The Mt. Auburn Street Project will impact traffic patterns temporarily beginning this week. See more information in the announcement from the City of Watertown, below.
Drainage Installation & Test Pits
Crews will continue drainage installation and excavate test pits on Mount Auburn Street between Chauncy Street and School Street
Traffic and Sidewalk Impacts
Beginning March 30, 2026, a detour will be in place on School Street. Access to School Street from Mount Auburn Street will remain open; however, traffic traveling down School Street toward Mount Auburn Street will be redirected onto Adams Avenue and then back to Mount Auburn Street.
At times, a temporary sidewalk detour may also be required. When this occurs, pedestrians will be directed to use the sidewalk on the opposite side of School Street from the work area.
Police details will be stationed at both the School Street and Adams Avenue intersection and the Mount Auburn Street and Adams Avenue intersection to assist with and direct traffic.
(See detour map below)
Scheduled Work
Tree Trench Installation
Tree trench installation will occur between Langdon Avenue and Adams Avenue 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 7:00 am each day and end before 5:00 pm.
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 7:00 am and will be removing them from the area by 5:00 pm each day.
(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.