UPDATE (Feb. 19) Mount Auburn Street Construction Work Paused for Week of February 18 – February 21, 2025. The Below Work Anticipated to Restart on February 24, 2025
The Mt. Auburn Street renovation continues this week with installation of drainage, a traffic signal, and tree protection, as well as soil testing. See details below provided by the City of Watertown.
Drainage Installation
Drainage Installation Work Continues between Arlington St. and Bigelow Ave. Newport Construction is continuing to complete the drainage installation work eastbound between Arlington Street and Bigelow Avenue and westbound between Arlington Street and Kimball Road. You can expect to see construction crews in this area from 7am to 5pm.
Traffic Impacts
There will be lane shifts and a potential lane closure during this work, which may also impact street parking in the immediate work area. Please note that only one direction of traffic will be affected each work day. Currently we do not anticipate any detours. Police detail and crew members will be on-site to help with traffic flow in both directions. Sidewalks will be narrowed, but not closed.
Parking Impacts
Street parking in the construction area on Mount Auburn Street during this phase will be restricted. Construction crews will post parking closure signs in those areas starting at 7am and will be removing them from the area by 5pm each day. You can still find metered parking in the municipal parking lot on Wells Avenue.
Traffic Signal Electrical Installations
Newport Construction will begin installing electrical conduits (a tube for protecting electric wiring) and pull boxes (utility boxes that provide easy access to underground electrical systems) at traffic signal locations. Work will start at the intersection of Grove Street and Arlington Street before progressing to Mount Auburn Street and Arlington Street. Construction crews will be present in the area from 7 AM to 5 PM.
Traffic Impacts
Temporary lane shifts will occur in the area during conduit installation. Electrical pull box installation will take place on the sidewalks, which will remain open and accessible.
Parking Impacts
No parking impacts
Soil Testing with Excavation
Newport Construction and MassDOT will be conducting soil testing on Mount Auburn Street between Arlington Street and School Street. They will excavate at various locations determined by MassDOT to assess soil conditions in the project area. This work will be completed from 7am – 5 p.m.
Traffic Impacts
Short term lane shifts will be required at the site of the test pit.
Parking Impacts
No parking impacts
Tree Protection Installation
Newport will continue installing tree protection along Mount Auburn Street between School Street and Palfrey Street. Work will take place from 7 AM to 5 PM and will be confined to the sidewalks. A police detail will be on-site to assist pedestrians around the work areas. This work will not affect traffic or parking.
(Note: All dates are approximate and will be dependent on weather conditions and any testing yet to be performed.)
About the Project
The Mount Auburn Street Project will transform the corridor into a Complete Street, providing safe and accessible options for all modes. This project will also provide increased efficiency on the MBTA Bus Route 71, improve traffic operations and pedestrian and bicycle accommodations, improve accessibility in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and improved aesthetics.
We will post construction schedules and other work notifications consistently on the project website, and via the City’s social media accounts. You can sign up to receive project email updates here. For questions, please visit the website’s FAQ or email the project team directly.