The work on the Mt. Auburn Street Project includes lane striping, concrete pouring, drainage and tree installation, and there will be some sidewalk closures and parking restrictions in areas of construction. See details in the announcement provided by the City of Watertown, below.
Traffic Line Striping – Overnight Work
Traffic line striping is scheduled for Monday, November 17, 2025, beginning at 9 p.m. and lasting approximately four hours. The work will take place in the recently paved area of Mount Auburn Street between Lloyd Road and Boylston Street.
Traffic Impacts
A paint truck will lead the operation, followed by a vehicle equipped with an arrow board to direct traffic and signal drivers to change lanes as needed. A police detail will be on site to escort and assist crews throughout the work. No lane closures are anticipated during this operation
Concrete Sidewalk Pouring
Crews will be pouring concrete for the sidewalk and driveway apron at 760 Mount Auburn Street, as well as the curb bump-out at the intersection of Mount Auburn Street and St Mary’s Street.
Sidewalk Impacts
The sidewalk in the effected areas will be closed. A bypass sidewalk will be opened up while this work is being completed.
Access to driveways and parking lots may be temporarily impacted during sidewalk concrete pouring. Please note that the concrete will require time to cure, and any properties affected during this period will be notified in advance.
Parking Impacts
Street parking in the construction area on Mount Auburn Street will be restricted. Construction crews will post parking closure signs in those areas starting at 7 a.m. and will be removing them from the area by 5:00 pm each day.
Drainage & Tree Trench Installation
Crews will perform drainage installation on Mount Auburn Street between Boylston Street and School Street.
Tree trench installation will occur between Upland Road and School Street next week on Mount Auburn Street.
Traffic and Sidewalk Impacts
During this work, you can expect temporary lane shifts and possibly lane closures, but one travel lane in each direction will be maintained on Mount Auburn Street. Work will take place on the sidewalks, but they will remain open and accessible. Business entrances will be maintained as well. Work in these areas will begin at 7 a.m. each day and end before 5 p.m.
Parking Impacts
Street parking in the construction area on Mount Auburn Street will be restricted. Construction crews will post parking closure signs in those areas starting at 7 a.m. and will be removing them from the area by 5 p.m. each day.
Loaming
A landscaper contractor will be loaming tree pits and grass strips along the eastbound sidewalks on Mount Auburn Street between Arlington Street and Ralph Piteri Terrace.
Sidewalk Impacts
Sidewalks will remain accessible.
(Note: All dates are approximate and will be dependent on weather conditions and any testing yet to be performed.)
Resources from the City’s Economic Development Team
During construction in the Coolidge Square area, Watertown’s Economic Development team developed the below graphic to help residents get around Coolidge Square, whether by car, bike, bus, or walking. Keep up to date with any road closures, bus stop impacts, or parking limitations in the work detailed above! A larger version of this map can be found at Mount Auburn Street’s project website.
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.