Safety Code Violations?

The State of Mass has regulations that include what is called in the law as 521 CMR 3.10, which requires that wgen the construction of a street or sidewalk blocks the walkway, that an accessible route be provided, and that appropiate signs and other protective devises by used.

We often see the City of Cambrridge comply with this regulation in Harvard Sq, especially during the current construction projects. A sign will be set up stating Pedestrians ----> and there will be a temporary curb ramp set in place so strollers and wheelchairs and others can negitiate the curb. Cones and even tape is put in place to seperate pedestrians from traffic. This remains in place even when the workers leave for lunch, or for the day.



These photos were taken this summer on Pearl Street, where no accessible route was ever setup, and where a gaping open pit was left overnight for folks to trip into when crossing the street. This is a safety hazard, and the City should make sure that the regulations are followed in our neighborhood streets and not just in Harvard Sq.