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.