tenants of 150 CPD will be meeting in the lobby and walking over together at 3:45pm to voice our growing frustrations and concerns. If you're frustrated by this please join!

Could anyone please provide some updates here from the discussions after the public hearing tonight with the City of Cambridge for those of us who won't be able to attend. Would really appreciate it.

I just wanted to clarify that the event at Alewife Station tonight, April 6th, is an informal opportunity for citizens to provide feedback to the City as part of Envision Cambridge process, not a formal public meeting. The Street Team will be available to accept your feedback, but will not be able to address your concerns on the spot.

We are in the process of scheduling a meeting to specifically address transportation concerns on Cambridge Park Drive, where appropriate City staff will be available to take part in the discussion. We are trying to identify a venue on Cambridge Park Drive to hold the meeting, and will provide information on time and location as soon as it is finalized.

I am at Alewife Station with some colleagues to speak to the street team about this issue. NO ONE IS HERE FROM ENVISION CAMBRIDGE.

Same Lindsay. Walked around the entire building too.

The City of Cambridge will hold a public meeting to discuss traffic concerns related to Cambridge Park Drive on Tuesday, May 3rd at 8:30 AM at The Cafe at 200 Cambridge Park Drive.
City staff from Traffic, Parking, and Transportation, Community Development, Public Works, and the Police Department will be present, as well as representatives from MassDOT, MBTA, and the Department of Conservation and Recreation.

The City of Cambridge is currently reviewing traffic issues on Cambridgepark Drive. For additional information and updates, please visit http://www.cambridgema.gov/traffic/engineeringplanning/activeengineeringprojects/cambridgeparkdrivetrafficreview