Highland Avenue (School Street to Benton Road) - Interim Partial Paving Preparations, Begin 8/21 or Soon After
Update 8/22: The closure of School Street in place yesterday and this morning is expected to continue today through approximately noon after which point crews will reopen School Street to through traffic and proceed west along Highland Ave.
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Weather permitting, beginning Wednesday 8/21 or soon after, City contractors will begin preparations for a second stretch of paving along Highland Avenue. This second paving operation will cover the stretch of roadway between School Street and Benton Road.
This partial paving, which does not include the parking areas next to the curbs, is intended to restore the road surface travel areas. This is an interim measure to support safe travel for all users of the road until the full redesign and reconstruction of Highland Avenue.
This work will require eastbound traffic on Highland Avenue to be detoured during work hours.
All businesses will remain open and accessible during construction.
More information, including an anticipated schedule of activities and full detour map, is included below.
Anticipated Schedule
- Wednesday, 8/21 through Wednesday, 8/28
- installing temporary asphalt to repair areas where excavation took place previously
- milling (removing the top few layers of asphalt) the roadway in preparation for paving
- Thursday, 8/29 through early September
- Adjust castings (manhole covers and other in-ground structures) to final height for paving
- Early to mid-September
- Paving of the road’s travel areas
- Overnight paving expected, additional notification will be provided once the date is finalized
- Paving of the road’s travel areas
Work hours are 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. All schedules are subject to change due to weather or other factors.
Eastbound Detour and Other Construction Impacts
During preparations for paving, Highland Avenue will be closed to eastbound vehicle traffic between Benton Road and School Street to facilitate work.
Eastbound Traffic Detour (Work Hours, Weekdays 7 a.m. - 4 p.m.)
Eastbound traffic on Highland Avenue will be detoured north on Lowell Street and east on Medford Street before reconnecting with Highland Avenue.
Westbound travel will be maintained as usual.
Pedestrian and Transit Impacts
Some sidewalk access may be restricted at times. At least one sidewalk will remain open at all times.
MBTA buses and emergency vehicles will be allowed to proceed in both directions.
If you have questions, please email construction@somervillema.gov or call the Engineering Division at 617-625-6600 ext. 5400.
