The following update about the Mt. Auburn Street project was provided by the City of Waterotwn:
Temporary Paving Expected to be Completed Next Week
The City of Watertown has initiated work to temporarily level and pave the remainder of Mount Auburn Street next week while we await the completion of the Mt. Auburn Street Project. Originally not anticipated to receive any temporary paving as part of the project, the City has stepped in to fund this work to ensure one of Watertown’s busiest roads is paved for safer, smoother travel in 2024 ahead of the winter season.
This work is being accelerated beyond the scope of the ongoing Mt. Auburn Street Complete Streets Project, which remains active, and work will continue as scheduled. The existing project timeline slated the Mt. Auburn Street roadway between School Street and Arlington Street to begin with its permanent construction work next year. However, the City Administration and the Department of Public Works felt it critical to initiate and fund the temporary paving of the remaining sections to improve road conditions before entering the winter season. Once completed, all of Mt. Auburn Street between Summer Street and the Cambridge Line will have been paved over the last several weeks.
To date, two sections of Mt. Auburn Street have been leveled and paved to create a smoother, safer surface for the winter (one from the Cambridge line to Arlington Street, and the other from Summer Street to School Street). Final paving and painted lines to reflect the project’s “Complete Streets” design will be done in future years.
This work is anticipated to begin on Monday, December 2 and will take place between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m. Please note, all dates are approximate and dependent on weather conditions. In the construction areas, you can anticipate lane closures and lane shifts. Access to side streets and driveways may be limited during this time to allow asphalt to cool. Police detail and on-site crew members will be available to help with access when necessary. Please consider alternate routes when possible. Any street parking in the construction area on Mt. Auburn Street during this phase will be restricted. Construction crews will post parking closure signs in those areas.
Drainage Work
Drainage work will continue into the Arlington St. And Grove St. Intersection.
Catenary Pole Removal
The catenary pole removal is continuing and will take place from 8 p.m. to 4 a.m.
About the Project
The Mt. 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.