Sidewalks will be close in East Watertown in areas where the new sidewalks are being replaced this week. The Mt. Auburn Street Project also includes installation of drainage and tree trenches. See more details provided by the City of Watertown, below.
No work will be performed on Monday, May 25, 2026, for Memorial Day.
Sidewalk Grading, Raising Structures, & Forming
Crews will be grading (measures used for proper drainage), raising structures (bringing structures to finished sidewalk elevation), and forming the eastbound sidewalk of Mount Auburn Street from School Lane to Belmont Street, and on Arlington Street and Grove Street. This work will begin on Tuesday, May 26, 2026 from 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Learn about travel and parking impacts below.
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 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.
Drainage Installation
Crews will perform drainage installation on Mount Auburn Street between Richards Road and Stearns Road.
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 drainage installation 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.
Tree Trenches
Crews will be installing tree trenches on Mount Auburn Street at Richards Road and Winthrop 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.
(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.