Mount Auburn Street: A Complete Streets Project
Most Recent Updates
Last updated on February 20, 2025
Mount Auburn Street Project Update
Week of February 23 - February 27, 2026
Drainage Installation & Test Pits
Crews will continue drainage installation and excavate test pits on Mount Auburn Street between Boylston Street and School Street
Mast Riser Installation
Beginning Tuesday, February 24, 2026, an electrical contractor will be installing mast risers along various locations on Mount Auburn Street. Mast risers are the base of traffic signals.
Work will take place at the following locations:
Intersection of Arlington Street and Grove Street
Mount Auburn Street at Bigelow Avenue
Mount Auburn Street at Kimball Road
Mount Auburn Street at Upland Road
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.