Spring Hill Sewer Separation Project
Largely developed during the 19th century, Spring Hill is served by a combined sewer system that collects both wastewater and stormwater runoff in the same pipes. The City is currently working to upgrade these systems by installing new storm drains that separate stormwater from the existing combined sewer. This measure is one in a series of actions the City is undertaking to reduce water pollution, mitigate flooding, and ultimately modernize our infrastructure.
In addition to the installation of a modern, separate sewer system, the project includes:
Green stormwater infrastructure
185 new trees planted by the Urban Forestry Division
Improvements toContinue reading
Largely developed during the 19th century, Spring Hill is served by a combined sewer system that collects both wastewater and stormwater runoff in the same pipes. The City is currently working to upgrade these systems by installing new storm drains that separate stormwater from the existing combined sewer. This measure is one in a series of actions the City is undertaking to reduce water pollution, mitigate flooding, and ultimately modernize our infrastructure.
In addition to the installation of a modern, separate sewer system, the project includes:
Green stormwater infrastructure
185 new trees planted by the Urban Forestry Division
Improvements to the streetscape
The Spring Hill Sewer Separation project has been divided into two areas: Project Area 1 and Project Area 2, as illustrated on the limits of map on the right-hand side of this page (click image to enlarge). Construction has begun in Project Area 1 while Project Area 2 will advance to construction in 2023 at the earliest.
Select from the list below to view planned improvements and the anticipated schedule for each street within Project Area
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November 9th - Spring Hill Sewer Separation Community Meeting
Share November 9th - Spring Hill Sewer Separation Community Meeting on Facebook Share November 9th - Spring Hill Sewer Separation Community Meeting on Twitter Share November 9th - Spring Hill Sewer Separation Community Meeting on Linkedin Email November 9th - Spring Hill Sewer Separation Community Meeting linkUpdate 11/15/22 - The recording of this meeting is now available for anyone unable to attend or who would like to review the presentation.
Fall 2022 Community MeetingWednesday, November 9, at 6:00 p.m.
Join us for a virtual community meeting on phase I of the Spring Hill Sewer Separation project. Topics to be covered include:
- Review of progress made during the 2022 construction season
- In-depth look ahead to winter work and 2023 construction season
- Neighborhood feedback and Q&A session with City staff
REGISTER HERE
https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_wzCLya-jRXO-XhkX024T9A
Interpretation into Portuguese, Spanish, Haitian Kreyol, Nepali, Mandarin, Cantonese, or other languages may be available upon advance request by contacting the SomerViva Office of Immigrant Affairs at somerviva@somervillema.gov(External link) or calling 311 at 617-666-3311.
Individuals with disabilities who need auxiliary aids and services for effective communication, written materials in alternative formats, or reasonable modifications in policies and procedures, in order to access the programs and activities of the City or to attend meetings, should contact the City’s ADA Coordinator, Adrienne Pomeroy, at 617-625-6600 ext. 2059 or apomeroy@somervillema.gov.
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CIPP Sewer Restoration - Week of 8/29
Share CIPP Sewer Restoration - Week of 8/29 on Facebook Share CIPP Sewer Restoration - Week of 8/29 on Twitter Share CIPP Sewer Restoration - Week of 8/29 on Linkedin Email CIPP Sewer Restoration - Week of 8/29 linkWeather permitting, City contractors will rehabilitate aging sewers using a method called cured-in-place-pipe lining (CIPP lining) to provide more structurally sound pipes without excavation.
Locations:
- Avon St. (Central St. to #45 Avon)
- Highland Ave (Central St. to #138 Highland)
- School St. (Oxford St. to Highland Ave.)
- Oxford St. (#59 to #97)
- Carter Terrace
- Central St. (Berkeley St. to Cambria St.)
Anticipated Work Schedule (subject to change): Work expected to take place during the week of 8/29. Weekdays between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Schedule is subject to change due to weather or other factors. Hours may extend to 10 p.m. on certain streets with larger diameter sewers.Odor: Plastic- or glue-like odors may be detectable when the liner cures. This will dissipate quickly once the process is complete. If you are sensitive to odors, consider opening windows or doors to increase airflow.
Noise: Moderate noise expected from truck engines and equipment.
Traffic Impacts: On-street parking restrictions expected on both sides of the work zone. Isolated street closures will be in effect. Onsite crews will provide detour signage and help abutters get in and out of their driveway as needed.
If you have questions, please email construction@somervillema.gov or call the Engineering Division at 617-625-6600 ext. 5400.
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Water Main Shutdown Scheduled for 7/20
Share Water Main Shutdown Scheduled for 7/20 on Facebook Share Water Main Shutdown Scheduled for 7/20 on Twitter Share Water Main Shutdown Scheduled for 7/20 on Linkedin Email Water Main Shutdown Scheduled for 7/20 linkWatermain shutdown scheduled for Wednesday, July 20th from 9 AM – 11 AM. The following addresses will be affected by the shutdown:
- 150, 156, 174 and 180 Highland Ave
- 2 - 54 Benton Rd
- 46 - 75 Central St
- 38-76 Berkeley St
- Westwood Rd (Entire St)
- Cambria St (Entire St)
- Gibbens St (Entire St)
Once the water is back on, you may experience a short period of water discoloration. Though the water may be discolored, it is safe to drink. Until the water runs clear, it is advised to avoid washing laundry, especially white fabrics. If any rust stains appear on wet laundry, the clothes should not be dried, and you can call 311 (or 617-666-3311 from cell phones or outside the city) for a free bottle of rust remover.
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Two Temporary Water Main Shutdowns Scheduled for the Week of June 27th 2022.
Share Two Temporary Water Main Shutdowns Scheduled for the Week of June 27th 2022. on Facebook Share Two Temporary Water Main Shutdowns Scheduled for the Week of June 27th 2022. on Twitter Share Two Temporary Water Main Shutdowns Scheduled for the Week of June 27th 2022. on Linkedin Email Two Temporary Water Main Shutdowns Scheduled for the Week of June 27th 2022. linkWe have two water main shutdowns scheduled for the week of June 27th to support the Spring Hill Project
• Watermain shutdown scheduled for Monday, June 27th from 9 AM – 3 PM. The following addresses will be affected by the shutdown:
- 519, 545, 567-569 Somerville Ave
- 6-18 Spring Street
- 1-40 Central St (Excluding Hospital)
- Atherton Street (Entire Street)
- Beech Street (Entire Street)
- Cypress Street (Entire Street)
- Pitman Street (Entire Street)
Residences will be notified by the contractor on Friday (6/24) via flyer. The CHA Clinic will be unaffected by this shutdown.
Gioioso is also performing water utility work that will require a watermain shutdown on Thursday, June 30th from 9 AM – 3 PM. The following addresses will be affected by the shutdown:
- 9-41 Sycamore Street (Excluding #s 26 and 29)
- 129 – 147 Highland Ave
Residences will be notified by the contractor via flyer next week.
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CIPP Lining scheduled for Summer Street from School Street to Benton Road week of May 9th
Share CIPP Lining scheduled for Summer Street from School Street to Benton Road week of May 9th on Facebook Share CIPP Lining scheduled for Summer Street from School Street to Benton Road week of May 9th on Twitter Share CIPP Lining scheduled for Summer Street from School Street to Benton Road week of May 9th on Linkedin Email CIPP Lining scheduled for Summer Street from School Street to Benton Road week of May 9th linkBeginning on or around May 9, 2022, City contractors will rehabilitate aging sewers on several streets in Spring Hill. Crews will use a method called cured-in-place-pipe lining(External link) (CIPP lining) to provide more structurally sound pipes without excavation.
Locations: Summer Street from Benton Road to School Street
Anticipated Work Schedule: Weekdays between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m., starting May 9th for approximately four weeks. Hours may extend to 10 p.m. on streets with larger sewers. Subject to change due to weather or other factors.
Odor: Plastic- or glue-like odors may be detectable when the liner cures. This will dissipate quickly once the process is complete. If you are sensitive to odors, consider opening windows or doors to increase airflow.
Noise: Moderate noise from compressors, blowers, truck engines, and bypass pumps.
Traffic Impacts: On-street parking restrictions expected on both sides of the work zone. Lane shifts and isolated lane closures will be in effect.
Stay Informed: Sign up for the City alert system to receive notifications about disruptive construction, snow emergencies, and major events planned for your neighborhood: somervillema.gov/alerts
(External link)Questions? Email construction@somervillema.gov(External link) or call the Engineering Division at 617-625-6600 ext. 5400 -
Spring Hill Construction Community Meeting, April 6th.
Share Spring Hill Construction Community Meeting, April 6th. on Facebook Share Spring Hill Construction Community Meeting, April 6th. on Twitter Share Spring Hill Construction Community Meeting, April 6th. on Linkedin Email Spring Hill Construction Community Meeting, April 6th. linkSpring Hill Construction Community Meeting, scheduled for April 6th.
Join us for a virtual community meeting to learn about construction planned for this year. The first phase of work will begin in earnest this spring and is expected to continue through 2023 on:
- Summer Street (Belmont Street to Bow Street)
- Central Street (Highland Avenue to Summer Street)
- Westwood Road
- Avon Street
- Carter Terrace
Wednesday, April 6, at 6:00 p.m.
REGISTER HERE
https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_JLjbkv3WQX-GsneUAUkZpg
Interpretation into Spanish, Portuguese, Haitian Kreyol, or Nepali may be available upon advance request by contacting the SomerViva Office of Immigrant Affairs at somerviva@somervillema.gov or calling 311.
Persons with disabilities who need auxiliary aids and services for effective communication (i.e., CART, ASL), written materials in alternative formats, or reasonable modifications in policies and procedures in order to access the programs, activities, and meetings of the City of Somerville should please contact Adrienne Pomeroy at 617-625-6600 x 2059 or apomeroy@somervillema.gov.
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CIPP Lining to begin the week of March 7th
Share CIPP Lining to begin the week of March 7th on Facebook Share CIPP Lining to begin the week of March 7th on Twitter Share CIPP Lining to begin the week of March 7th on Linkedin Email CIPP Lining to begin the week of March 7th linkBeginning on or around March 7, 2022, City contractors will rehabilitate aging sewers on several streets in Spring Hill. Crews will use a method called cured-in-place-pipe lining (CIPP lining) to provide more structurally sound pipes without excavation.
Locations: Central Street and Cambria Street, then Gibbens Street, Westwood Road, Oxford Street, Carter Terrace, and Summer Street
Anticipated Work Schedule: Weekdays between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m., starting March 7 for approximately four weeks. Hours may extend to 10 p.m. on streets with larger sewers. Subject to change due to weather or other factors.
Odor: Plastic- or glue-like odors may be detectable when the liner cures. This will dissipate quickly once the process is complete. If you are sensitive to odors, consider opening windows or doors to increase airflow.
Noise: Moderate noise from compressors, blowers, truck engines, and bypass pumps.
Traffic Impacts: On-street parking restrictions expected on both sides of the work zone. Lane shifts and isolated lane closures will be in effect.
Stay Informed: Sign up for the City alert system to receive notifications about disruptive construction, snow emergencies, and major events planned for your neighborhood: somervillema.gov/alerts
Questions? Email construction@somervillema.gov or call the Engineering Division at 617-625-6600 ext. 5400 -
Highland Ave Redesign Community Meeting #1
Share Highland Ave Redesign Community Meeting #1 on Facebook Share Highland Ave Redesign Community Meeting #1 on Twitter Share Highland Ave Redesign Community Meeting #1 on Linkedin Email Highland Ave Redesign Community Meeting #1 linkMayor Joseph A. Curtatone, Ward 3 Councilor Ben Ewen-Campen, Ward 5 Councilor Mark Niedergang, and Ward 6 Councilor Lance Davis invite you to a virtual community meeting to discuss the Highland Ave Redesign Project.
At this meeting, City staff will detail the project scope and timeline, present parking data information, share customer and business survey response summaries, and gather public feedback.
The meeting will take place virtually on Wednesday, November 17, at 6:30 p.m. Please register at the following link: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_OMhPa_R4RnOqXtRTetEpEQ.
Call in information is available upon registration.
For more any questions, please email transportation@somervillema.gov(External link).
Interpretation into Spanish, Portuguese, Haitian Kreyol, or Nepali may be available upon advance request by contacting the SomerViva Office of Immigrant Affairs at somerviva@somervillema.gov(External link) or calling 311 at 617-666-3311.
Persons with disabilities who need auxiliary aids and services for effective communication (i.e., CART, ASL), written materials in alternative formats, or reasonable modifications in policies and procedures in order to access the programs, activities, and meetings of the City of Somerville should please contact Nancy Bacci at 617-625-6600 x 2250 or nbacci@somervillema.gov(External link).
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Update from Mayor Curtatone - March 2021
Share Update from Mayor Curtatone - March 2021 on Facebook Share Update from Mayor Curtatone - March 2021 on Twitter Share Update from Mayor Curtatone - March 2021 on Linkedin Email Update from Mayor Curtatone - March 2021 linkFriends and neighbors,
I am grateful for all of you who have been engaged in our community discussion about the future of Highland Avenue. We have a huge task, and a huge opportunity ahead. I wanted to take a moment to bring you up to speed on my thought process.
In December, I directed City staff to test feasibility of a new street design, one that reflects our community’s desire to prioritize people walking, rolling, biking and riding the bus. Our previous design emphasized safety, accessibility, traffic calming and bus transit, but did not meet Somerville’s expectations for bicycling by people of all ages and abilities.
Staff’s feasibility analysis is complete. Based on this technical review, I believe that the future of the Highland Avenue corridor is a future with safe, protected bike lanes serving our incredible new Somerville High School, the Central Hill civic campus and other important community destinations between Davis Square and McGrath Highway.
My vision for a safe, green Highland Avenue cannot be realized without major changes to curbside parking and loading. Many stakeholders will view this tradeoff differently than I do. I respect diverse opinions, and I have directed City staff to prepare a new project schedule that will permit appropriate data collection, debate, and policy planning to manage limited curbside parking and loading resources. We don’t have all the answers yet, but the City is committed to working with our constituents to find them.
The City’s original schedule for our Spring Hill Sewer Separation project planned to complete construction of Highland Avenue from Central Street to Hamlet Street (near McGrath Highway) in 2023. The section of Highland between Central Street and Cutter Avenue (near Davis Square) was more speculative, and was imagined to be completed in the 2026 timeframe.
City staff have recommended a new approach in which the two parts of Highland will be grouped into a new standalone project that has the potential to be completed in 2024. Data collection and public outreach have already begun, and a formal funding request to the City Council for project engineering costs will be submitted this spring. Meanwhile, the critical sewer separation project for the larger Spring Hill neighborhood (which includes new streetscapes for portions of Summer Street, Central Street and School Street) will proceed with the goal to start construction in late 2021 and finish construction in late 2023.
In my mid-term address of March 1, I described how my final term as Mayor would honor the bold and progressive vision you hired me to implement. A major reason that the Somerville community chose to rebuild Somerville High School on the historic campus is its central location offering safe choices in how to travel there. Let’s give our youth the chance to be free-range. Let’s help constituents access City services no matter how they get around. Let’s build a Highland Avenue worthy of the new Central Hill Civic Campus.
With respect,
Mayor Joe
Key Dates
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May 15 2024
Who's listening
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Email damelin@somervillema.gov -
Phone 617-981-2896 Email jmoos@somervillema.gov
Anticipated Timeline
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Spring/Summer/Fall 2022
Spring Hill Sewer Separation Project has finished this stageCity Underground Utility Work
- Summer Street (Bow St. to Central St.)
- Avon Street, Central Street, Westwood Rd.
Eversource Gas Utility Work
- Summer Street - Resuming work that started in 2020 (Bow St. to School St.)
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Winter 2023
Spring Hill Sewer Separation Project has finished this stageCity Underground Utility Work
- Highland Ave. (Central St. to School St.), Berkeley St., Oxford St., Cambria St.
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Spring/Summer/Fall 2023
Spring Hill Sewer Separation Project has finished this stageCity Underground Utility Work
- Westwood Rd., Berkeley St., Cambria St., School St. Gibbens St., Oxford St., Highland Ave
Surface & Streetscape Restoration
Summer Street, Avon Street, Central Street
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2024
Spring Hill Sewer Separation Project is currently at this stageAnticipated Completion
- Expected substantial completion, includes final paving on
- Summer Street
- School Street
- Oxford Street
- Berkeley Street
- Hershey Street
- Avon Street.
- Expected substantial completion, includes final paving on
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2025
this is an upcoming stage for Spring Hill Sewer Separation ProjectAnticipated Completion
- Final completion including paving on all remaining streets
Community Presentations Videos
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Click here to play video Spring Hill Sewer Separation Spring Community Meeting - 5.15.24
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Click here to play video Spring Hill Sewer Separation Fall Community Meeting - 11.13.23
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Click here to play video Spring Hill Sewer Separation - Spring Community Meeting 4.10.23
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Click here to play video Spring Hill Sewer Separation Virtual Community Meeting - 11.09.22
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Click here to play video Spring Hill Sewer Separation Community Meeting 04.06.2022