The following information was provided by the Watertown Department of Public Works:
As part of the Belmont Street Reconstruction Project, the City of Cambridge’s contractor, Newport Construction, will begin mobilizing in the coming weeks
Newport will begin installing tree protection along the street, performing survey and layout work, saw-cutting areas of the roadway and delivering and install of drainage structures. DigSafe markings will also begin appearing on the sidewalk and roadways.
Following drainage work, weather permitting, Newport will begin the installation of the Cambridge water main along Belmont Street between the Belmont Town Line and Mt. Auburn Street. Cambridge residents of Belmont Street will receive a notice with specific details regarding this work. Watertown residents will not be impacted by the water work.
This project is part of the City of Cambridge’s 5-Year Plan for Street and Sidewalks and will include paving, sidewalk improvements and utility installations.
What to Expect During Construction:
• Work hours will be 7 AM to 4 PM, Monday-Friday.
• “No Parking” signs will be posted; please be sure to check dates/times.
• Vehicle access in and out of properties will be maintained but may be restricted for short periods. If you need access and your driveway is blocked, please speak to a crew member on site and they will make accommodations for you.
• Emergency vehicles and City service vehicles will have access at all times.
SIGN UP FOR EMAIL NOTIFICATIONS:
The City of Cambridge maintains a project webpage for this Project for both Cambridge and Watertown residents. Under the contact tab residents can sign up for email notifications. Residents will continue to receive orange fliers even if you have signed up for email notices. www.cambridgema.gov/BelmontStreet
The addition of street trees is also part of this project and planting will take place at the end of the project during either the fall or spring planting season.
Residents should also be aware of the following:
• Back of Sidewalk Tree Planting Program (Cambridge Residents)
o The term “Back of Sidewalk” refers to the edge of the sidewalk where public way meets private properties. In the case of this program, the City will plant trees along the back of sidewalk, (up to 20 feet off the public way) on private property of interested, eligible owners.
• Watertown residents may contact the Watertown Tree Warden at 617-972-6420 to request street trees or back of sidewalk trees.
Information & Assistance:
Questions regarding this project? Contact Kristen Kelleher, Community Relations Manager, at 617-349-4870 or kkelleher@cambridgema.gov or Melissa Miguel, P.E. Supervising Engineer, at 617-349-9351 or mmiguel@cambridgema.gov. If you have a special need or disability, please contact us to arrange for special accommodations that may be necessary.
dpwdept@watertown-ma.gov or 617-972-6420 for general Watertown inquiries.