Drainage Installation Work Continuing; Paving Work to Begin; Catenary Pole Removal Resumes

Paving to Start Soon! Weekend Work Included!

Paving started last week on the first 500 feet from the Cambridge line. 

Paving work is scheduled to continue from Wednesday, November 6, 2024, through Friday, November 8, 2024, between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m. Additionally, paving will take place on Saturday, November 9, 2024, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., as the construction schedule was adjusted to pause work on Election Day.

The paving work will include the side street entrances for several streets off of Mount Auburn Street in the work area. An example of the amount of area that will be included in this work onto the side streets is depicted in the image of School Lane. The side street entrances included in this phase of the project are:

Example of area to be milled and paved off on side street off of Mount Auburn Street.

Example of area to be milled and paved off on side street off of Mount Auburn Street.

• Cottage St.

• Ralph A. Piteri Tr

• St Mary St.

• Norseman Ave

• Francis St

• School Ln

• Brimmer St.

• Keenan St.

• Prentiss St.

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 will resume on the evening of November 6, 2024. This work 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?

For those residing on the side streets between the Cambridge Line and Arlington Street that might be affected by the milling and paving during this time, you will be detoured toward Belmont Street. For the side streets on the eastbound side of Mount Auburn Street (e.g. Norseman Ave., School Ln) access to driveways and the road being worked on will be limited during paving to allow for time for asphalt to cool.  Whenever possible, consider using alternate routes.

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.

Drainage Installation Work Beginning; Pole Removal Paused Temporarily

Newport Construction has begun preparing for drainage installation on Mount Auburn Street, with work set to begin on October 2, 2024. The project will start at the Cambridge line near 805 and 821 Mount Auburn St. and progress towards the intersection of Mount Auburn St. and Arlington St.

During this phase, you can expect:

• preparation work on manholes and catch basins

• excavation

• pipe installation

• back filling the holes

Work will take place Monday through Friday, from 7 AM to 5 PM. We expect only lane closures during this time.

Catenary pole removal has been paused at this time. We will notify you when this work resumes.

Are there any traffic impacts?

The drainage work at this time will cause lane closures on Mount Auburn Street between the hours of 7 AM and 5 PM. 

There will be no nighttime lane closures in the time that the catenary pole removal is paused.

Catenary Line Demolition Complete; Pole Removal Started

Dagle Electric have begun the removal of the poles that once held up the catenary electric system along Mount Auburn. This work is coming after the completion of the catenary line removal in August. The catenary system in Watertown was previously used to power the MBTA 71 and 73 bus lines.

The pole removal work is scheduled to take place during evening hours from 8:00 PM each night to 4:00 AM the following morning for approximately six weeks. Work began last week and will continue again tomorrow evening. The full schedule of work will be:

• Wednesday, September 4, through Thursday, September 5

• Tuesday, September 9, through Thursday, September 12

• Tuesday, September 17, through Thursday, September 19

• Tuesday, September 24, through Thursday, September 26

• Tuesday, October 1, through Thursday, October 3

• Tuesday, October 8, through Thursday, October 10

Workers removing the poles on Mount Auburn Street that once held up the catenary wiring system.

Where is it happening and are there any traffic impacts?

The pole removal will begin at the Cambridge line and move westward down Mount Auburn Street toward Watertown Square until all of the poles are removed. Work will be done on both sides of the street during this time, and we anticipate there to be lane closures in the areas of construction, but no significant traffic impacts.

Pre-Construction Work Continues

With the pre-construction work underway, there might be activity you notice happening along Mount Auburn Street. Over the coming weeks, you may continue to see the following along the corridor:

• Tree wrapping for protection during construction

• Drainage installation

• Rodent control measures

Overhead Catenary Removal Work Begins July 9

In preparation for the beginning of roadway work on Mount Auburn Street, and after a delay from our last update, Dagle Electric is confirmed to start removing the Overhead Catenary System. The Overhead Catenary System includes the electrical lines previously being used to power MBTA route 71 and 73 buses.

This work is scheduled to take place during evening hours from 8:00 PM each night to 4:00 AM the following morning for approximately six weeks. The work is scheduled to occur on the following dates:

• Tuesday, July 9, through Thursday, July 11

• Tuesday, July 16, through Thursday, July 18

• Sunday, July 21, through Thursday, July 25

• Sunday, July 28, through Thursday, August 1

• Sunday, August 4, through Thursday, August 8

• Sunday, August 11, through Thursday, August 15

Work will start on Mount Auburn Street at Arlington Street and continue west toward Watertown Square. Lane closures will be required for crews to complete the work, but no road closures or detours will be required.

Early Construction Activities

Early action work for the Mount Auburn Street Complete Streets Project has begun. Over the coming weeks, you may continue to see the following activities along the corridor:

• Tree wrapping for protection during construction

• Drainage installation

• Rodent control measures 

Preconstruction Work Begins Tonight, May 13, 2024

Mount Auburn Street Project Update
Construction Begins Early Summer 2024
Preconstruction Work Begins Tonight, May 13, 2024

The Mount Auburn Street project team is pleased to announce that roadway and sidewalk construction is anticipated to begin in Spring 2024. Work will begin at the Cambridge city line moving west segment by segment towards Watertown Square until the project boundary just west of Patten Street.

In preparation for the beginning of roadway work, Dagle Electric will start removing the Overhead Catenary System along Mount Auburn Street. This work will begin tonight, May 13, 2024, and is anticipated to last six weeks, with work being completed overnight from 9:00 PM to 5:00 AM each night.

The Overhead Catenary System includes the electrical lines previously being used to power MBTA route 71 and 73 buses. Tree protection is expected to begin very soon throughout Mount Auburn Street. None of the preparation work is expected to disrupt traffic on Mount Auburn Street.  

An MBTA bus traveling on Mount Auburn Street using the Overhead Catenary System, which will be removed as part of preconstruction work for the project.

This project is being managed by the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT), who contracted Newport Construction to perform the work. The City remains committed to keeping residents informed of project work and impacts.  

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. 

We will post construction schedules and other work notifications consistently on the project website, and via the City’s social media accounts. You can sign up to receive project email updates here. 

NIGHT WORK: Mt. Auburn Street from Bigelow Avenue to Arlington Street

The City of Watertown has contracted the services of Commonwealth Construction & Utilities, Inc to perform water spot repairs on Mt. Auburn St from Bigelow Avenue to Arlington Street. This work is part of ongoing efforts by the city to improve our water system infrastructure and is scheduled to begin WEATHER PERMITTING on Sunday, August 20, 2023 between the hours of 9 PM and 5 AM. Work is scheduled overnight to minimize the impacts to traffic, businesses, and residents in the area.

From Sunday, August 20th at 9 PM through Friday, August 25 at 5 AM, the water will be shut down on Mt. Auburn Street from Lloyd Road to Arlington Street from 9 PM to 5 AM. Water will also be shut down on Templeton Parkway between Mount Auburn Street and Maplewood Street and Bigelow Avenue between Mt. Auburn Street and Merrifield Avenue from 9 PM to 5 AM. Not all locations will lose water access every evening depending on work progression. Water services may still be impacted past 5 AM.

Please plan accordingly to store some water for drinking and cooking during these hours.
The department will try to minimize the amount of time that service will be discontinued to perform this work.

Please note that during the construction period there will be parking restrictions within the work areas from 9 PM to 5 AM.  The Police Department has been notified of the construction work in the area.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding this project, contact the Watertown Department of Public Works at (617) 972-6420.

The City of Watertown thanks you for your cooperation.

Mount Auburn Street Final Design Open House: June 20

The Mount Auburn Street Complete Streets Project Team is pleased to announce that the final roadway design plans have been submitted to MassDOT. These designs include construction-related details such as traffic signal layouts, utility upgrades/modifications, and site grading to ensure the roadway and sidewalk improvements match existing conditions at the limits of work. The project remains on schedule to go out to bid later this year, allowing construction to begin in early 2024. The project team continues to coordinate with MassDOT on the project schedule for the next steps.

Join us at an Open House on the
Mount Auburn Street Final Design
Date: Tuesday, June 20
Time: 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM
Location: Perkins School for the Blind, Grousbeck Center
55 Beechwood Ave, Watertown
Parking available in lot off Beechwood Ave; follow signs for event parking

Watertown Department of Public Works invites you to attend an interactive Open House on the final design for Mount Auburn Street. Stop by any time between 4:00 PM and 7:00 PM to review the final roadway design plans for the corridor and discuss your questions with members of the team and City staff. You can also share your input on the landscaping and streetscape concepts for the placemaking areas throughout the corridor. The project team will share examples of proposed site amenities, such as benches and bicycle parking, as well as plantings to be installed.

We will post recorded presentations outlining the final roadway design and the landscaping concepts, as well as updated plans, on this website in advance of the Open House. These can be viewed at home and will also be on display during the Open House. They will be announced with a separate email in the coming weeks. Sign up here if you are not already subscribed.

Please download a meeting flyer and help us spread the word. 

Work Continues to Advance Mount Auburn Street

We would like to share some updates on behalf of National Grid and the City regarding other work taking place on Mount Auburn Street to advance the project.

Update from National Grid

National Grid continues to replace the gas main that runs down the center of Mount Auburn Street. This work is taking place in advance of future Mount Auburn Street road reconstruction.

National Grid has encountered some unexpected conditions and has provided an updated timeframe for completion of the work:

•  Taylor Street to Walnut Street:  Estimated completion in mid-June 2023.

• School Street to Arlington Street:  Estimated completion in October 2023.

• Arlington Street to Cambridge line:  Estimated completion in October 2023.

Work between Walnut Street and School Street has not begun yet.  It is anticipated to begin in October, 2023 and last through January, 2024.

We understand that this work has been impactful and appreciate residents' and businesses’ patience as construction continues.  Please contact National Grid with questions regarding the work at 508-760-7533.

Upcoming Water and Sewer Upgrades

The City will begin a water and sewer upgrade project for the Mount Auburn Street corridor later this spring. The water and sewer mains on the street have been inspected and are generally in good condition. The project seeks to improve reliance and resiliency by replacing and/or installing new water valves at various locations that allow the City to turn on and off the water mains.  Limited repairs on the sewer mains will also be performed.

Mount Auburn Street Project Update: 75% Design Plans Submitted

Mount Auburn Street Project Update: 75% Design Plans Submitted

The Mount Auburn Street Complete Streets project team is pleased to share some exciting progress updates. The project remains on schedule to go out to bid later this year, allowing the project to begin construction in early 2024. The project team continues to coordinate with MassDOT on the project schedule for the next steps.

75% Design Plans Submitted to MassDOT

On October 17, 2022, the project team submitted 75% design plans to MassDOT for their review. MassDOT is planning to send out responses to public comments on the 25% design in the coming weeks. Since these plans have progressed from 25% to 75% design, the project team has:

• Begun working with a landscape architect and City staff to develop landscaping and streetscape concepts which we expect to bring to the community for your input in the coming months. This includes creating opportunities for placemaking in commercial areas throughout the corridor, providing site amenities such as benches and bicycle parking, and protecting and expanding the existing tree canopy and vegetation.

• Continued to coordinate with the MBTA on enhancing transit operations, safety, efficiency, and service, which could result in some minor design changes.

• Canvased local businesses in Coolidge Square to understand vehicle and truck loading needs to develop a loading plan for the district. Learn more about this below.

• Performed a detailed review of the water system on Mount Auburn Street, including sampling and inspecting sections of the water main pipe. While the water main in the street is old, it is in very good condition. The City will be installing additional valves on the main to improve operational efficiency later this year. The MassDOT project will replace and/or relocate hydrants along the corridor based on condition and location with respect to on-street parking.

• Developed more detailed designs suitable for construction such as traffic signal layouts, utility upgrades/modifications, and site grading to ensure the roadway and sidewalk improvements match existing conditions at the limits of work.

• Began the Right of Way acquisition process. To complete the project, it will be necessary to acquire both permanent and temporary easements from private property owners along the corridor. The project team is identifying necessary easements and will work with a qualified appraiser to determine their value to ensure property owners are compensated properly. In the coming months, the City will reach out to property owners if an easement is needed on their property. Learn more about MassDOT’s Right of Way acquisition process here.

Once MassDOT has fully reviewed the 75% design plans it will host a Public Informational Meeting to present the project to the public.

Work Continues on Loading Zones

Over the summer, the project team conducted a survey of area businesses to better understand business operations, deliveries, and loading needs. We are using the results of the survey and the feedback we received as a guide to incorporate loading and delivery zones in the final design. The team will be reaching back out to businesses with proposed loading and delivery zones and looks forward to ongoing conversations about these issues.

Update from National Grid

National Grid continues to replace the gas main that runs down the center of Mount Auburn Street. This work is taking place in advance of future Mount Auburn Street road reconstruction.
The main is aging and full replacement will eliminate the need for future repairs. There are benefits for customers – an upgraded system and improved, reliable performance and fewer leaks and more safety devices – and for the environment – reduced methane and carbon dioxide emissions from the older leak-prone system.
The work area is approximately 2 miles long and spans from Summer Street to the Cambridge City line. National Grid currently anticipates completion of this work in spring 2023. We understand that this work has been impactful and appreciate residents' and businesses’ patience as construction continues.  Please contact National Grid with questions regarding the work at 781-907-4006.

Updated Functional Design Report Now Available

In January of 2016, a preliminary Functional Design Report (FDR) was submitted to MassDOT and the Boston Region Metropolitan Planning Organization, prior to beginning work on the 25% design plans for the Mount Auburn Street Corridor Project. This was necessary to gain early acceptance of the concept of a road diet along Mount Auburn Street and to obtain funding for the project. 

The FDR is an evaluation of the current Mount Auburn Street corridor from Patten Street, just east of Summer Street to the Cambridge City limits. It also includes a section of Arlington Street, beginning north of the intersection with Mount Auburn Street and continuing south to Grove Street terminating at Merrifield Avenue. It assesses existing conditions, identifies operational and safety deficiencies, and recommends an improvement strategy to address any deficiencies identified. 

During development of the concept plans, it was evident a revised FDR would be necessary to capture changes in the design as a result of our robust public participation process, recent changes in traffic volume projections, and incorporation of bus transit priority. This FDR, prepared in June of 2021, replaces the previous version with updated crash data, revised traffic volumes, traffic operations analyses, concept plans for the corridor, and ultimately supports the 25% design plans. 

You can view the updated Functional Design Report here.