Shared Streets

Please take the Shared Streets Survey after learning more about the pilot project.

Andover Shared Streets Final

Andover Shared Streets

The Town is piloting quick-build traffic calming interventions to give people the opportunity to walk, bike and engage in other activities on neighborhood streets around downtown. Shared Streets will allow people to walk safely in the street and feel comfortable as local traffic passes at very slow speeds. These streets will remain open to local vehicle traffic, deliveries, and emergency vehicles, while discouraging drive through vehicle traffic. With slower speeds and fewer cars, these residential streets will be prioritized for bicyclists and pedestrians to navigate and maintain physical distance (at least 6 feet!) while making daily car-free trips to schools, grocery stores, and other locations. The streets will also feel safe for neighbors to share a common space to engage in activities.

This approach, implementing shared streets with quick-build materials around downtown, is new to all of us. Andover Planning Division has applied for a grant that would allow us to implement Shared Streets in phases and with flexible tools (think temporary signs and cones) in order to be sure that we get it right and that we can be responsive to residents' needs and experiences.  As we see how the streets are working, get feedback from residents, and adjust to the changing business operations and commuting patterns during this time, we anticipate making changes to shared streets.

Summer Street Rendering
  • Cars may use the street, but must yield to other users.
  • Street Paint identifies the street is safe for bikes to use.
  • Signs indicating that cars should drive slow and to yield to other users.
  • People are able to use the road for active transportation and recreations, not just the sidewalks.
  • Planters and other interventions placed at the entrance of a street create a narrower turning radius which slows traffic.