Several of the study's recommendations have already met with neighborhood approval, but support has been mixed for the idea of closing part of Broadway and for a proposal to build "neckdowns," or sidewalk extensions, at certain intersections.

Throughout, Romeo said, the road will have improvements that make it safer for pedestrians. Broad intersections, like the one near Wellesley Square, will be narrowed by bringing the sidewalks out further. Crosswalks will have "neckdowns" at either end, large chunks of sidewalk that jut out into the street, therefore cutting down the amount of live roadway pedestrians must cross.

The automobile has been tamed in thousands of residential areas by speed bumps, one-way street mazes, neckdowns, crosswalks, barricades and the lowly stop sign. As a result, neighborhoods are safer, quieter and less polluted, but still provide motor vehicle access.