Mount Auburn Street Project Update- Week of March 30 - April 3, 2026

Drainage Installation & Test Pits

Crews will continue drainage installation and excavate test pits on Mount Auburn Street between Chauncy Street and School Street

Traffic and Sidewalk Impacts

Beginning March 30, 2026, a detour will be in place on School Street. Access to School Street from Mount Auburn Street will remain open; however, traffic traveling down School Street toward Mount Auburn Street will be redirected onto Adams Avenue and then back to Mount Auburn Street.

At times, a temporary sidewalk detour may also be required. When this occurs, pedestrians will be directed to use the sidewalk on the opposite side of School Street from the work area.

Police details will be stationed at both the School Street and Adams Avenue intersection and the Mount Auburn Street and Adams Avenue intersection to assist with and direct traffic.

(See detour map below)

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.

Tree Trench Installation

Tree trench installation will occur between Langdon Avenue and Adams Avenue next week on Mount Auburn 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.

Connecting with Coolidge Square Businesses Ahead of Construction

As we prepare for the upcoming Mount Auburn Street Project, we were pleased to host an in-person meeting with Coolidge Square businesses on March 19, 2026. Invitations were extended to all local businesses, and we sincerely appreciate those who took the time to attend, ask questions, and share feedback.

What We Covered

During the meeting, we walked through several key topics to help businesses better understand what to expect:

• Points of contact for questions and concerns

• Project design details

• Estimated construction timelines

• The sidewalk and curb installation process

• Proposed loading zones within Coolidge Square

Staying Connected During Construction

Clear and consistent communication will be essential throughout the project. Businesses and residents can stay informed or reach out with questions in several ways:

For immediate concerns (construction, detours, etc.):

• Call 311 in Watertown or dial 617-458-8311 (texting is also available)

• Email: team@mountauburnstreet.com

For weekly updates:

• Sign up for email updates at mountauburnstreet.com/stay-in-touch

Business Coordination During Sidewalk Work

Newport Construction will take a hands-on approach to coordinating directly with businesses:

• The Newport Construction team will be connecting a crew member with each individual business to coordinate sidewalk work being done in front of storefronts.

• Sidewalk work directly in front of businesses will be scheduled separately from general concrete work.

• To minimize disruption, storefront work will take place during early morning or nighttime hours whenever possible.

• MassDOT will determine when sidewalks are safe and accessible, and Newport will share those updates with businesses.

Project Design Highlights

At the meeting, the project designer presented renderings of the future Coolidge Square streetscape. These designs highlight:

• A new placemaking area on Bigelow Avenue

• A redesigned streetscape throughout Coolidge Square

• Dedicated street parking

• New bike lanes and improved roadway layout

Estimated Construction Timeline

Newport Construction also shared a preliminary schedule for sidewalk removal and installation. Please note that all dates are subject to change:

• South Side of Mount Auburn Street (School Lane to Belmont Street):
  March 30 – April 24, 2026

• Arlington Street and Grove Street:
  April 27 – May 8, 2026

• South Side of Mount Auburn Street (Arlington Street to School Street):
  May 11 – July 10, 2026

• North Side of Mount Auburn Street (School Street to Arlington Street):
  July 13 – September 4, 2026

• Mount Auburn Street (School Street to Chauncy Street):
  September 8 – October 31, 2026

What to Expect: Sidewalk Replacement Process

To provide more clarity, Newport Construction outlined the steps involved in sidewalk reconstruction:

1. Removal of the existing sidewalk

2. Rough grading and preparation of the base

3. Removal of existing granite curbing and installation of new curbs

4. Formwork to shape and contain the concrete

5. Concrete pouring and finishing

Proposed Loading Zones

We also discussed questions related to loading and deliveries. Four proposed loading zones are planned within Coolidge Square at the following intersections along Mount Auburn Street:

• Dexter Avenue

• Melendy Avenue

• Elton Avenue

• Kimball Road

See the loading zones in the Coolidge Square area!

Mount Auburn Street Project Progress Update

As the construction season resumes, we’d like to highlight the progress made during the previous season along Mount Auburn Street. The map below illustrates completed work and the specific locations where it has taken place.

Drainage Installation
Drainage infrastructure has been installed along Mount Auburn Street between Belmont Street and School Street, including portions of Bigelow Street and Arlington Street.

Paving
Two of the three paving layers have been completed along Mount Auburn Street from Belmont Street to Langdon Avenue.

Sidewalks and Curbing

• Westbound: Approximately 98% complete from Belmont Street to Arlington Street

• Eastbound: Approximately 90% complete between Arlington Street and Norseman Avenue

Mount Auburn Street Project Update

Week of March 23 - March 27, 2026

Drainage Installation & Test Pits

Crews will continue drainage installation and excavate test pits on Mount Auburn Street between Chauncy Street and School 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.

Tree Trench and Conduit Installation

Tree trench installation will occur between Langdon Avenue and Adams Avenue next week on Mount Auburn Street. 

Conduit installation will be occurring on Arlington 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.

Mount Auburn Street Project Update - Week of March 16 - March 20, 2026

Drainage Installation & Test Pits

Crews will continue drainage installation and excavate test pits on Mount Auburn Street between Chauncy Street and School Street

Mast Riser Installation

Electrical contractors will continue to install mast risers along various locations on Mount Auburn Street. Mast risers are the base of traffic signals.

Work will take place at the following locations:

• Intersection of Arlington Street and Grove Street

• Mount Auburn Street at Bigelow Avenue

• Mount Auburn Street at Kimball Road

• Mount Auburn Street at Upland 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 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 March 9 - March 13, 2026

Drainage Installation & Test Pits

Crews will continue drainage installation and excavate test pits on Mount Auburn Street between Chauncy Street and School Street

Mast Riser Installation

Electrical contractors will continue to install mast risers along various locations on Mount Auburn Street. Mast risers are the base of traffic signals.

Work will take place at the following locations:

• Intersection of Arlington Street and Grove Street

• Mount Auburn Street at Bigelow Avenue

• Mount Auburn Street at Kimball Road

• Mount Auburn Street at Upland 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 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 March 2 - March 6, 2026

Drainage Installation & Test Pits

Crews will continue drainage installation and excavate test pits on Mount Auburn Street between Boylston Street and School Street

Mast Riser Installation

This week, electrical contractors will install mast risers along various locations on Mount Auburn Street. Mast risers are the base of traffic signals. This was delayed by the snow event last week.

Work will take place at the following locations:

• Intersection of Arlington Street and Grove Street

• Mount Auburn Street at Bigelow Avenue

• Mount Auburn Street at Kimball Road

• Mount Auburn Street at Upland 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 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 February 23 - February 27, 2026

Drainage Installation & Test Pits

Crews will continue drainage installation and excavate test pits on Mount Auburn Street between Boylston Street and School Street

Mast Riser Installation

Beginning Tuesday, February 24, 2026, an electrical contractor will be installing mast risers along various locations on Mount Auburn Street. Mast risers are the base of traffic signals.

Work will take place at the following locations:

• Intersection of Arlington Street and Grove Street

• Mount Auburn Street at Bigelow Avenue

• Mount Auburn Street at Kimball Road

• Mount Auburn Street at Upland 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 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.

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Mount Auburn Street Project Update - Week of February 16 - February 20, 2026

No work will be performed on Monday, February 16, 2026, due to the holiday.

Drainage Installation & Test Pits

Crews will continue drainage installation and excavate test pits on Mount Auburn Street between Chauncey Street and School 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.

Mount Auburn Street Project Update - Week of February 9 - February 13, 2026

Drainage Installation & Test Pits

Crews will continue drainage installation and excavate test pits on Mount Auburn Street between Richards Road and Oakley Road and Winsor Avenue and School 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.

Mount Auburn Street Project Update - Week of February 2 - February 6, 2026

Snow Removal

Snow removal operations are scheduled to begin on Friday, January 30, and are expected to continue through Monday, February 2, 2026, along Mount Auburn Street between Richards Road and Oakley Road. This work will be completed prior to the start of additional construction in the area.

Drainage Installation & Test Pits

Crews will continue drainage installation and excavate test pits on Mount Auburn Street between Richards Road and Oakley 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 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.