Arlington Shared Streets Pilot
Arlington, MA
TYPE:
Residential Shared Streets
INSTALLED: 2020
Municipal Contact: Daniel Amstutz, Town of Arlington
Consultant Contact: Jessica Mortell, Neighborways Design
FUNDING: Barr Foundation, Lawrence and Lillian Solomon Foundation
Brooks Avenue Shared Streets pilot
Brooks Avenue Shared Streets pilot was initiated to slow speeds and provide additional space for physical distance. The pilot served as a proof of concept for shared streets, testing materials and public support. The location was selected based on high density of young children and families, proximity to low income and environmental justice communities, support from local resident leaders (e.g., East Arlington Livable Streets Coalition), and potential for future network connectivity to regional shared-use trails.
Our Process
The design used materials on hand, green traffic cones, and purchased signage printed locally on coroplast and 0.04 aluminum to save costs for the demo.
An emphasis on community engagement and support was important for the shared streets initiative to move forward.
The pilot demonstration was removed after a week to evaluate data collected including public feedback via email, nominate street survey, post pilot survey; active transportation hand counts before and during; and traffic volume and speed counts before and during provided by the Arlington Police Department. Results were presented to the Select Board who approved to develop criteria and prioritization for shared street projects in both commercial and residential areas. Arlington has reinstalled the Brooks Ave pilot through the summer and fall of 2020 and expanded to other areas.
Brooks Avenue Shared Streets pilot
