Mass. Ave. Businesses Brace for Construction as Bike Lane Work Approaches
Business owners have concerns, with at least one worried that he may go out of business. City officials say they plan to give businesses advance notice of construction and maintain accessible pedestrian routes throughout the project.
by Samantha Genzer
Thursday, October 15, 2026
Share this:
- Share on X (Opens in new window)
- Share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
- Share on Bluesky (Opens in new window)
Businesses along Massachusetts Avenue are worried that work next year to add bike and bus lanes will impede customer access, outdoor seating, and parking.
The project will establish separated bicycle lanes and dedicated bus lanes along Mass. Ave. from Waterhouse Street to Alewife Brook Parkway as part of the city’s work to install 25 miles of bike lanes. The city plans to seek bids for the next phase of construction early next year, with work expected to begin in the spring, said Emily Boyle, senior engineer with the Department of Public Works. The exact work schedule and impact on businesses will be communicated in advance, she added.