The new connection from Third Street to Main Street is a particularly significant part of this project. It facilitates increased transit, bike, and vehicular connections, and improves urban design by connecting Main Street to the broader Kendall Square area. Enhanced pedestrian amenities facilitate a more direct southbound connection to buses. Also, the new Third Street Connector allows for future bus connectivity between Lechmere Station and the Kendall/MIT Station, and flexibility for bus expansion in the area.

The 20 feet wide sidewalks in the area now have a 10 feet “path of travel” and a 10 feet “furniture zone.” New furniture throughout the corridor encourages collaboration and comfort through newly created “mini rooms” along the street. Also, contemporary black powder coated benches complement pre-cast star shaped concrete benches. These amenities punctuate the large crossing at the Marriot Plaza, create visual interest, and offer atypical types of seating.

New seating and bike accommodations have been installed along the redesigned Main Street corridor.

Challenges of Improving Infrastructure in Dense Urban Areas

When designing above-ground public space and roadway infrastructure, below- ground infrastructure can play a defining role. For example, sidewalk and public space design along Main Street is influenced by the Red Line tunnel. There is also a proliferation of existing water, sewer, telecom, electrical, and plumbing lines below Point Park that any redesign would need to consider.