2019 Project Update

On November 13, the Town Council voted to endorse the Mount Auburn Street conceptual design for submission to the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) for the 25% Design review. Read materials from previous public meetings on the Documents page.

In the months to come, our team will be working hard behind the scenes, preparing technical design drawings based on the approved conceptual design. These drawings will become part of the 25% Design submission to MassDOT, expected later this year. There will continue to be opportunities for public input throughout the design review process, including the 25% Design Public Hearing to be hosted by MassDOT, likely in early 2020. Construction for this project is tentatively scheduled to begin in 2021.

We are committed to working closely with the Town Council and Public Works Committee on information moving forward. As we receive comments on the design from MassDOT, we will keep everyone updated through our email list and on this website.

Thank you for continuing to follow this important project.

The Town Council Public Works Committee has scheduled two meetings for a Mount Auburn Street project update

Tuesday, October 16, 2018 and Tuesday, October 30, 2018

Ask questions and review plans with the project team starting at 6:00 PM

Each Committee meeting begins at 7:00 PM

Town Hall, Administration Building
Richard E. Mastrangelo Council Chamber

149 Main Street, Watertown, MA

After endorsing the Complete Streets concept plan, including the road diet and general layout, on July 10, the Town Council has asked the Public Works Committee to review the Mount Auburn Street project in more detail. At these meetings, the project team will provide an update on the design and on-street parking impacts in the business districts before submitting a 25% design to the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT). Materials from the July 10 Town Council meeting and a summary of the Council’s vote can be found on the Documents page.

The October 16 meeting will focus on the Mount Auburn Street corridor from Patten Street to approximately School Street, highlighting two alternative designs for parking and bus stop impacts at the Common Street intersection. Download a joint meeting flyer for more information.

The October 30 meeting will cover approximately School Street to the Cambridge city line, focusing on the design in Coolidge Square. Download a meeting flyer for more information.

Join us on May 14 for an Open House

DATE: MONDAY, MAY 14, 2018
TIME: 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM
Location: Hosmer Elementary School - Cafeteria
1 Concord Road, Watertown

The Town of Watertown Department of Public Works invites you to attend an
interactive Open House presenting Complete Streets improvements recommended for
Mount Auburn Street. Stop by any time between 4:00 PM and 7:00 PM to review the
planned Complete Streets plan for the corridor. You can also discuss your questions
with members of the team and Town staff on topics including traffic, safety, bicycle and
pedestrian issues, parking and loading concerns, and transit operations on Mount
Auburn Street.

Download a meeting flyer and help us notify others who might be interested in the project.

Join Us at a Transit Public Meeting

DATE:               Thursday, February 15, 2018

TIME:                6:30 PM to 8:30 PM

LOCATION:        Watertown Free Public Library

                         Watertown Savings Bank Meeting Room

                         123 Main Street, Watertown

The Town of Watertown Department of Public Works invites you to attend a Mount Auburn Street project meeting to discuss bus transit planning along the corridor. We will also discuss potential technologies and amenities that could be incorporated into the project to improve bus service and increase reliability for the more than 5,000 daily riders.

At the meeting, we will also touch upon an exciting bus rapid transit (BRT) pilot project with the City of Cambridge and the MBTA to improve Route 71/73 service between Belmont Street and Fresh Pond Parkway. Although the pilot project will proceed independently of our Mount Auburn Street Complete Streets project, we hope to use the results and data collected from the pilot to inform our design. 

Download a meeting flyer and help us spread the word!

Join us on Jan. 30 for a Coolidge Square Open House

Date:               Tuesday, January 30, 2018

Snow Date:     Wednesday, February 7, 2018*

Time:                4:00 PM to 7:00 PM

Location:        The Apartments at Coolidge School - Auditorium

                         319 Arlington Street, Watertown

Visitor parking is available in the front of the building and additional spaces are behind the building along the fence. All other spots are for residents only.

The Town of Watertown Department of Public Works invites you to attend an interactive Open House about making Complete Streets improvements on Mount Auburn Street in Coolidge Square. Stop by anytime between 4:00 PM and 7:00 PM to review maps and informational materials, discuss your questions with members of the team and Town staff, and provide comments on traffic, safety, bicycle and pedestrian issues, parking and loading concerns, and transit operations on Mount Auburn Street. Download a meeting flyer and help us spread the word!

*In the event of inclement weather, we will notify our email list of any cancellations and post updates on this website.

Join Us at a Public Works Committee Meeting on November 20!

When:     7:15 PM* on Monday, November 20, 2017

Where:   Town Hall, Administration Building

               Richard E. Mastrangelo Council Chamber

               149 Main Street, Watertown, MA

The Watertown Department of Public Works will provide an update on the progress in designing elements of the Mount Auburn Street project at the Public Works Committee meeting. The project team will follow up on comments from the June meeting and provide an update on the project timeline and design.  

We encourage you to download a meeting flyer, review the draft presentation, and help us spread the word. 

*The Committee meeting begins at 6:30 PM; the Mount Auburn Street presentation is scheduled for 7:15 PM.

Follow-Up from June 19 Meeting

Thanks to everyone who attended the June 19 meeting of the Joint Public Works Subcommittee and Bicycle and Pedestrian Committee Meeting.

We had a good turnout and time for questions and discussion. The Mount Auburn Street Project team will be considering the issues and comments from the meeting, and responding to emails and comments submitted to the team as well. 

The presentation and meeting summary from the June 19 meeting are available for download.

In response to requests we heard at the meeting, you can find additional plans, resources, and links to related projects on the Documents page of this website.

Join us on Monday, June 19!

Join us at a Joint Town Council Public Works Sub-committee and Bicycle & Pedestrian Committee Meeting

Monday, June 19, 2017 at 7:00 PM
Town Hall, Administration Building

Updated Room: Philip Pane Lower Conference Room
Ground Floor

149 Main Street, Watertown, MA

The Watertown Department of Public Works will provide an update focusing on options for bicycle accommodations on Mount Auburn Street. The project team will welcome public comments on the bicycle accommodations before we refine the preliminary design of the project. We will also provide an update on the project timeline, design, and funding process through the Massachusetts Transportation Improvement Program (TIP).  We will be available after the Bicycle and Pedestrian Committee meeting to answer any questions and review the plans.

Download the Meeting Flyer

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