Recent Construction Updates

• 11/13/2008:
  • Thur 11/13 - Fri 11/14- Test pits on Bishop Allen Drive at Essex and Douglass streets. Each test pit requires a several on-street parking spaces be occupied for a period of 1-2 hours, during which time a small excavation is made to field verify utility locations.
  • Fri 11/14- manhole work starts on Norfolk St.
• 10/17/2008:
  • Mon 10/20 - Tues 10/21 test pits throughout the project area- Norfolk St, Austin Park, and Bishop Allen at Austin Park, Vail Court, Essex St, and Douglass St. Each test pit requires a several on-street parking spaces be occupied for a period of 1-2 hours, during which time a small excavation is made to field verify utility locations.
  • Tues 10/21 or Wed 10/22 manhole works starts at 55 Essex St.
  • On or shortly after Wed 10/22 manhole work starts in the Austin Park/ Vail Court/ Bishop Allen area.

The City of Cambridge has awarded a contract to P. Gioioso & Sons to separate 22 common manholes and clean 2 other manholes in the Central Square area. The locations of these manholes include Mass Ave (between Clinton St and Lafayette Square), Clinton St, Inman St, Essex St, Norfolk St, Bishop Allen Dr, and Douglass St.

View map of project area

Read project start up flyer/ meeting notice

This work is required by the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection, in order to improve water quality in the Charles River. This project will reduce incidents of sewage backups into certain properties and will improve the quality of stormwater discharges to the Charles River. It is part of a citywide effort to improve the Cambridge’s drainage system and water quality in our local rivers.

Learn more about common manholes

The contractor will set up a protected work zone of approximately 20ft by 50ft when separating each common manhole. He will then use large construction vehicles to dig down approximately 12 ft, to remove the old common manholes and install new separate stormwater and sewer manholes. He will post “No Parking” signs and may have to take space in the roadway to operate. Pedestrian access and access into properties will be maintained, but may be restricted in certain ways.

Manhole locations will be temporarily patched with asphalt after being separated. As part o a follow up contract next spring, sidewalks and streets will be permanently restored.

For assistance during this project, including any accommodations or continuation of special services related to a disability or special need please contact Rebecca Fuentes, Community Relations Manager, at 617-349-6948/ rfuentes@cambridgema.gov.

To receive updates via e-mail during the project, please contact rfuentes@cambridgema.gov.