Most Recent Updates

Last updated on September 5, 2024

Catenary Line Demolition Completed; Pole Removal Started

Dagle Electric have begun the removal of the poles that once held up the catenary electric system. The catenary system in Watertown was previously used to power the MBTA 71 and 73 bus lines.

This work is scheduled to take place during evening hours from 8:00 PM each night to 4:00 AM the following morning for approximately six weeks. The work is scheduled to occur on the following dates:

• Wednesday, September 4, through Thursday, September 5

• Tuesday, September 9, through Thursday, September 12

• Tuesday, September 17, through Thursday, September 19

• Tuesday, September 24, through Thursday, September 26

• Tuesday, October 1, through Thursday, October 3

• Tuesday, October 8, through Thursday, October 10

The pole removal will begin at the Cambridge line and move westward down Mount Auburn Street toward Watertown Square until all of the poles are removed. Work will be done on both sides of the street during this time, and we anticipate there to be lane closures in the areas of construction, but no significant traffic impacts.

Early Construction Activities

Early action work for the Mount Auburn Street Complete Streets Project has begun. Over the coming weeks, you may continue to see the following activities along the corridor:

• Tree wrapping for protection during construction

• Drainage installation

• Rodent control measures 

We will post construction schedules and other work notifications consistently on the project website, and via the City’s social media accounts. You can sign up to receive project email updates here.

About the Project

The Mount Auburn Street project was initiated after a conceptual design was endorsed by the Town Council in November 2018. The Project Team submitted the 25% Design to the MassDOT in January 2020, and MassDOT held a 25% Design Public Hearing on November 4, 2021. Since then, the project team has submitted 100% Design plans for the corridor. 

The Mount Auburn Street Project will transform the corridor into a Complete Street, providing safe and accessible options for all modes. This project will also provide increased efficiency on the MBTA Bus Route 71, improve traffic operations and pedestrian and bicycle accommodations, improve accessibility in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and improved aesthetics.