Sidewalks will be torn out and reset on parts of Mt. Auburn Street and Arlington Street this week as part of the Mt. Auburn Street Project. Construction on Mt. Auburn Street will take place on four days this week. See more in the announcement from the City of Watertown, below.
No work will be performed on Friday, May 22, 2026, in preparation for Memorial Day events.
Sidewalk Grading
Grading (measures used for proper drainage) of the eastbound sidewalk of Mt. Auburn Street from School Lane to Belmont Street, and on Arlington Street and Grove Street. This work will start on Monday, May 18, 2026 from 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Learn about travel and parking impacts below.
Sidewalk Forming
Once grading has been completed on the eastbound sidewalk of Mt. Auburn Street from School Lane to Belmont Street, crews will be completing formwork to shape and contain the concrete for the sidewalks in this area
Curb Removal and Reset
Curbs will be removed and reset on Arlington Street and Grove Street.
Traffic and Sidewalk Impacts
Sidewalks: During this work, pedestrians will be asked to use the sidewalks on the opposite side of the street. Once the work is completed, temporary walkways will be maintained to allow pedestrian access.
Traffic: 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.
Parking Impacts
Street parking in the construction area on Mt. 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.
Drainage Installation
Crews will perform drainage installation on Mt. Auburn Street between Richards Road and Adams Avenue.
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 Mt. 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 drainage installation construction area on Mt. 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.
Conduit & Pedestrian Signal Installation
Crews will be installing conduits (underground electrical) and Pedestrian Signals at two locations on Mount Auburn Street.
Mount Auburn Street at School Street
564 Mount Auburn Street
Mount Auburn Street at Arlington 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 Mt. 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 Mt. 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.
(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.