Mount Auburn Street: A Complete Streets Project
Most Recent Updates
Last updated on May 29, 2026
Mount Auburn Street Project Update
Week of June 1 - June 5, 2026
Curb Removal & Reset
Crews will be removing and resetting the westbound curbing on Mount Auburn Street between Winsor Avenue and Hillside Road.
Sidewalk Grading & Forming
Once the curb removal is completed they will be grading (measures used for proper drainage) and forming the westbound sidewalk on Mount Auburn Street between School Street and Hillside Road
The crews will also continue forming and grading the east bound sidewalk on Mount Auburn Street at Norseman Avenue and School Lane.
Concrete Placement
Concrete sidewalk panels will be placed on the eastbound sidewalk on Mount Auburn Street between Belmont Street and School Lane.
Concrete Removal
Concrete sidewalk panels will be removed at locations on Mount Auburn Street between Arlington Street and Bigelow Avenue.
Sidewalk, Business access and traffic 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.
Business Access: Pedestrians Needing access to businesses with in the active construction process 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 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 Reset Area & Sidewalk Grading & Forming
Grading and Forming Area
Concrete Placement Area
Concrete Sidewalk Removal Area
Drainage Installation
Two crews will perform drainage installation on Mount Auburn Street between Stearns Road and Bailey 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 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.
Removal of Overhead Catenary System
Crews will be removing the overhead catenary system from various locations along Mount Auburn Street between Belmont Street and Walnut Street. This work will be performed overnight on Monday, June 1, 2026 from 9PM to 5AM.
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.
Parking Impacts
Street parking in the construction area on Mount Auburn Street will be restricted.
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.