Two-year street reconstruction project will improve pedestrian accessibility, bicycle safety, and traffic movement.

Mayor Joseph A. Curtatone and Ward 2 Alderman Maryann Heuston today announced that the private contractor hired by the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) will begin major construction activities on Beacon St. on Monday, May 9.  Newport Construction, which was selected through a competitive bid process administered by MassDOT, will be responsible for the expected two-year project, which stretches from Oxford St. / Somerville Ave. south to the Cambridge city line near Inman Square.

During the week of May 9, construction crews will begin mobilization efforts in advance of major construction. Though residents and businesses may notice trucks and crews on site, traffic and other impacts are not expected to begin until May 16.

“Biggest Portion” of Construction Occurs May 16 –27

Beginning on Mon., May 16, and lasting for approximately two weeks, contractors will undertake what is considered to be the “most disruptive” portion of the entire project. Contractors will work to install a single, 28’ deep utility manhole in the Oxford St. area which will require the closure of Beacon St. to eastbound traffic between Beacon St. and Oxford St., between the hours of 8 a.m. and approximately 3 p.m., Monday through Friday. During these hours, eastbound traffic will be detoured on Somerville Ave. to Park St. Vehicles and cyclists will be able to access Oxford St. by traveling westbound on Beacon St., and all westbound traffic on Beacon St. will be maintained. Cyclists will be also be detoured up Park Street to pick up the dedicated bike lanes on Beacon Street. The City will also be posting secondary detour routes for bicyclists traveling towards Porter and Inman Square.

“Our residents and local merchants along the Beacon St. corridor have been living with antiquated infrastructure for more than a decade, and the negative impacts have included poor drainage, pedestrian accessibility and traffic safety. I am extremely happy to finally see this long-awaited project get underway. I appreciate the public’s patience during the first phases of construction, and I applaud our partners at MassDOT for their hard work to push this work across the finish line,” said Mayor Curtatone.

“I am so happy to be able to announce the start of this project, at long last,” said Alderman Heuston. “As not only the representative for the Beacon St. district, but also an abutter, I know how long overdue this project is. I also know how important the communication process is. We simply can’t depend on large public meetings alone to get the word out and solicit feedback. We’re going to push the envelope by using drop-in office hours and community walking meetings, in addition to the existing communications methods the City already employs. I encourage residents and businesses to stay informed, and join us throughout the project to learn about the improvements that are about to be underway.”

Next Steps

The next phase of work will begin in late May or early June, with full-depth roadway reconstruction taking place in roughly two-block increments starting at Oxford St. and working south toward Inman Square. Construction crews will begin work rebuilding the roadway foundation and surface on the odd-side side of the street, and then switch to the even side before moving south.  Two-way vehicular traffic will be maintained during this phase of construction.

Temporary changes to on-street parking regulations will be posted in advance of construction crews reaching each work zone, and will be communicated via website update and email blast lists throughout the season. Long-term parking plans are being developed and will be revisited with residents and businesses along the corridor as the project progresses.

Stay Informed

Do you want more information about the proposed project timeline, what to expect, and more? We’ve got plenty of ways to keep you in the loop!

• Project website. Visit www.somervillema.gov/beaconstreet for updated information, Frequently Asked Questions, event information, and more.
• Community Alerts. Sign up to receive bi-weekly email updates from the City. Register here. (Note that, in the event of any road closure or other work with significant impact to residents and businesses, you will be notified regardless of whether you sign up for the listserv.)
• Off-site office hours. On Mon., May 9, from 6 to 7 p.m., at Beacon St. Pizza, and on Thurs., May 12, from 8 to 9 a.m., at Whole Foods Market, join Alderman Heuston, City staff, and project engineers to get your questions answered, and learn more about the project. Offsite office hours will continue throughout the duration of the project.
• Groundbreaking Celebration. A formal Groundbreaking Ceremony will be held in the coming weeks. Stay tuned!