Daily brief · Central Square, Cambridge, MA
Dedicated bus lane coming to River Street
September 18, 2026
Top story
Dedicated Bus Lane Coming to River Street
As the River Street reconstruction approaches substantial completion this fall, Public Works crews are installing new signage, paving and markings, including a red bus-only lane between Central Square and Riverside. The work will happen in sections rather than all at once. When construction ends, River Street will have sidewalks, a parking and loading lane, one general-purpose travel lane, the dedicated bus lane and a sidewalk-level bike lane — a layout developed with a community working group between 2019 and 2022 to cut bus delays and slow traffic.
City of Cambridge
Council Committees Advance Stricter Multifamily Zoning Rules
Two City Council committees advanced zoning amendments requiring larger setbacks and open space while discouraging oversized single-building redevelopments; the full Council takes up the order Sept. 28.
Cambridge Day
Fall Into Dance Showcase Tonight at The Dance Complex
The Dance Complex hosts the free 'Fall Into Dance' showcase Friday, Sept. 18 at 6:30 p.m., featuring Greater Boston dance artists with Boston Dance Alliance and ArtsBoston.
Boston Dance Alliance
Bettye LaVette Performs at Arrow Street Arts Tonight
Soul vocalist Bettye LaVette joins keyboardist Etienne Stadwijk for stories and music from her 64-year career Friday, Sept. 18 at 7 p.m.
ckcommgroup.com
Crystal Lizard and Plus or Minus Play The Lilypad Tonight
The instrumental rock double bill starts at 8 p.m. Friday, Sept. 18 at The Lilypad; doors open 7:30 p.m., admission $10.
The Lilypad
KONG Performs at The Middle East Tonight
KONG plays The Middle East's Corner/Bakery space in Central Square Friday, Sept. 18 at 10 p.m.; the show is 21+.
The Middle East Restaurant and Nightclub
Teens Make Felt Crafts for Hispanic Heritage Month at Valente Branch
The Valente Branch offers drop-in felt crafting for ages 12-18 on Friday, Sept. 18 from 3:30 to 5 p.m., with projects inspired by Hispanic Heritage Month.
City of Cambridge
Lamplighter's Cambridge Oktoberfest Kicks Off Tonight
Lamplighter Brewing's Cambridge Crossing taproom hosts its Oktoberfest celebration Friday, Sept. 18 and Saturday, Sept. 19.
Lamplighter Brewing Co.
Ukraine Symposium and Concert Set for First Church Tonight
A symposium and concert Friday brings Ukrainian artists, mental health professionals and human rights advocates together at First Church in Cambridge.
Cambridge Day
Second Man Charged in Murder of Xavier Bautista
Giovani Arroyo was arraigned on murder and weapons charges in Cambridge District Court.
Cambridge Day
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