UPDATED Oct. 21: The new, permanent priority bus lane on the eastbound section of Mass. Ave. between Varnum Street and Alewife Brook Parkway became operational Monday, Oct. 21.
The new “red” lane will be used by buses and bikes Monday through Friday, from 6 to 9 a.m. A town alert asks the public to observe no-parking signs during these times.
To ensure the bus lane is free from vehicle obstructions, Arlington police is posting one traffic officer to the area for the first 30 days of operation to enforce the parking and driving restriction in the lane.
Work crews will continue to put the finishing touches on the bus lane in the coming days.
After delays because of weather, installation of the priority bus lane got underway Oct. 14 and 15.
Read Word on the Street: Shortcut is permanent >>
Observe no parking signs along the route and the permanent signs beginning Wednesday.
Read more about the bus priority lane at arlingtonma.gov/projects.
Wet weather the week of Oct. 7 delayed installation.
Dry weather is required for the lane painting to properly adhere. Work crews will need two days to complete the installation. The Town will continue to monitor weather and adjust the schedule if weather dictates. Please observe no parking signs along the route.
As was true last year, the bus lane will be installed in the parking lane on the eastbound section of Mass. Ave. between Varnum Street and Alewife Brook Parkway and will serve MBTA routes 77, 79, and 350.
It will operate Monday to Friday from 6 to 9 a.m. The bus lane will be painted red and regulatory signs will be installed.
The 2018 pilot was funded by a $100,000 grant from the Barr Foundation.
The permanent installation of the bus lane, primarily the cost of paint, initial police details and signs, will be funded by the MBTA and Transportation Network Co. funds for an approximate total of $95,000.
March 1, 2019: Permanent dedicated bus lane to start this summer
Auster’s Word on the Street, Nov. 14: “Buses moved faster during pilot”
Auster, Nov. 17, “Bus slides show “Next Steps”
Town’s Nov. 14 full presentation >>
This news announcement was published Thursday, Sept. 19, 2019, and updated Oct. 21.
