U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government

Official websites use .gov
A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.

Secure .gov websites use HTTPS
A lock ( ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Chestnut Street Reconstruction Project

Chestnut Street from Sydney St. to Pleasant St. is scheduled for reconstruction in 2023 as part of the City's Five Year Plan for Sidewalk and Street Reconstruction.

Construction Notice: Full Depth Roadway Paving beginning  November 8th

In association with the Chestnut Street Reconstruction Project, the City’s Contractor, Newport Construction, will begin full depth roadway reconstruction between Pearl St and Magazine St on Wednesday Nov. 8th. On Monday, weather pending, November 13th, milling of Chestnut St between Magazine and Pleasant will commence. Immediately following, the contractor will begin roadway base paving on Chestnut St Thursday or Friday of next week.

Chestnut St will be closed to traffic from Pleasant St to Pearl St., in sections where the contractor is working, and vehicle access in and out of properties may be limited at times, however access will be maintained for abutters whenever possible. Please plan vehicle trips accordingly.

During this work, posted “No Parking” signs will be changing often so residents are asked to please take extra care to read posted signs for exact dates and times of restrictions.

Detours will be in place during work hours. Please look for Detour signs, Road Closed signs, and No Parking signs as they will be changing frequently during work.

What to Expect During Construction:

  • General work hours will be 7am – 4pm, Monday-Friday.
  • Please check posted No Parking signs.
  • Please follow detour signs.
  • Access will be maintained for abutters whenever possible. After work hours, roadways will reopen for all in their normal travel directions.
  • Access will be maintained for emergency vehicles.

As winter weather allows, installation of drainage structures throughout the project area as well as utility work between Pearl Street and Brookline Street will continue. At the end of each workday, the contractor will clean the work site to allow motorists to utilize the roadway. We kindly ask that motorists use caution whenever driving through a construction zone and be mindful of raised castings which will be hot pink in color for greater visibility. All other roadwork and sidewalk work will begin again in the Spring.

For Information and Assistance:
If you have any questions about the construction or need assistance, including if you have any special needs or disabilities that requires a special accommodation, please contact Kristen Kelleher, Community Relations Manager, at 617-349-4825/ kkelleher@cambridgema.gov or Melissa Miguel, P.E., Supervising Engineer, at 617-349-9351 / mmiguel@cambridgema.gov. In case of emergency, please call the Cambridge Public Works Department at 617-349-4800.

Thank you in advance for your patience and understanding during this construction.


November and December 2023

Roadway reconstruction and utility install will continue through November and December as weather permits.  Please check back in late December for updates.


October 2023

Week of October 9: No work on October 9th. Water service installations.

Week of October 16: Water service installations continue.

Week of October 23: Water main installation from Magazine St to Brookline St

Week of October 30: Water main installation from Magazine St to Brookline St

***** Work is weather dependent. Schedule subject to change based on field conditions.


August 2023

Week of July 31: Water Main work 

Week of August 7: Water Main work continues

Week of August 14: Water main work continues

Week of August 21: Water main work continues 

***** Work is weather dependent. Schedule subject to change based on field conditions.


July 2023

Week of July 3:    Drainage work continues

Week of July 10:  Drainage work continues

Week of July 17:  Drainage work continues

Week of July 24:  Water main installation begins

Week of July 31:  Water main installation continues

***** Work is weather dependent. Schedule subject to change based on field conditions.


June 2023

Week of June 12:  Drainage work continues

Week of June 19:  Drainage work continues

Week of June 26:  Drainage work continues 


Construction Notice:  Drainage work to begin the week of June 5

As part of the Chestnut Street Reconstruction Project, the City’s contractor, Newport Construction, will begin mobilizing on Chestnut Street next week ahead of the start of drainage work.

Newport will be installing tree protection along the street and will be performing survey and layout work, saw-cutting areas of the roadway, and delivering drainage structures to the site this week.

On Monday, June 5, Newport will begin the installation of several catch basins along the curb line to improve drainage along Chestnut St. This will begin at Pleasant St and work its way toward Sidney St and is expected to last 4 weeks, weather permitting.

Following drainage work, weather permitting, Newport will begin the installation of the water main along Chestnut Street. Water work is expected to last 8 weeks, weather permitting. Residents will receive a notice with specific details regarding this work.


The Chestnut Street Reconstruction Project is part of the City’s 5-Year Plan for Street and Sidewalks and will include paving, sidewalk work, and pedestrian ramp installations.

What to Expect During Construction:
• Work hours will be 7 AM to 4 PM, Monday-Friday.
• “No Parking” signs will be posted; please be sure to check dates/times.
• Vehicle access in and out of properties will be maintained but may be restricted for short periods. If you need access and your driveway is blocked, please speak to a crew member on site and they will make accommodations for you.
• Emergency vehicles will have access at all times.

An additional notice will be sent to residents announcing the start of street and sidewalk reconstruction. The addition of street trees is also part of this project and planting will take place at the end of the project during either the fall or spring planting season.

Information & Assistance:
Questions regarding this project? Contact Kristen Kelleher, Community Relations Manager, at 617-349-4825/ kkelleher@cambridgema.gov or Melissa Miguel, Supervising Engineer, at 617-349-9351/ mmiguel@cambridgema.gov. If you have any special need or disability, please contact us to arrange for special accommodations that may be necessary.


September 2022:

Bidding for this project was delayed. The bid is now open until October 6, 2022. 


September 2021:

Design plans are being finalized and the project is expected to go out to bid in Fall 2021. More updates, including a more detailed timeline, will be provided once a contractor is on board. 


Chestnut Street Reconstruction Project - Community Meeting Notice - June 10th at 6pm

Chestnut Street, between Sidney Street and Pleasant Street, is scheduled for roadway and sidewalk reconstruction.

We invite you to join us on Thursday, June 10th from 6pm to 7:30pm for a virtual community meeting to finalize the design of Chestnut St. and answer any questions you may have. A design alternative for the intersection of Chestnut Street and Newton Street will be presented at the meeting and we welcome feedback regarding the proposed alternative.

You can register in advance for the meeting through this link:
https://cambridgema.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_oPbYbJjlRs26xQkAVgMcDQ

These design plans were developed over a series of community meetings with residents held on May 9, 2019, February 11, 2020, and January 21, 2021. We encourage you to attend, as we value the feedback we receive from residents and businesses.

Information and Assistance
The City of Cambridge does not discriminate on the basis of disability. The City of Cambridge will provide auxiliary aids and services, written materials in alternative format, and reasonable modifications in policies upon request. To receive future updates via email, please contact Kristen Kelleher, Community Relations Project Administrator, at kkelleher@cambridgema.gov / 617-349-4825.


Community Presentation for the Chestnut Street Reconstruction Project

The video presentation for the community meeting on Thursday, January 21st is available to view. Residents who wish to submit questions in advance of the meeting may do so to kriley@cambridgema.gov. Advance questions, as well as new questions received “live”, will be answered during the meeting.

 


Community Meeting Notice: Thursday, January 21st 6-7:30PM

Chestnut Street, between Sidney Street and Pleasant Street, is scheduled for roadway and sidewalk reconstruction.

We invite you to join us on Thursday, January 21st from 6pm to 7:30pm for a virtual community meeting to review the proposed reconstruction plans, discuss project schedule, and answer questions.

The meeting can be accessed through this link:
https://cambridgema.zoom.us/j/87538893569
• Dial in: US: +1 312 626 6799
• Meeting ID: 875 3889 3569


These plans were developed over a series of community meetings with residents held on May 9, 2019 and February 11, 2020. We encourage you to attend, as we value the feedback we receive from residents and businesses.
There will be a video presentation played at the start of the meeting. The presentation is also posted online at https://www.cambridgema.gov/Departments/publicworks/cityprojects/2019/chestnutstreet so that residents who wish to submit questions in advance of the meeting may do so. Advance questions, as well as new questions received “live”, will be answered during the meeting.

Information and Assistance

The City of Cambridge does not discriminate on the basis of disability. The City of Cambridge will provide auxiliary aids and services, written materials in alternative format, and reasonable modifications in policies upon request. To receive future updates via email, please contact Kate Riley, Community Relations Manager, at kriley@cambridgema.gov / 617.349.4870.


 

Community Meeting Notice: Thursday, December 10th 6-7:30PM

Chestnut Street, between Sidney Street and Pleasant Street, is scheduled for roadway and sidewalk reconstruction.

We invite you to join us on Thursday, December 10th from 6pm to 7:30pm for a virtual community meeting to review the proposed reconstruction plans, discuss project schedule, and answer questions.

The meeting can be accessed through this link:
https://cambridgema.zoom.us/j/87538893569
• Dial in: US: +1 312 626 6799
• Meeting ID: 875 3889 3569


These plans were developed over a series of community meetings with residents held on May 9, 2019 and February 11, 2020. We encourage you to attend, as we value the feedback we receive from residents and businesses.

There will be a video presentation played at the start of the meeting. The presentation will also be posted online at https://www.cambridgema.gov/Departments/publicworks/cityprojects/2019/chestnutstreet beginning Monday, December 7th, so that residents who wish to submit questions in advance of the meeting may do so. Advance questions, as well as new questions received “live”, will be answered during the meeting.

Information and Assistance

The City of Cambridge does not discriminate on the basis of disability. The City of Cambridge will provide auxiliary aids and services, written materials in alternative format, and reasonable modifications in policies upon request. To receive future updates via email, please contact Kate Riley, Community Relations Manager, at kriley@cambridgema.gov / 617.349.4870.


Community Meeting Notice: Tuesday, February 11th 6-7:30PM

Chestnut Street from Sydney St. to Pleasant St. is scheduled for reconstruction in 2020 as part of the City's Five Year Plan for Sidewalk and Street Reconstruction. 

The Department of Public Works and the City's Community Development Department will be hosting a second community meeting on Tuesday, February 11th from 6pm-7:30pm at the Morse School Auditorium located at 40 Granite St. to discuss the Chestnut Street Reconstruction Project. 

City staff would like to discuss preliminary designs for traffic calming and safety improvements for the street. These designs were developed after receiving feedback at the first community meeting held Thursday, May 9, 2019. We encourage you to attend, as we value the feedback we receive from Cambridge residents and businesses. 

Information and Assistance:

The City of Cambridge does not discriminate on the basis of disability. The City of Cambridge will provide auxiliary aids and services, written materials in alternative format, and reasonable modifications in policies upon request. To receive future updates via email, please contact Kate Riley, Communications Manager at kriley@cambridgema.gov / 617.349.4870. For information about the project please contact Melissa Miguel, Supervising Engineer at mmiguel@cambridgema.gov. Juan P. Avendano, Community Development Project Manager, at 617. 349.4655 / javendano@cambridgema.gov.

 


Notice: Chapter 90, Contract 24 – Catch Basin Inspections

As part of the continued design process, crews will be inspecting catch basins. "No Parking" signs will be posted 48 hours in advance. Crews will be working approximately 1-2 days at each location.                                                                                                                                       
Information & Assistance:                                                                                                                     

Questions regarding this project? Contact Kate Riley, Community Relations Manager, at 617.349.4870/ kriley@cambridgema.gov. If you have any special need or disability, please contact us to arrange for special accommodations that may be necessary. For updated project information and to join the project email notification list please visit the City Projects Page.

Notice: Chapter 90, Contract 24 – Road Borings Near Chestnut St. and Newton St.

On Monday, October 28th the design team will be conducting two soil borings (in the roadway/ sidewalks) as part of the design for this project. Works hours for drilling soil borings will be 7 am to 4 pm.   “No Parking” signs will be posted 24 hours in advance in impacted areas. The two affected locations will be Chestnut Street, between Newton and Pearl, and Newton Street, between Chestnut and Putnam.

Information & Assistance:

Questions regarding this project? Contact Kate Riley, Community Relations Manager, at 617.349.4870/kriley@cambridgema.gov. If you have any special need or disability, please contact us to arrange for special accommodations that may be necessary. For updated project information and to join the project email notification list please visit the City Projects Page.

Please note, the work referenced below has been postponed until September 9th

Notice: Chapter 90, Contract 24 – Road Reconstruction of Park Ave., Webster Ave., Chestnut St., Dodge St. and Elm St. 

As the design team continues their work, Briggs Engineering is scheduled to begin the pavement analysis on the Contract 24 Streets on Wednesday 8/28/2019. The working will include obtaining pavement cores and conducting small test pits, approximately 2’ by 2’, to obtain gravel samples below the pavement. Please take note of "No Parking" signs posted 48-hours in advance. 


Community Meeting Notice: Thursday, May 9th, 6-7:30PM

Chestnut St., between Sidney St. and Pleasant St., is scheduled for upcoming street and sidewalk reconstruction as part of the City’s 5 Year Plan.

The Department of Public Works will be hosting a community meeting on Thursday, May 9th 6PM-7:30PM at the Morse School Auditorium located at 40 Granite St. to discuss the Chestnut St. Reconstruction Project.

The project is part of the City’s Complete Streets initiative to design and operate streets that are safe for all users including pedestrians, cyclists, motorists and public transit users. The focus of this meeting will be to discuss the design and construction process and solicit feedback from the community. We encourage you to attend, as we value the feedback we receive from Cambridge residents and businesses.

Information and Assistance:

The City of Cambridge does not discriminate on the basis of disability. The City of Cambridge will provide auxiliary aids and services, written materials in alternative format, and reasonable modifications in policies upon request.  For more information, please contact Melissa Miguel, Supervising Engineer, at 617-349-9351/ mmiguel@cambridgema.gov. To receive future updates via email, please contact Kate Riley, Community Relations Manager, at kriley@cambridgema.gov / 617-349-4870. 


Notice: Chapter 90, Contract 24 – Road Reconstruction of Park Ave., Webster Ave., Chestnut St., Dodge St.

As part of the design process for roadway reconstruction of your street, the City's contractor Kleinfelder and their subcontractors, will begin field work which may include subsurface investigations, topographical survey, utility inspections, etc. The purpose of these investigations is to obtain existing pavement, utility, and soil/groundwater conditions. The results will assist in developing a complete street design for your street. Initial existing conditions survey will be presented at upcoming community meetings where residents will have the opportunity to provide input. Residents will notice DigSafe marks in the area and should be are of No Parking signs. Subsurface investigation locations have been selected in areas that will give the best representation of roadway conditions while minimizing traffic and parking disruptions where possible. However, "No Parking" areas will still be designated. "No Parking" signs will be posted 48 hours in advance. The impacted streets are:
  • Park Avenue – Huron Ave to Holworthy St
  • Webster Street – Lincoln St to Hampshire St
  • Chestnut Street – Sydney St to Pleasant St
  • Dodge Street – Western Ave to Callender St
All work is part of the early design phase and residents will be notified of all community meetings and any upcoming construction work as the project progresses.
Thank you for your patience as we work to improve your street.

What to Expect:
• Work hours will be 7 AM to 4 PM, Monday-Friday.
• “No Parking” signs will be posted; please be sure to check dates/times.
• Emergency vehicles and city services will have access at all times.

Information & Assistance:

Questions regarding this project? Contact Kate Riley, Community Relations Manager, at 617.349.4870/ kriley@cambridgema.gov. If you have any special need or disability, please contact us to arrange for special accommodations that may be necessary.
For updated project information and to join the project email notification list please visit the City construction projects list.

Updated schedule as of June 2023:

Late spring 2023- tree protection installation, drainage work begins.

Summer 2023 - water work

Fall 2023 – curb resetting, sidewalk construction, roadway reconstruction, base pavement layer.

Spring 2023 - curb resetting, sidewalk construction continues.

Summer 2023 - project cleanup and final paving.


Updated Schedule as of September 2021:

Fall 2021:Project will go out to bid.

Winter 2021-Summer 2023: Construction


Summer 2020: Project will go out to bid late summer.

Fall 2020: Construction to start.

This street is part of larger package with several streets. The contract will start Fall 2020 but finite schedules are not determined until a contractor is on board.


May 2019: First Community Meeting

Summer/Fall 2019: Design

Fall 2019: Second Community Meeting

Spring/Summer 2020: Utility Work

Summer/Fall 2020: Construction

 

Kristen Kelleher - Community Relations Manager

617-349-4825

kkelleher@cambridgema.gov 

Sign Up Now

Page was posted on 3/25/2019 11:10 AM
Page was last modified on 11/16/2023 3:00 PM
Contact Us

How can we help?

Please provide as much detail below as possible so City staff can respond to your inquiry:

As a governmental entity, the Massachusetts Public Records Law applies to records made or received by the City. Any information received through use of this site is subject to the same provisions as information provided on paper.

Read our complete privacy statement


Service Requests

Enter a service request via SeeClickFix for things like missed trash pickups, potholes, etc.