Highland Ave. (School St. to Central St.) Westbound Traffic Detour

Beginning on or around December 12, City contractors will begin working on subsurface utility improvements along Highland Ave.

During this phase of the project, Highland Ave. will be closed to westbound traffic between School St. and Central St. during work hours (7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on weekdays). The eastbound travel lane will be maintained as usual.

All businesses will remain open and accessible during construction.

Westbound Detour Route

Westbound traffic will be detoured south on School St. and west on Summer St. before turning right on Lowell St. to return to Highland Ave.

In an effort to accommodate traffic as a result of the detours in the area, the timing of the light at the intersection of Summer St. and School St. will be temporarily adjusted between 7:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. for the duration of the detour.

Pedestrian and Transit Impacts

Sidewalk access for pedestrians may be restricted at times to facilitate construction of new utilities within the sidewalks. Temporary sidewalks will be installed to maintain safe crossings so as not to impede pedestrian travel, and allow access to businesses and residences along the affected stretch.

MBTA buses 88 and 90 will be allowed to proceed along Highland in both directions during the detour. However, stops at School St., Trull Ln. and Central St. may be temporarily closed to accommodate the utility work.

* Please note that this project does not include any streetscape improvements on Highland Ave. A separate, future project will incorporate new streetscape designs and roadway resurfacing.

If you have questions, please email construction@somervillema.gov or call the Engineering Division at 617-625-6600 ext. 5400.