Harvard Square Block to Close Permanently to Traffic Next Spring

The Cambridge City Council is moving forward with plans to close a block in Harvard Square to traffic permanently. This closure aims to enhance pedestrian-friendly outdoor dining, while supporting the neighborhood's community and dining atmosphere.

The Cambridge Day reported that restaurants like Blue Bottle Coffee, Daedalus Restaurant, and Sea Hag Restaurant & Bar will have back patio spaces on Lower Bow Street to support outdoor dining beginning this spring.

Lower Bow Street, between Dewolfe and Plympton streets, has been closed for two years due to construction. This closure has not negatively impacted traffic safety or flow, according to a statement by Cambridge Transportation Commissioner Brooke McKenna.

“This has demonstrated that, from a traffic perspective, this location is an excellent opportunity for pedestrianization. In addition, during COVID, the adjacent restaurants, with front doors on Mt. Auburn Street, had robust outdoor dining on Bow Street with great success,” McKenna added.

Cambridge City Council is still debating what types of road-blocking devices will be used to close the street to traffic. City officials have expressed reservations about using automatic bollards as physical barriers due to concerns over maintenance, cost, and reliability. Councilors are exploring alternative solutions.

The city will continue collaborating with local businesses, the Harvard Square Business Association, and Harvard University to implement and manage the impacts of the pedestrianization of the block. 

“All the people who operate businesses there are in favor of” pedestrianization to create outdoor patio spaces, said City Councilor Patty Nolan in a statement shared with Boston.com.