Most Recent Updates

Last updated on November 22, 2024

Temporary Paving Planned for Next Week; Drainage Installation, Catenary Pole Removal, and Temporary Striping Continues

Temporary Paving Expected to be Done next Week

Newport Construction will be leveling and laying temporary pavement moving east on Mount Auburn Street, starting at Summer Street and ending just prior to School Street. Both eastbound and westbound lanes will be completed, starting on the eastbound side of the street. The road lines will be restriped once the paving is completed to look the same as it was previously.

Work is expected to be completed on Monday, November 25 and Tuesday, November 26, 2024, from 7am to 5pm.

Drainage Installation Work Continues

Newport Construction will continue the drainage work on Mount Auburn Street. The project will continue to work its way towards Arlington St.

Catenary Pole Removal to Restart 

The catenary pole removal is continuing and will take place from 8 p.m. to 4 a.m.

(Note: All dates are approximate and will be dependent on weather conditions and any testing yet to be performed.)

Are there any traffic impacts?

There will be lane shifts during this time. The street parking lane will be used for thru traffic near the paving work being done. There will not be any road closures or detours at this time. We do not expect any sidewalk closures while this work is being completed. Access between some driveways and the road being worked on will be limited to allow time for the asphalt to cool. Police detail and on-site crew members will be available to help with access when necessary. Consider using alternate routes when possible. 

In the area of the catenary pole removal, we anticipate only lane closures and lane shifts but no significant traffic impacts.

Are there any parking impacts?

Any street parking in the construction area on Mount Auburn Street during this phase will be restricted. Construction crews will post parking closure signs in those areas.

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.