Mount Auburn Street Project Update - Week of August 10 - August 14, 2026

Full Depth Road Reconstruction

Full Depth Road Reconstruction will take place on Mount Auburn Street between Amherst Rd and School St. This work takes the existing asphalt and mixes it with the base layers. This work will require a detour. Please see more info below.

Detour 

The following detour will be put in place during the construction:

Mount Auburn Street: One lane of traffic in each direction will remain open throughout construction. Traffic will be shifted to either the eastbound or westbound side of the roadway as needed, depending on the location of the active work zone.

Boylston Street: Access to Mount Auburn Street from Boylston Street will be closed beginning at the Concord Road intersection. Drivers should follow the posted detour via Chauncey Street to reach Mount Auburn Street.

Stearns Road: Access to Mount Auburn Street from Stearns Road will be closed beginning at the Amherst Road intersection. Drivers should follow the posted detour via Amherst Road to access Mount Auburn Street.

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.

Sidewalk Grading & Forming 

Sidewalk fine grading will take place on Mount Auburn Street between Dexter Ave & Melendy St. and Boylston St & School St. There will also be fine grading and forming between Upland Rd and Hillside Rd.

Sidewalk Pouring 

Concrete placement will take place on the westbound sidewalk along Mount Auburn Street between Dexter Ave & Melendy St, as well as Boylston St & School St.

Sidewalk Removal

No sidewalk removal will occur during this week of work.

Sidewalk, Business Access, Parking, 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.

Mount Auburn Street Project Update - Week of August 3 - August 7, 2026

Sidewalk Updates

As sidewalks and roadway work continues, the City has been receiving more specific questions about what they are seeing as the design slowly comes to life. So, keep an eye out for short blurbs about the design in coming weeks’ updates.

The Rehabilitation of Mt Auburn Street Concept Plan, which was endorsed by the Watertown City Council on July 10, 2018, established guidelines for rebalancing the roadway to better accommodate pedestrians, bicyclists, transit users, motorists, and adjacent businesses. One key component of the project is providing sidewalks that meet or exceed current accessibility standards, including maintaining a minimum clear pedestrian path of travel, accommodating individuals using mobility devices, and improving the overall pedestrian network along the corridor. So you may be seeing wider sidewalks or updated grading in some areas, and those are to be more accessible to all residents and visitors.

Full Depth Road Reconstruction

Full Depth Road Reconstruction will take place on Mount Auburn Street between Amherst Rd and School Street. This work takes the existing asphalt and mixes it with the base layers. This work will require a detour. Please see more info below.

Detour 

The following detour will be put in place Wednesday, August 5 through Friday, August 7, 2026

Boylston Street: Access to Mount Auburn Street from Boylston Street will be closed beginning at the Concord Road intersection. Drivers should follow the posted detour via Chauncey Street to reach Mount Auburn Street.

Stearns Road: Access to Mount Auburn Street from Stearns Road will be closed beginning at the Amherst Road intersection. Drivers should follow the posted detour via Amherst Road to access Mount Auburn Street.

Mount Auburn Street: One lane of traffic in each direction will remain open throughout construction. Traffic will be shifted to either the eastbound or westbound side of the roadway as needed, depending on the location of the active work zone.

Sidewalk Grading & Forming 

Sidewalk fine grading will take place on Mount Auburn Street between Boylston Street to School Street and Hillside Avenue to Upland Road.

Concrete Placement 

Concrete placement will take place on the westbound sidewalk along Mount Auburn Street between Boylston Street to School Street.

Curbing Removal & Reset

Crews will be removing curbs and resetting them on Mount Auburn Street from Hillside Road to Upland Road.

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.

Drainage Installation

Two crews will perform drainage installation on Mount Auburn Street at the intersection of Walnut Street.

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.

Mount Auburn Street Project Update Week of July 27 - July 31, 2026

Sidewalk Grading & Forming 

Sidewalk fine grading will take place on Mount Auburn Street between Boylston Street to School Street and Hillside Avenue to Upland Road.

Concrete Placement 

Concrete placement will take place on the westbound sidewalk along Mount Auburn Street between Boylston Street to School Street.

Curbing Removal & Reset

Crews will be removing curbs and resetting them on Mount Auburn Street from Hillside Road to Upland Road.

Lowering Manhole Covers and Utility Structures

Crews will be lowering manhole covers and utility structures in preparation for the next section of road reconstruction on Mount Auburn Street between School Street and Amherst Road.

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.

Drainage Installation

Two crews will perform drainage installation on Mount Auburn Street between Bates Road and Russell Avenue.

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.

Mount Auburn Street Project Update - Week of July 20 - July 24, 2026

Concrete Placement 

Concrete placement will take place on the westbound sidewalk along Mount Auburn Street between Melendy Avenue to Dexter Avenue.

Sidewalk Grading & Forming 

Sidewalk fine grading will take place on Mount Auburn Street between Elton Avenue and Dexter Avenue.

Concrete Removal

Crews will be removing concrete sidewalks on Mount Auburn Street from Adams Street to School Street.

Curbing Removal & Reset

Crews will be removing curbs and resetting them on Mount Auburn Street from Adams Street to School Street.

Lowering Manhole Covers and Utility Structures

Crews will be lowering manhole covers and utility structures in preparation for the next section of road reconstruction on Mount Auburn Street between School Street and Amherst Road.

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.

Drainage Installation

Two crews will perform drainage installation on Mount Auburn Street between Bates Road and Walnut Street.

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.

Mount Auburn Street Project Update - Week of July 6 - July 10, 2026

*On Monday, July 6, 2026, the only scheduled work is concrete placement.

Concrete Placement 

Concrete placement will take place on the following westbound sidewalk locations starting Monday, July 6, 2026 along Mount Auburn Street:

• At the intersection of Mount Auburn Street and Adams Street, in front of Cass Flowers.

• At the intersection of Mount Auburn Street and Dexter Avenue, in front of Faggas Funeral Services.

Concrete placement will also take place between Elton Avenue and Adams Street.

Sidewalk Grading & Forming 

Sidewalk fine grading will take place on Mount Auburn Street between Elton Avenue and Dexter Avenue.

Concrete Removal

Crews will be removing concrete sidewalks on Mount Auburn Street from Adams Street to Dexter Avenue.

Curbing Removal & Reset

Crews will be removing curbs and resetting them on Mount Auburn Street from Elton Avenue to Dexter 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.

Drainage Installation

Two crews will perform drainage installation on Mount Auburn Street between Bates Road and Spruce Street.

Tree Trench Installation

Crews will perform tree trench installation on Mount Auburn Street between Stearns Road and Spruce Street.

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.

Mount Auburn Street Project Update - Week of June 29 - July 3, 2026

*No work will be performed on July 4, 2026, due to the holiday.

Sidewalk Grading & Forming 

Sidewalk fine grading will take place on Mount Auburn Street between Winsor Avenue and Hillside Road.

Concrete Placement 

Concrete placement will occur on Mount Auburn Street between Winsor Avenue and Hillside Road.

Concrete Removal

Crews will be removing concrete sidewalks on Mount Auburn Street from Adams Street to Dexter Avenue.

Curbing Removal & Reset

Crews will be removing curbs and resetting them on Mount Auburn Street from Adams Street to Dexter 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.

Drainage Installation

Two crews will perform drainage installation on Mount Auburn Street between Bates Road and Garfield Street, and Bailey Road and Amherst Street.

Tree Trench Installation

Crews will perform tree trench installation on Mount Auburn Street between Stearns Road and Spruce Street.

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.

Mount Auburn Street Project Update - Week of June 22 - June 26, 2026

Sidewalk Grading & Forming 

Sidewalk fine grading will take place on Mount Auburn Street between Bigelow Avenue and Dexter Avenue.

Concrete Removal

Crews will be removing concrete sidewalks on Mount Auburn Street at School Street & Winsor Avenue, and on Mount Auburn Street between Bigelow Avenue and Dexter Avenue.

Concrete Placement 

Concrete sidewalk panels will be poured on the sidewalk in the follow areas:

• Mount Auburn Street between Arlington Street & Bigelow Avenue

• Arlington Street from Mount Auburn Street to Grove Street

• Mount Auburn Street between Winsor Avenue and Hillside Road

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.

Drainage Installation

Two crews will perform drainage installation on Mount Auburn Street between Walnut Street and Amherst Road.

Tree Trench Installation

Crews will perform tree trench installation on Mount Auburn Street between Stearns Road and Spruce Street.

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.

Mount Auburn Street Project Update - Week of June 7 - June 12, 2026

Concrete Removal Paused

Concrete sidewalk removal work will be paused along Mount Auburn Street for the remainder of the week.

No Further Curb Removal This Week

Crews have completed their curb removal work for the week near Arlington Street, Grove Street, and Bigelow Avenue. No further curb work will happen in this area of Mount Auburn Street for the remainder of the week.

Sidewalk Grading & Forming

Sidewalk forming will occur along Mt. Auburn St. in the area near Arlington St. and Grove St. towards Bigelow Ave. on the eastbound side.

Elsewhere on Mount Auburn Street on the westbound side, fine grading and sidewalk forming will take place near School St, Winsor Ave, and Hillside Rd.

Concrete Placement

Concrete sidewalk panels will be placed on the eastbound sidewalk at School Ln. and Norseman Ave. Sidewalk panels will also be placed on Arlington St. from Mount Auburn St. to Grove St.

Elsewhere on Mount Auburn St., sidewalk panels will be placed between Winsor Ave. and Hillside Rd..

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 Area

Fine grading and forming area

Sidewalk Grading & Forming, and concrete placement area

Concrete placement area

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. And 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.

Mount Auburn Street Project Update - Week of May 26 - May 29, 2026

No work will be performed on Monday, May 25, 2026, for Memorial Day.

Sidewalk Grading, Raising Structures, & Forming

Crews will be grading (measures used for proper drainage), raising structures (bringing structures to finished sidewalk elevation), and forming the eastbound sidewalk of Mount Auburn Street from School Lane to Belmont Street, and on Arlington Street and Grove Street. This work will begin on Tuesday, May 26, 2026 from 7:00am to 3:30pm. Learn about travel and parking impacts below.

Curb Removal and Reset

Curbs will be removed and reset on Arlington Street and Grove Street.

Traffic and Sidewalk 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.

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.

Drainage Installation

Crews will perform drainage installation on Mount Auburn Street between Richards Road and Stearns 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.

Tree Trenches

Crews will be installing tree trenches on Mount Auburn Street at Richards Road and Winthrop Street.

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 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.