I think in a heavily pedestrian trafficked area like Inman Sq, tree well covers are smart. We know Cambridge doesn't like to do anything that Somerville does well (!) but the tree well covers on Beacon St are beautiful, functional and very pedestrian friendly. The tree wells on the S&S side of Cambridge St are already being showing signs of foot traffic compaction and it is only a matter of time before they become a trip hazard due to elevation changes. Can we please finish the Inman Sq project correctly?

Thank you for reporting your concern to City of Cambridge via SeeClickFix. We have reviewed the information you provided our staff and will be investigating this issue further.

This issue was recategorized from Other to Sidewalk Defect.

City of Cambridge assigned this issue to Public Works - TS (Streets & Sewers)

Public Works - TS (Streets & Sewers) assigned this issue to Public Works - JF (Engineering)

Thanks for your comment. The sidewalk width at the location in the photo is the same as it was before construction - there have always been tree pits here which result in pinch-points. Unfortunately, we are not able to widen the sidewalk here while keeping healthy trees.

We will monitor these tree pits for compaction, and as suggested below, we can consider placing Flexi-Pave in the tree pits if there is an issue.

The City no longer uses metal tree grates for street trees. With approx. 20,000 trees to be maintained, we have found it is not possible to give tree grates the kind of ongoing inspection and maintenance they require. Routine inspections are needed to make sure the grates are not heaving up and becoming tripping hazards; and to also make sure that trees are not growing into the grates, which is damaging to the tree.