A state-sponsored reconstruction project to enlarge Massachusetts Avenue from Harvard Square to the Arlington line is already in the "planning and design stage," Commissioner Anthony N. DiNatale of the State Department of Public Works disclosed recently. At the same time, the city is considering plans for effective face-lifting in the Square area.

The widened avenue will have two 36-foot lanes with a five-foot center strip. Footage to widen the 65-foot-wide stretch from Harvard Square to Porter Square will be taken from the sidewalks, DiNatale said.

Plans call for elimination of the 21 safety islands on Massachusetts Avenue, considered contributing factors in many recent accidents, and for a modern system of traffic lights. The present signal system is 30 years old.

Redevelopment Project

The City Council will vote on Monday on approval of the Riverview Redevelopment Project, a proposal to restore a 21/2-acre plot on Mount Auburn St. adjoining Sparks St.

Action on the $349,667 project was put off last week by a 5-4 vote after five councilors had given roll call approval to the plan. Councilor Watson, however, changed his vote from approval to postponement when Councilor Wise persisted in her objections to the proposal.