Davis Square Traffic: New Drop-Off, Pickup Zones Installed

SOMERVILLE, MA – New street signs have been installed and five spaces across Davis Square have been established as passenger drop-off and pickup only zones as Somerville seeks to improve safety in one of its most popular neighborhoods. The zones are open to personal vehicles, taxis and ride share services.

Lingering in designated zones for more than five minutes is prohibited. The spaces are located at:

• Holland St. (near Statue Park across from the T)
• 414 Highland Ave. (in front of Davis Square nails)
• 212 Elm St. (3 spots in front of Citizens Bank)

The Holland St. and Highland Ave. spaces will remain loading zones during the day and become drop-off and pickup zones from 6 p.m.-8 a.m. The three spaces in front of Citizens Bank, which were formerly 15-minute parking spaces, will be drop-off and pickup at all times.

"Davis Square is a food and entertainment destination, a public transit hub, a key node on the community path and a pedestrian center offering numerous services," Mayor Joseph Curtatone said in a statement. "The square is particularly popular on weekend evenings, but that brings with it increased vehicle traffic and double-parking. By establishing designated drop-off and pickup zones open to everyone, we’re hoping to reduce double-parking and improve safety for all."

The city conducted a preliminary study in August, which noted 12 instances of double-parking in lanes near the Citizens Bank on Elm Street in just a two-hour period on a Friday night. Officials will continue to monitor the area and adjust the plan as needed, according to a press release.

While examining the drop-off and pickup zones in Davis Square, the city will assess how to potentially implement similar plans in other parts of Somerville.

The proposal for the Davis Square zones passed the Traffic Commission in November, and the signs were installed in December.

Image via Shutterstock