Preliminary Drainage Work Begins on West Broadway (Clarendon Ave. to Alewife Brook Parkway)
The City’s general contractor on this project, Mackay Construction, is expected to begin preliminary drainage work on West Broadway as early as Monday, November 3.
This initial phase of work is expected to continue through the winter, as weather allows. Implementation of the updated street design including a range of safety and accessibility treatments along with newly reconstructed sidewalks and a repaved roadway will follow starting in spring '26.
For more information on the new design and the community process that informed it see our previous post here.
What to Expect During Drainage Work
Work is expected to take place weekdays between approximately 7 a.m. and 4 p.m.
Temporary lane shifts or detours may be in effect to facilitate work. Please observe posted signage.
On-street parking restrictions may be required to facilitate work.
MBTA bus route 87 service will not be affected.
Why is drainage work necessary?
When we redesign a street and add features like raised crossings or floating bus stops it changes how stormwater (rainfall and snowmelt) behaves on the street.
Adding additional storm drains (catch basins) or relocating existing to better meet the needs of the new design is necessary to ensure water is effectively managed on the street and prevent large puddles from developing.
Eversource Gas Work on Broadway Continues
Eversource Gas’ crews are continuing work to update gas utilities along this same stretch of Broadway.
While this work is underway Eversource’s contractor and the City’s contractor will actively work together to effectively manage traffic and coordinate any necessary detours.
This work is also expected to continue through the winter season, weather permitting.
If you have questions about West Broadway or any other work across the city, please email construction@somervillema.gov or call the Engineering Division at 617-642-7600
