Mount Auburn Street: A Complete Streets Project
Most Recent Updates
Last updated on May 15, 2026
Mount Auburn Street Project Update
Week of May 18 - May 21, 2026
No work will be performed on Friday, May 22, 2026, in preparation for Memorial Day events.
Sidewalk Grading
Grading (measures used for proper drainage) of the eastbound sidewalk of Mount Auburn Street from School Lane to Belmont Street, and on Arlington Street and Grove Street. This work will start on Monday, May 18, 2026 from 7:00am to 3:30pm. Learn about travel and parking impacts below.
Sidewalk Forming
Once grading has been completed on the eastbound sidewalk of Mount Auburn Street from School Lane to Belmont Street, crews will be completing formwork to shape and contain the concrete for the sidewalks in this area
Curb Removal and Reset
Curbs will be removed and reset on Arlington Street and Grove Street.
Traffic and Sidewalk Impacts
Sidewalks: During this work, pedestrians will be asked to use the sidewalks on the opposite side of the street. Once the work is completed, temporary walkways will be maintained to allow pedestrian access.
Traffic: 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.
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.
Curb Removal and Grading Area
Grading and Forming Area
Drainage Installation
Crews will perform drainage installation on Mount Auburn Street between Richards Road and Adams Avenue.
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 drainage installation 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.
Conduit & Pedestrian Signal Installation
Crews will be installing conduits (underground electrical) and Pedestrian Signals at two locations on Mount Auburn Street.
Mount Auburn Street at School Street
564 Mount Auburn Street
Mount Auburn Street at 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.