Mount Auburn Street: A Complete Streets Project
Most Recent Updates
Last updated on March 27, 2025
Mount Auburn Street Project Update
Week of March 30 - April 3, 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
Beginning March 30, 2026, a detour will be in place on School Street. Access to School Street from Mount Auburn Street will remain open; however, traffic traveling down School Street toward Mount Auburn Street will be redirected onto Adams Avenue and then back to Mount Auburn Street.
At times, a temporary sidewalk detour may also be required. When this occurs, pedestrians will be directed to use the sidewalk on the opposite side of School Street from the work area.
Police details will be stationed at both the School Street and Adams Avenue intersection and the Mount Auburn Street and Adams Avenue intersection to assist with and direct traffic.
(See detour map below)
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 Installation
Tree trench installation will occur between Langdon Avenue and Adams Avenue next week on Mount Auburn 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.