Give Feedback on Designs for Inner Belt–Brickbottom Crossing at May 7 Open House

The Brickbottom and Inner Belt neighborhoods are separated from one another by train tracks. Currently residents and visitors looking to move between these areas must follow a lengthy route that includes walking under McGrath Highway via the underpass on Washington Street. 

To enhance connections between the neighborhoods, provide easier access to community and arts spaces as well as support economic growth, the City is designing an accessible crossing for people walking, rolling, or biking from one side of the green line tracks to the other near the East Somerville MBTA station. A temporary crossing at East Somerville Station is now in place while designs for a permanent crossing are developed. 

Six alternatives were introduced to the public in fall 2025, of which two finalists were chosen in early winter 2026. The two designs, including one bridge and one ground-level crossing, are now actively being advanced and the project team is seeking the community’s input. 

About the Open House 

• Time and Date: Thursday, May 7, from 6 to 8 p.m. 
• Location: Ralph and Jenny Center, 9 New Washington St. 

Attendees will have the opportunity to learn more about the project, review the design alternatives, and ask questions. Residents are welcome to drop in at any time during the event.  

Community members unable to attend the open house can review the designs and provide feedback through an online survey that will be posted to the project website closer to the May 7 event.      

For more project information and to access the designs and survey, visit somervillema.gov/innerbeltbrickbottom.   

If you have questions, please email construction@somervillema.gov or call 311 (617-666-3311). 

Persons with disabilities who need auxiliary aids and services for effective communication (i.e., CART, ASL), written materials in alternative formats, or reasonable modifications in policies and procedures in order to access the programs, activities, and meetings of the City of Somerville should please contact the ADA Coordinator at 617-625-6600 x 2059 or ADA@somervillema.gov. 

The City of Somerville can provide you with an interpreter in your language for free. To request an interpreter, please contact us at languageaccess@somervillema.gov or call 311 (617-666-3311) at least 7 days in advance of this event.