Mount Auburn Street: A Complete Streets Project
Most Recent Updates
Last updated on August 21, 2026
Mount Auburn Street Project Update
August 22 - August 28, 2026
Saturday, August 22
Opening Catch Basins
On Saturday, August 22, construction crews will be opening catch basins within the newly paved section of Mount Auburn Street between School Street and Chauncy Street. This work is being done in preparation for the expected rain on Sunday, August 23, 2026, to ensure that stormwater can properly drain from the roadway.
Monday-Friday, August 24-28
Sidewalk Grading & Forming
Sidewalk fine grading will take place on Mount Auburn Street at School Street and Boylston Street (in front of Saint James Armenian Church).
Sidewalk Pouring
Sidewalk pouring will take place on the westbound sidewalk along Mount Auburn Street at School Street and Boylston Street (in front of Saint James Armenian Church) and Mount Auburn Street at Arlington Street (in front of Sullivan Playground).
Access & Travel Information
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.
Business Access: Pedestrians needing access to businesses within the active construction area will be directed to use rear entrances when available, or they will be escorted safely through the work zone by police details. Construction activities will be temporarily paused until pedestrians have safely entered the designated safe zone.
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: 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
MBTA Bus Stop Relocation
Two MBTA bus stops along the 71 bus route will be impacted by the construction work in this area this week. Riders should follow on-site signage to the new temporary locations:
Bus Stop ID 2040: Mt. Auburn St @ Amherst Rd will be relocated in front of 298 Mount Auburn Street.
Bus Stop ID 2054: Mt. Auburn St @ Boylston St will be relocated in front of 297 Mount Auburn Street.
Bus Stop ID 2038: Mt. Auburn St @ Adams Ave will be relocated to the corner of Mt. Auburn Street and Richards Rd.
Full Depth Road Reconstruction
Between Monday and Friday, construction crews will begin the next phase of their full depth road reconstruction between Stearns Road and Adams Avenue. This work takes the existing asphalt and mixes it with the base layers. While this work is on-going, one lane of traffic will be maintained in both directions on Mount Auburn Street.
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.