Department of Public Works
The construction area of Hosmer School’s Safe Routes to School project.
The Watertown Department of Public Works provided this update on the construction on the sidewalks and streets around Hosmer School.
Work has progressed on the MassDOT Hosmer School Safe Routes to School Project. The majority of work on the west side of School Street and in front of the Hosmer School has been completed. A section of the intersection at Chauncey Street has been left in a temporary condition as we continue to await Verizon and Eversource wire transfer.
The focus of construction will now shift to the east side of Boylston Street, towards Fairfield/Dartmouth Street. Construction will continue during the fall. As students are heading back to school, safety through the active construction zone is paramount. DPW, working with MassDOT, the School Department and Police Department Traffic Division, has developed a temporary pedestrian safety and control plan.
The figure above shows primary pedestrian access paths to the Hosmer School. Police Department details will assist the school crossing guards with pedestrian movement through the area. As school begins, we recommend using the north (even) side of Boylston Street to access the School from the east side of School Street. A temporary crosswalk has been placed at Hazel Street to assist with this movement from the side streets, as well as additional signage.
Construction work will be scheduled to minimize impacts during school pick-up and drop-off. Parking will be allowed on Chauncey Street, except a short section at Boylston Street. Parking restrictions, road closures, and pedestrian detours on Boylston Street between School Street and Fairfield/Dartmouth Street should be expected as sidewalk work continues.
As work proceeds and pedestrian path travel paths must be adjusted, we will work with MassDOT and their contractor to keep students, parents, and abutters informed. We appreciate the patience that motorists, pedestrians, and abutters have had during this complex construction project. As school begins, it is important that all roadway users exercise extra care and caution in the work area to maintain safety for everyone.
Great. That means more rats in the neighborhood because of the construction and the town still continues to do nothing about it except to blame the residents.