Mount Auburn Street: A Complete Streets Project
Most Recent Updates
Last updated on March 20, 2025
Mount Auburn Street Project Progress Update
As the construction season resumes, we’d like to highlight the progress made during the previous season along Mount Auburn Street. The map below illustrates completed work and the specific locations where it has taken place.
Drainage Installation
Drainage infrastructure has been installed along Mount Auburn Street between Belmont Street and School Street, including portions of Bigelow Street and Arlington Street.
Paving
Two of the three paving layers have been completed along Mount Auburn Street from Belmont Street to Langdon Avenue.
Sidewalks and Curbing
Westbound: Approximately 98% complete from Belmont Street to Arlington Street
Eastbound: Approximately 90% complete between Arlington Street and Norseman Avenue
Mount Auburn Street Project Update
Week of March 23 - March 27, 2026
Drainage Installation & Test Pits
Crews will continue drainage installation and excavate test pits on Mount Auburn Street between Chauncy Street and School Street
Traffic and Sidewalk Impacts
During this work, you can expect temporary lane shifts and possibly lane closures, but one travel lane in each direction will be maintained on Mount Auburn Street. Work will take place on the sidewalks, but they will remain open and accessible. Business entrances will be maintained as well. Work in these areas will begin at 7:00 am each day and end before 5:00 pm.
Parking Impacts
Street parking in the construction area on Mount Auburn Street will be restricted. Construction crews will post parking closure signs in those areas starting at 7:00 am and will be removing them from the area by 5:00 pm each day.
Tree Trench and Conduit Installation
Tree trench installation will occur between Langdon Avenue and Adams Avenue next week on Mount Auburn Street.
Conduit installation will be occurring on Arlington Street.
Traffic and Sidewalk Impacts
During this work, you can expect temporary lane shifts and possibly lane closures, but one travel lane in each direction will be maintained on Mount Auburn Street. Work will take place on the sidewalks, but they will remain open and accessible. Business entrances will be maintained as well. Work in these areas will begin at 7:00 am each day and end before 5:00 pm.
Parking Impacts
Street parking in the construction area on Mount Auburn Street will be restricted. Construction crews will post parking closure signs in those areas starting at 7:00 am and will be removing them from the area by 5:00 pm each day.
Getting Around Coolidge Square
During construction in the Coolidge Square area, Watertown’s Economic Development team developed the below graphic to help residents get around Coolidge Square, whether by car, bike, bus, or walking. Keep up-to-date with any road closures, bus stop impacts, or parking limitations in the work detailed above!
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.