Streetscape Planning
The above image depicts the “Four Corners” roadway concept that was approved by the City Council in the Watertown Square Area Plan.
The City of Watertown has hired the engineering firm, Bowman Consulting Group, through the competitive bidding process to develop a detailed roadway design based on the “four corners” plan outlined in the Watertown Square Area Plan. This process will likely take up to 24-months. The design endorsed by the City Council (and seen to the right) is a concept, and this process will go to into much greater detail.
At the completion of this work, the City will be ready for construction with a 100% complete detailed design for the future roadway, including sidewalks, streets, traffic networks, bike and bus lanes, and a detailed outline of the utilities that exist underground.
Mobility
Watertown Square is a major crossroads for all modes of travel. This plan aims to improve access for all modes of transportation. In addition to the decrease in paved area, the vision called for improved sidewalks, added crosswalks and other safety measures, extension of the Watertown Community Path for cyclists, and improved bus access.
Landscape
Part of this process is about creating great urban spaces, including sidewalks, plazas, and the Delta in the center. The City recognizes how important it is that we get the landscaping and open space right when doing this project. Therefore, the City will be bringing on landscape architects to work directly with the City to ensure we are making our downtown beautiful.
Design
While major decisions about the vision were made by the community as part of the Watertown Square Area Plan visioning process, we encourage you to stay involved and ensure your voice is heard by signing up for email updates from the project team.
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The engineering plan will look at the road, sidewalks, crosswalks, streetlights, utilities underground, and more. While this step can often be very technical, this process is necessary to begin identifying funding and ultimately for construction of the roadways as envisioned in the Area Plan.
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Construction related to this project would not begin until after this engineering design is completed – up to 24 months – and funding sources are identified.
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It reclaims 3.4 acres of space that is currently roadway to expand the delta, increased open space along the Charles River, wider sidewalks for pedestrians, and more crosswalks.
A reorganization of the main Watertown Square intersection, changing it from a 5-way intersection, and into a simplified 4-way intersection.
Shorter, safer crosswalks throughout Square.
More curbside space for parking, increasing safety, and opportunity for visitors of the Square to access its amenities.
And much more!
The below image shows the existing Watertown Square streetscape and intersection (swiping image fully right), and the concept design of the four corners design (swiping image fully left). Use the slider to see the difference.