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2023 Construction Season Kicks Off!

Welcome back to the City of Somerville's construction newsletter!

April kicked of the 2023 construction season in Somerville, and we're excited to help keep you informed about current and upcoming construction activities happening in the city.

What We're Sharing This Month:

Best Ways to Stay Informed this Construction Season
Updates on Winter Work
Spring Hill Sewer Separation
Powder House Blvd/Alewife Brook Pkwy Intersection Redesign
Pearl Street Reconstruction Begins
Delving into the Poplar Street Pump Station
Subterranean Somerville - Culvert Season Revisited

How You Can Stay Up To Date on Citywide Construction Projects

From streetscape improvements to sewer rehabilitation, there is a lot of work being done in Somerville as we look to modernize and improve our city’s infrastructure.

The City shares construction updates on various channels to help residents plan for upcoming construction and to minimize potential disruptions.

Stay up-to-date with what’s going on in your neighborhood and around the city via the following channels:

Visit our new construction page - A comprehensive look at work across the city.

Update on Winter Work

If an unusually mild winter is good for anything, it's good for construction!

The City was able to make progress on major infrastructure projects, including the Spring Hill Sewer Separation as well as Powder House Blvd. & Alewife Brook Pkwy Intersection Design. Take a look at what was done while the temperatures (mildly) dropped.

Spring Hill Sewer Separation

City contractors have been hard at work installing new water and drainage utilities along Highland Avenue between School Street and Central Street. Utility work will continue on School Street, Westwood Road, Oxford Street, and Gibbens Street.

In addition to the underground utility improvements, this project will also install street safety improvements and green infrastructure (drainage features designed to mimic natural processes such as irrigated planting areas, bioretention basins with select soils and plants that catch and filter stormwater, and new trees) throughout the neighborhood.

Learn More

Powder House Blvd & Alewife Brook Pkwy Intersection Redesign

City contractors are currently working to reconstruct the existing traffic circle to create a T-shaped intersection with traffic signals. Construction began this past February and is expected to continue through the fall of 2024.

This project will improve safety for everyone traveling along the road by enhancing pedestrian and bicycle connections, improving access for residents, and slowing drivers. The final condition will also include a revitalized and more accessible Cozza Circle.

Learn More

Work Begins on Pearl Street Reconstruction

City contractors recently began work on roadway and sidewalk improvements on Pearl Street between McGrath Highway and Mount Vernon Street. Nearby intersections will also be reconstructed.

This project will include traffic calming interventions such as raised intersections/crosswalks, speed humps, and neighborhood traffic circles improving safety.

This project will deliver an improved experience for people traveling around Pearl Street and increase safety in the neighborhood, particularly around the East Somerville Community School.

View the Design

What is the Poplar Street Pump Station?

The Poplar Street pump station and accompanying underground storage tank will fundamentally change the way stormwater drainage is managed for approximately 60% of the city. (And we’ll be digging a really big hole to make it work.)

The Pump Station delivers three interconnected benefits by expanding our drainage system's capacity.

Flood Mitigation

Mitigation of flood risk across Wards Two and Three.

Healthier Waterways

Reduction in the discharge of sewage (CSOs) to nearby waterways.

SomerVision Goals

Advancement of community-driven development goals across the city.

Learn More

Subterranean Somerville:

Culvert Season Revisited

What is a box culvert?

If you follow @SomervilleInfr1 on Twitter, you will have already heard that this past March was "Culvert Season" on Somerville Ave.

But what is a box culvert? And why are we so excited that the final culvert pieces were installed underneath Somerville Ave?

Box culverts are rectangular concrete structures that transport high volumes of water. The 14' x '6 culvert installed underneath Somerville Ave. is capable of storing up to 800,000 gallons of stormwater before transport to the Deer Island treatment facility.

Have questions?

Get in touch

Want to learn more about these projects? Or have questions about work in your neighborhood?

construction@somervillema.gov

Language and Accessibility

To request translation or an interpreter in your language, please contact the SomerViva Office of Immigrant Affairs at somervillema.gov/contactsomerviva or call 311.

Persons with disabilities who need auxiliary aids or reasonable modifications to access information or attend a City meeting or event should contact Adrienne Pomeroy at 617-625-6600 x 2059 or ADA@somervillema.gov.