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Pearl Street Reconstruction Project

Pearl Street from Massachusetts Avenue to Granite Street

THIS SURVEY HAS NOW CLOSED. Please help us evaluate the Pearl Street Reconstruction Project by taking out brief post-construction survey.

The Pearl Street Reconstruction project was completed in fall 2018 and consisted of the reconstruction of sidewalks and roadway on Pearl Street from Massachusetts Avenue to Granite Street. The project included the following pedestrian safety and traffic calming elements:
  • Raised intersections at Decatur Street, Erie Street, and Chestnut Street
  • Reconstruction of existing raised intersection at Granite Street
  • New crosswalks at Green Street, Auburn Street, Hamilton Street, and Henry Street
  • Relocation of existing crosswalk at William Street (from south-west corner to north-east corner with a curb extension)
  • Curb extensions around large trees near Allston Street and Chestnut Street
  • Replacement of the traffic signal at Putnam Avenue with an all-way stop

To complete the survey, please click here. For more information or to request a paper survey, please contact Juan Avendano, javendano@cambridgema.gov or 617/349-4655.


NOTICE: Pearl Street Reconstruction Project- Final Roadway Paving from Mass Ave. to Granite St. Scheduled for Friday, October 5th. 

The City’s contractor, Onyx Construction, will be paving Pearl St. between Mass Ave. and Granite St. on Friday, October 5th.

This work is expected to take approximately 1 day to complete, weather permitting.

Vehicle access in and out of properties will be restricted during work hours while crews perform the paving.  Please plan vehicle trips accordingly.

Any additional restoration items related to the project, including back of sidewalk work and pavement markings, will be completed by the contractor in the coming weeks before the end of construction.

What to Expect during Paving

  • Work hours will be 6 AM to 7 PM.
  • Vehicle access in and out of properties will be restricted. Please plan vehicle and parking trips accordingly.
  • “No Parking” signs will be posted; please be sure to check dates/times. 
  • Emergency vehicles 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 or Lou Mothon, Engineer, at 508-259-0193. If you have any special need or disability, please contact us to arrange for special accommodations that may be necessary.


NOTICE: Pearl Street Reconstruction Project- Final Roadway Paving  Has Been CANCELLED for today due to wet road conditions. Once the contractor has re-scheduled, we will let you know. 


NOTICE: Pearl Street Reconstruction Project- Final Roadway Paving  Has Been RE-Scheduled due to rain for Thursday, September 27th.


NOTICE: Pearl Street Reconstruction Project- Final Roadway Paving  Has Been RE-Scheduled for Tuesday, September 25th.


NOTICE: Pearl Street Reconstruction Project- Final Roadway Paving Scheduled for Monday, September 24th

The City’s contractor, Onyx Construction, will be paving Pearl St. between Erie St. and Granite St. on Monday, September 24th

This work is expected to take approximately 1 day to complete, weather permitting

Vehicle access in and out of properties will be restricted during work hours while crews perform the paving.  Please plan vehicle trips accordingly.

Any additional restoration items related to the project, including back of sidewalk work and pavement markings, will be completed by the contractor in the coming weeks before the end of construction.

What to Expect during Paving

  • Work hours will be 7 AM to 5 PM.
  • Vehicle access in and out of properties will be restricted. Please plan vehicle and parking trips accordingly.
  • “No Parking” signs will be posted; please be sure to check dates/times. 
  • Emergency vehicles 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 or Lou Mothon, Engineer, at 508-259-0193. If you have any special need or disability, please contact us to arrange for special accommodations that may be necessary.

 


Pearl Street Reconstruction Project

Week of 9/4- Crews are working this week to raise castings along Pearl St. in anticipation of the final paving that will take place at some point over the next two weeks. The final paving will be a culmination of two years’ worth of work on the street to improve drainage, make sidewalks ADA compliant, improve pedestrian safety at crossings and provide a smooth travel surface. Please exercise caution when driving on Pearl St. as castings will be higher than street level until the final paving is complete. 


Pearl Street Reconstruction Project

Week of 8/27-8/31- Start brick sidewalks at Mass Ave @ Pearl St. Begin repair of sidewalks damaged during Eversource work. Continued brick work at Granite St. Continued work on raising castings on Pearl St. Sidewalk work in front of Target


Pearl Street Reconstruction Project

Week of 7/23-7/27- Finish raised intersection at Erie St., sidewalks at Granite St., Begin brick work at Erie St. 

Week of 7/30-8/3- Raised intersection at Granite St., continued brick work at Erie St. 


Pearl Street Reconstruction Project

Raised crosswalk installations at Hamilton and Erie, Brick Work at Raised Intersections to begin week of July 9, 2018


Pearl Street Reconstruction Project

Raised crosswalk installations at Watson, Williams, Auburn, and Franklin streets to begin the week of June 11, 2018

The City’s contractor, Onyx Corp, will begin constructing raised crosswalks at Pearl St. and the following side streets during the week of June 11: Watson, Williams, Auburn, and Franklin.

This work is expected to take approximately 3 weeks to complete, weather permitting.

During this work, detours for pedestrians and vehicles will be in place. “No Parking” signs will also be present and changing frequently, so please check all posted signs.

Access in and out of properties will be maintained but could be restricted at times.

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 emergency vehicles and City services.

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 Dan Riviello, Community Relations Manager, at (617) 349-4825 / driviello@cambridgema.gov or Lou Mothon, Project Engineer, at 617-349-4828 / lmothon@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.



Pearl Street Reconstruction Project
Roadway paving to begin on or about Wednesday, May 30


Eversource Gas’ contractor, Feeney Brothers., will be milling and paving sections of the roadway on Pearl St. (between Mass Ave. and Erie St.) to repair their trenches on or about Wednesday, May 30. This work will last approximately 3 days, weather permitting.

Pearl St. will remain open to traffic, but there will be No Parking on both sides of the street in this area during work hours.

After work hours each day, vehicles will be able to access, park, and travel on Pearl St.

What to Expect During Construction:
• General work hours 7am-4pm.
• Please check posted No Parking signs.
• Access will be maintained for City services.
• Access will be maintained for emergency vehicles.

This work is in preparation for final roadway paving of the whole length of Pearl St (Mass Ave to Granite St) which will occur in fall 2018.

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 Dan Riviello, Community Relations Manager, at (617) 349-4825 / driviello@cambridgema.gov or Lou Mothon, Project Engineer, at 617-349-4828 / lmothon@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.


Pearl Street Reconstruction Project
Raised intersection at Decatur and raised crosswalk work at Perry, Lopez, and Cottage to begin on or about Tuesday, May 22


The City’s contractor, Onyx Corp, will begin constructing the raised intersection at Pearl and Decatur streets on or about Tuesday, May 22.

Once complete, crews will continue constructing raised crosswalks across side streets at Perry, Lopez, and Cottage streets. This work is expected to take approximately 3 weeks to complete, weather permitting.

During this work, detours for pedestrians and vehicles will be in place. “No Parking” signs will also be present and changing frequently, so please check all posted signs.

Access in and out of properties will be maintained but could be restricted at times.

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 emergency vehicles and City services.

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 Dan Riviello, Community Relations Manager, at (617) 349-4825 / driviello@cambridgema.gov or Lou Mothon, Project Engineer, at 617-349-4828 / lmothon@cambridgema.gov. In case of emergency, please call the Cambridge Public Works Department at 617-349-4800.



Pearl Street Reconstruction Project
Raised crosswalk construction on Speridakis Terrace on Thursday, 5/17 and Monday, 5/21

The City’s contractor, Onyx Corp, will begin constructing the raised crosswalk on Pearl St. across Speridakis Terrace on Thursday, May 17.

During this work, access in and out of Speridakis Terrace will be restricted from 7am-6pm on Thursday, 5/17 and Monday, 5/21. 

Cars will be allowed out before 7am and back in after 6pm.  Please park on Pearl St. if possible and plan vehicle trips accordingly. 

Work will not occur on Friday, May 18 to allow for trash/recycling/compost pickup to occur as scheduled.

What to Expect During Construction:

  • General work hours will be 7am – 6pm.
  • Access restricted to Speridakis Terrace during work hours on Thursday, 5/17 and Monday, 5/21.
  • Please check posted No Parking signs.
  • Please follow detour signs.
  • Access will be maintained for emergency vehicles and City services.

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 Dan Riviello, Community Relations Manager, at (617) 349-4825 / driviello@cambridgema.gov or Lou Mothon, Project Engineer, at 617-349-4828 / lmothon@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.


Pearl Street Reconstruction Project
Raised crosswalk work at Corporal McTernan, Speridakis, Valentine, and Lawrence to begin on May 9


The City’s contractor, Onyx Corp, will begin constructing the raised crosswalk on Pearl St. across Corporal McTernan on Wednesday, May 9, 2018.

Once complete, crews will continue constructing raised crosswalks across side streets at Speridakis, Valentine, and Lawrence streets. This work is expected to take approximately 3 weeks to complete, weather permitting.

During this work, detours for pedestrians and vehicles will be in place. “No Parking” signs will also be present and changing frequently, so please check all posted signs.

Access in and out of properties will be maintained but could be restricted at times.

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 emergency vehicles and City services.

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 Dan Riviello, Community Relations Manager, at (617) 349-4825 / driviello@cambridgema.gov or Lou Mothon, Project Engineer, at 617-349-4828 / lmothon@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.



Raised Crosswalks & Raised Intersection Construction Begins April 19

The City’s contractor, Onyx Corp, has begun constructing raised crosswalks at side streets along Pearl St. Currently, they are working at Glenwood St. and will be moving to Henry St.  Once those raised crosswalks are completed, crews will begin constructing the raised intersection on Pearl St. at Chestnut St.

In total, the work in these locations is expected to take approximately 4 weeks to complete.

Access to Pearl St. from these side streets will be limited during work hours, and extended closures may be necessary to allow concrete time to properly cure. Please check posted signs.

During this work, sidewalk detours for pedestrians will be in place. “No Parking” signs will also be present and changing frequently, so please check all posted signs.

Access in and out of properties will be maintained but could be restricted at times.

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 emergency vehicles and City services.

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 Dan Riviello, Community Relations Manager, at (617) 349-4825 / driviello@cambridgema.gov or Lou Mothon, Project Engineer, at 617-349-4828 / lmothon@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.


Curb/sidewalk work to resume the week of April 2, 2018

The City’s contractor, Onyx Corp, will resume sidewalk reconstruction on Pearl Street between Putnam Ave. and Erie St. beginning the week of April 2, 2018. This work is expected to take approximately 2 months to complete. In May, an additional crew will be added to complete sidewalk reconstruction on Mass Ave at Pearl St.

During this work, sidewalk detours for pedestrians will be in place. “No Parking” signs will also be present and changing frequently, so please check all posted signs.

Access in and out of properties will be maintained but could be restricted at times.

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 emergency vehicles and City services.

Once sidewalk work is complete, crews will begin constructing raised crosswalks across side streets on Pearl St. Access to Pearl St. from the side street will be limited during this work. Please check posted signs. Crews will then construct the raised intersections on Pearl at Decatur, Pearl at Erie, Pearl at Chestnut, and Pearl at Granite.

Final paving expected in Fall 2018.

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 Dan Riviello, Community Relations Manager, at (617) 349-4825 / driviello@cambridgema.gov or Lou Mothon, Project Engineer, at 617-349-4828 / lmothon@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.


Work to resume Spring 2018.


Pearl St Base Paving to Begin on Monday, August 14

Due to an unforeseen conflict with the paving sub-contractor, the roadway base paving on Pearl St. (between Granite St. and Erie St.) will now begin on Monday, August 14th and last approximately 2 days, weather permitting. This is in preparation for final roadway paving of the whole length of Pearl St (Mass Ave to Granite St) which will occur in the spring/summer of 2018.

Detours will be in place during work hours. Please look for Detour signs, Road Closed signs, and signs indicating 2-way traffic is being allowed on normally 1-way streets to accommodate access to properties.

After work hours each day and all day on weekends, vehicles will be able to access, park, and travel on Pearl St. Please be mindful when parking that during certain stages of the work the roadway may be lower and car doors may come in contact with the curb.

Once base paving is complete, crews will begin curb and sidewalk demolition and reconstruction on Pearl Street between Granite St. and Erie St. through the fall with estimated completion in spring 2018. During this work, sidewalk detours for pedestrians will be in place. “No Parking” signs will also be present and changing frequently, so please check all posted signs.

What to Expect During Construction:
• General work hours 7am-4pm, Monday through Friday.
• Please check posted No Parking signs.
• Please follow Detour signs and look for Road Closed and 2-Way Traffic signs.
• The roadway will be lower, making the curbs higher for parked cars. Please use caution when opening car doors as to not damage them on the curbs.
• Access will be maintained for abutters whenever possible. During work hours, abutters will be allowed to travel the wrong way down one way streets in order to access their property. Caution should be used. After work hours, roadways will reopen for all in their normal travel directions.
• Please follow sidewalk detours for pedestrians.
• Access will be maintained for emergency vehicles.

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 Dan Riviello, Community Relations Manager, at (617) 349-4825 / driviello@cambridgema.gov or Lou Mothon, Project Engineer, at 617-349-4828 / lmothon@cambridgema.gov. In case of emergency, please call the Cambridge Public Works Department at 617-349-4800.

We apologize for the delay and thank you in advance for your patience and understanding during this construction.


Mass Ave Sidewalk Work Update - August 11, 2017

The City’s contractor, Onyx Corp, will begin sidewalk maintenance work on Massachusetts Avenue during the week of August 14th. This work is anticipated to last approximately 4 weeks, weather permitting.

Continuing on the previous sidewalk work that was completed in the YMCA block (Sellers to Pleasant streets) in Central Square, additional sections of sidewalk on the south side of Mass Ave will be reconstructed in the Dunkin Donuts block (Carl Barron Plaza to Pearl St.) Please see map showing approximate work area on reverse side.

Work will include accessible sidewalks (concrete walkway and brick furniture edge) as well as bike parking. Public Works has coordinated with adjacent property owners concerning areaways present under the public sidewalks in these locations, and work has been completed to abandon the areaways so the sidewalks can be reconstructed.

During this work, sidewalk detours for pedestrians will be in place. “No Parking” signs will also be present and changing frequently, so please check all posted signs.

Access in and out of businesses and other properties will be maintained but could be restricted at times.

What to Expect During Construction:
• General work hours will be 7am – 4pm, Monday-Friday.
• Please check posted No Parking signs.
• Please follow pedestrian detour signs.
• Access to businesses and properties will be maintained, when possible.
• Access will be maintained for emergency vehicles and City services.

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 Dan Riviello, Community Relations Manager, at (617) 349-4825 / driviello@cambridgema.gov or Lou Mothon, Project Engineer, at 617-349-4828 / lmothon@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.


Mass Ave Sidewalk Work Update - July 12, 2017 Sidewalk work will continue on Mass. Ave. between Sellers and Pleasant through August 7th.
  • Limit of work has been extended to the Hubway station due to a section of deteriorated concrete.
  • Small areaway was identified at the YMCA. The YMCA previously addressed a large areaway, but was unaware of this smaller one. DPW has met with the Y and their engineer. They are actively working on getting this areaway addressed ASAP. DPW will leave a plate and temporary sidewalk in the immediate vicinity, until the final sidewalk repairs can be made.

Full-Depth Roadway Reconstruction
Work to begin on July 5 and last approximately 8 weeks
In association with the Pearl Street Reconstruction Project, the City’s Contractor, Onyx Corp., will begin to reconstruct the roadway on Pearl St. (between Granite St. and Erie St.) on Wednesday, July 5th. This work is anticipated to last for approximately 8 weeks, weather permitting.

Work will begin on Pearl St. from Granite St. to Chestnut St. before continuing between Chestnut St. and Erie St. Detours will be in place during work hours. Please look for Detour signs, Road Closed signs, and signs indicating 2-way traffic is being allowed on normally 1-way streets to accommodate access to properties.

To ensure that the roadway conditions will be favorable for many years to come, crews will engage in full-depth reconstruction. At the end of each day, the contractor will clean the work site to allow for motorists to utilize the roadway. We kindly ask that motorists drive through the construction zone slowly outside of general working hours. Final roadway paving will be scheduled and announced via an additional notice in the coming weeks.

What to Expect During Construction:
• General work hours 7am-4pm, Monday through Friday.
• Please check posted No Parking signs.
• Please follow Detour signs and look for Road Closed and 2-Way Traffic signs.
• Over approximately the next 4 weeks, Pearl St. (Granite St. to Chestnut St.) will be closed to through traffic during general work hours.
• Once that work is complete, Pearl St. (Chestnut St. to Erie St.) will be closed to through traffic for approximately 4 weeks during general work hours and Granite St. to Chestnut St. will reopen.
• The roadway will be lower, making the curbs higher for parked cars. Please use caution when opening car doors as to not damage them on the curbs.
• Access will be maintained for abutters whenever possible. During work hours, abutters will be allowed to travel the wrong way down one way streets in order to access their property. Caution should be used. After work hours, roadways will reopen for all in their normal travel directions.
• Access will be maintained for emergency vehicles.

For Information and Assistance During Construction:
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 Dan Riviello, Community Relations Manager, at (617) 349-4825 / driviello@cambridgema.gov or Lou Mothon, Project Engineer, at 617-349-4828 / lmothon@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.


Green St. Curb Extension Installation
Construction to begin on or about May 31

The City’s contractor, Onyx Corp, will begin construction of a new curb extension on Green Street at the corner with Pearl Street on or about May 31st. This work is anticipated to last approximately 2 weeks, weather permitting.

As was discussed during a community meeting about the change, the curb extension will be installed on the north side of Green St. at Pearl St. where the current 47/64/70 MBTA Bus Stop is located to provide additional space and safety for pedestrians and those waiting for the bus.

Due to the installation of the curb extension at this location, the Cambridge Traffic, Parking and Transportation Department will be switching the parking on this section of Green St. from the south side (where it’s currently located) to the north side.

This parking change only applies to the stretch of Green St. between Brookline and Pearl streets, and the Traffic, Parking and Transportation Department anticipates working to reconfigure street signs later next week as well.

During this work, sidewalk detours for pedestrians will be in place. “No Parking” signs will also be present and changing frequently, so please check all posted signs.

Access in and out of businesses and other properties will be maintained but could be restricted at times.

What to Expect During Construction:
• General work hours will be 7am – 4pm, Monday-Friday.
• Please check posted No Parking signs.
• Please follow pedestrian detour signs.
• Please check new street parking signage, once installed.
• Access to businesses and properties will be maintained, when possible.
• Access will be maintained for emergency vehicles and City services.

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 Dan Riviello, Community Relations Manager, at (617) 349-4825 / driviello@cambridgema.gov or Lou Mothon, Project Engineer, at 617-349-4828 / lmothon@cambridgema.gov. In case of emergency, please call the Cambridge Public Works Department at 617-349-4800.


Mass Ave Sidewalk Reconstruction
Curb/sidewalk work to begin week of May 29

The City’s contractor, Onyx Corp, will begin sidewalk maintenance work on Massachusetts Avenue after Memorial Day during the week of May 29th. This work is anticipated to last approximately 4 weeks, weather permitting.

Continuing on the previous sidewalk work that was completed in Central Square, sections of sidewalk on the south side of Mass Ave will be reconstructed in the YMCA block (Sellers to Pleasant streets) & Dunkin Donuts block (Carl Barron Plaza to Pearl St.) Please see map below showing approximate work area.

Map of Mass Ave Sidewalk Work

Work will include accessible sidewalks (concrete walkway and brick furniture edge) as well as bike parking. Public Works has coordinated with adjacent property owners concerning areaways present under the public sidewalks in these locations, and work has been completed to abandon the areaways so the sidewalks can be reconstructed.

During this work, sidewalk detours for pedestrians will be in place. “No Parking” signs will also be present and changing frequently, so please check all posted signs.

Access in and out of businesses and other properties will be maintained but could be restricted at times.

What to Expect During Construction:
• General work hours will be 7am – 4pm, Monday-Friday.
• Please check posted No Parking signs.
• Please follow pedestrian detour signs.
• Access to businesses and properties will be maintained, when possible.
• Access will be maintained for emergency vehicles and City services.

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 Dan Riviello, Community Relations Manager, at (617) 349-4825 / driviello@cambridgema.gov or Lou Mothon, Project Engineer, at 617-349-4828 / lmothon@cambridgema.gov. In case of emergency, please call the Cambridge Public Works Department at 617-349-4800.


May 2017

Curb and sidewalk work continues on pearl St from Auburn St. to Watson St.

Crews will begin the construction of the Green St curb extension and work on Mass Ave sidewalks between Sellers and Pearl streets toward the end of May/beginning of June.

Notices with more information will be delivered to affected residents and businesses in the coming weeks.


Pearl Street Reconstruction Project - March 23, 2017
Curb/sidewalk work to resume the week of March 27, 2017

The City’s contractor, Onyx Corp, will resume sidewalk reconstruction on Pearl Street between William St. and Auburn St. beginning the week of March 27, 2017.

Once complete, crews will continue sidewalk work in the direction toward Mass Ave.

During this work, sidewalk detours for pedestrians will be in place. “No Parking” signs will also be present and changing frequently, so please check all posted signs.

As you will see, multiple sections of existing sidewalk panels will be left in place as crews complete their work. The reason these panels will remain in place is that there is additional work in these areas that needs to be performed by the gas company to replace services to properties. Once completed, these panels will be temporarily paved with asphalt to make the sidewalks safe and passable. These panels will be replaced with concrete to match the rest of the street before the project is finished.

Access in and out of properties will be maintained but could be restricted at times.

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 emergency vehicles and City services.
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 Dan Riviello, Community Relations Manager, at (617) 349-4825 / driviello@cambridgema.gov or Lou Mothon, Project Engineer, at 617-349-4828 / lmothon@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. 

Pearl Street Reconstruction Project - March 2, 2017
Gas main replacement work to begin on Monday, March 13th

In association with the Pearl Street Reconstruction Project, Eversource Gas will mobilize to replace the gas main on Pearl Street between Mass Ave and Chestnut St on Monday, March 13th. The replacement of the gas main between Granite and Chestnut was completed in 2016.

Eversource has committed to having two crews assigned to help expedite the work replacing the gas main as well as 21 house services and 7 side street tie-ins. These tie-ins will extend approximately 30 feet into each side street and those sections will be repaved as part of the paving of Pearl Street. Eversource is anticipating the duration of this replacement to last for approximately eight weeks, weather permitting.

To minimize disruption to residents, the City coordinated with Eversource to have this work done now to replace the old gas main to minimize future gas leaks and not require the new street and sidewalks to be opened up for utility work once the Pearl Street project has been completed.

The City’s Contractor, Onyx Corp., will begin sidewalk reconstruction on Pearl Street at Mass Ave and working toward Erie St. beginning in early April. Sidewalk work will be completed between Mass Ave and Erie St. before continuing on between Erie St. and Granite St.

To ensure that the roadway conditions will be favorable for many years to come, crews will engage in full-depth reconstruction of the roadway once Eversource completes its gas main replacement work.

We kindly ask that motorists drive through the construction zone slowly during general working hours. Final roadway paving will be scheduled and announced via an additional notice in the coming weeks, but will occur sometime in spring of 2018.

What to Expect During Construction:
  • General work hours 7am-4pm, Monday through Friday.
  • Please check posted No Parking signs.
  • Please follow detour signs when in place.
  • The contractor will work with local businesses to minimize any disruption to local deliveries.
  • Access will be maintained for emergency vehicles.

For Information and Assistance During Construction:
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 Dan Riviello, Community Relations Manager, at (617) 349-4825 / driviello@cambridgema.gov or Lou Mothon, Project Engineer, at 617-349-4828 / lmothon@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.


Removal of Traffic Signal at Pearl/Putnam Intersection - January 11, 2017

The planned removal of the unwarranted traffic signal at the intersection of Pearl Street and Putnam Avenue will occur late in the week of January 16th or the following week, weather permitting.

The signal will be replaced by all-way stop signs. This removal was planned as part of the community process for the comprehensive redesign of Pearl Street, including raised intersections, curb extensions, and new crosswalks.

Removing unwarranted signals and installing appropriate traffic control devices improves compliance and safety for people walking, on bikes, and in cars.

Those with questions or concerns should contact the Traffic, Parking & Transportation Department at 617-349-4700.


Pearl Street Reconstruction Project - September 13, 2016
Curb/sidewalk & gas main replacement work ongoing through fall construction season

In association with the Pearl Street Reconstruction Project, the City’s Contractor, Onyx Corp., has begun curb and sidewalk demolition and reconstruction on Pearl Street between Erie Street and Lawrence Street.

Once complete, crews will continue working toward Mass Ave for the remainder of the construction season and will pick up where they left off next spring once construction resumes.

During the roadway reconstruction, crews discovered the existing gas main to be in poor condition. Eversource has recently started replacing the gas main and we expect this work to take approximately 12 weeks to complete. This includes work on Pearl St, Pearl St. Place, Tufts St, Chestnut St., Henry St., and Glenwood Ave.

During this work, sidewalk detours for pedestrians will be in place. “No Parking” signs will also be present and changing frequently, so please check all posted signs.

As you will see, multiple sections of existing sidewalk panels will be left in place as crews complete their work. The reason these panels will remain in place is that there is additional work in these areas that needs to be performed by the gas company to replace services to properties. Once completed, these panels will be temporarily paved with asphalt to make the sidewalks safe and passable. When construction resumes next spring, these panels will be replaced with concrete to match the rest of the street.

Access in and out of properties will be maintained but could be restricted at times.

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 emergency vehicles and City services.

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 Dan Riviello, Community Relations Manager, at (617) 349-4825 / driviello@cambridgema.gov or Lou Mothon, Project Engineer, at 617-349-4828 / lmothon@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.


Pearl Street Reconstruction Project - August 25, 2016
Roadway base paving scheduled for Friday, August 26th and week of August 29th

In association with the Pearl Street Reconstruction Project, the City’s Contractor, Onyx Corp., will begin preparations for roadway base paving on Pearl St. (between Massachusetts Ave and Erie St.) on Friday, August 26th. This work and base paving will continue throughout the week of August 29th, weather permitting, in preparation for final roadway paving in later stages of the project.

Pearl St. will be closed to traffic from Mass Ave to Erie St. during work hours beginning Friday, August 26th and continuing through the week of August 29th. 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.

After work hours each day and all day on weekends, vehicles will be able to access, park, and travel on Pearl St. Please be mindful when parking that during certain stages of the work the roadway may be lower and car doors may come in contact with the curb.

What to Expect During Construction:

  • General work hours will be 7am – 4pm, Monday-Friday.
  • Please check posted No Parking signs.
  • Please follow detour signs.
  • The contractor will work with local businesses to minimize any disruption to local deliveries.
  • Access will be maintained for abutters whenever possible. During work hours, abutters will be allowed to travel the wrong way down one way streets in order to access their property. Caution should be used. After work hours, roadways will reopen for all in their normal travel directions.
  • Access will be maintained for emergency vehicles.

 

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 Dan Riviello, Community Relations Manager, at (617) 349-4825 / driviello@cambridgema.gov or Lou Mothon, Project Engineer, at 617-349-4828 / lmothon@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.


Pearl Street Reconstruction Project - August 5, 2016
Roadway Reconstruction Begins Week of August 8, 2016

In association with the Pearl Street Reconstruction Project, the City’s Contractor, Onyx Corp., will begin to reconstruct the roadway on Pearl St (between Erie St and Massachusetts Ave) during the week of August 8, 2016. This work is anticipated to last for approximately 8 weeks, weather permitting.

Work will begin on Pearl St between Erie St and Watson St before continuing between William St and Mass Ave. Detours will be in place during work hours. Please click here for a map with more information.

To ensure that the roadway conditions will be favorable for many years to come, crews will engage in full-depth reconstruction. At the end of each day, the contractor will clean the work site to allow for motorists to utilize the roadway. We kindly ask that motorists drive through the construction zone slowly outside of general working hours. Final roadway paving will be scheduled and announced via an additional notice in the coming weeks.

What to Expect During Construction:
  • General work hours 7am-4pm, Monday through Friday.
  • Please check posted No Parking signs.
  • Please follow detour signs.
  • Over approximately the next 4 weeks, Pearl St (Erie St to Watson St) will be closed to through traffic during general work hours.
  • Once that work is complete, Pearl St (William St to Mass Ave) will be closed to through traffic for approximately 4 weeks during general work hours and Erie St to Watson St will reopen.
  • The contractor will work with local businesses to minimize any disruption to local deliveries.
  • Access will be maintained for abutters whenever possible. During work hours, abutters will be allowed to travel the wrong way down one way streets in order to access their property. Caution should be used. After work hours, roadways will reopen for all in their normal travel directions.
  • Access will be maintained for emergency vehicles.

For Information and Assistance During Construction:
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 Dan Riviello, Community Relations Manager, at (617) 349-4825 / driviello@cambridgema.gov or Lou Mothon, Project Engineer, at 617-349-4828 / lmothon@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.


Pearl Street Reconstruction Project - July 14, 2016
Work to begin from Erie St. to Granite St. on or about Wednesday, July 20, 2016

The City’s contractor, Onyx Corporation, will begin work in your area to replace water services, water main gate valves, and install hydrants beginning on or about July 20, 2016.

This phase of the project (from Erie Street to Granite Street), will ultimately include the following work:

  • Sidewalk Reconstruction
    • It is the City’s policy to replace existing sidewalks with the same material (concrete with concrete, brick with wire cut brick). However, during this project, property owners will have the option of changing their sidewalk material for a fee if they choose. More information will be provided directly to property owners.
    • Roadway Reconstruction - full-depth reconstruction of the roadway.
    • Raised crosswalk and wheel chair ramp installations at various locations.
    • Drainage structure installation.
    • Lead water service replacements to back of sidewalk. Affected properties will be notified.
    • Hydrant replacements.
    • Water main gate valve replacements.
    • Planting of street trees.

Work on this phase of the project is anticipated to last throughout the summer and fall until the end of construction season sometime this year.

What to Expect During Construction:

  • General work hours will be 7AM to 4 PM, Monday-Friday.
  • “No Parking” signs will be posted at least 24 hours in advance of construction; please be sure to check posted signs for exact dates and times.
  • During parts of the project, MBTA buses will be detoured and bus stops relocated.
  • When work occurs directly in front of driveways or entryways, the contractor will coordinate access directly with residents.
  • City services will continue uninterrupted and emergency vehicles will maintain access at all times.

Information & Assistance:

If you have any questions regarding construction, please contact Dan Riviello, Community Relations Manager, at 617.349.4825/ driviello@cambridgema.gov or Lou Mothon, Project Manager, at 617-349-4828 / lmothon@cambridgema.gov. Visit www.CambridgeMA.gov/theworks/PearlSt for more project information and updates. If you have any special need or disability, please contact us to arrange for special accommodations that may be necessary.



Pearl Street Reconstruction Project - June 7, 2016
Work to begin June 9, 2016 The City’s contractor, Onyx Corporation, will begin mobilizing onsite and installing tree protection in anticipation of work beginning on the first phase of the Pearl Street Reconstruction project on Thursday, June 9th.

The first phase of the project (from Erie Street to Massachusetts Avenue), includes the following work:
  • Sidewalk Reconstruction
    • It is the City’s policy to replace existing sidewalks with the same material (concrete with concrete, brick with wire cut brick). However, during this project, property owners will have the option of changing their sidewalk material for a fee if they choose. More information will be provided directly to property owners.
  • Roadway Reconstruction - full-depth reconstruction of roadway.
  • Raised crosswalk and wheel chair ramp installations at various locations.
  • Drainage structure installation.
  • Lead water service replacements to back of sidewalk. Affected properties have been notified.
  • Hydrant replacements.
  • Water main gate valve replacements.
  • Planting of 25 street trees.

Work on this phase of the project is anticipated to last throughout the summer and fall until the end of construction season sometime this year.

What to Expect During Construction:
  • General work hours will be 7AM to 4 PM, Monday-Friday.
  • “No Parking” signs will be posted at least 24 hours in advance of construction; please be sure to check posted signs for exact dates and times.
  • During parts of the project, MBTA buses will be detoured and bus stops relocated.
  • When work occurs directly in front of driveways or entryways, the contractor will coordinate access directly with residents.
  • City services will continue uninterrupted and emergency vehicles will maintain access at all times.

Information & Assistance:

If you have any questions regarding construction, please contact Dan Riviello, Community Relations Manager, at 617.349.4825/ driviello@cambridgema.gov or Lou Mothon, Project Manager, at 617-349-4828 / lmothon@cambridgema.gov. If you have any special need or disability, please contact us to arrange for special accommodations that may be necessary.


May 2016

Pearl Street Scope of Work - Project Limits (Mass Ave to Granite St):

  • Sidewalk Reconstruction
    • It is the City’s policy to replace existing sidewalks with the same material (concrete with concrete, brick with wire cut brick). However, during this project, property owners will have the option of changing their sidewalk material for a fee if they choose. More information will be provided directly to property owners.

  • Roadway Reconstruction - grind and overlay in some sections and full-depth reconstruction of roadway in other sections
  • Raised crosswalk and wheel chair ramp installations at various locations
  • Drainage structure installation
  • Lead service replacements to back of sidewalk
  • Hydrant replacements
  • Water main gate valve replacements
  • Planting of 25 street trees

Massachusetts Avenue Scope of Work - Project Limits (Pearl St to Western Abe and Sellers St to US Post Office):

  • Sidewalk Reconstruction
    • Sidewalk material used will be concrete with a brick strip near the curb
  • Public restroom installation (Portland Loo)


October 2015

The Pearl Street Reconstruction Project will be out to bid in Winter 2015. We expect to have a contractor selected in Spring 2016 to begin construction.


April 2015

On March 30, 2015, the City Manager provided an update to Cambridge City Councillors regarding the design of Pearl St.

"This is an update to the status of the Pearl Street reconstruction project, with background information in the attached previous communication.

We propose to reconstruct Pearl Street without making changes to the parking regulation at this time. The underlying streetscape proposal remains unchanged, regardless of whether parking regulations on the street are changed.

The reconstruction of Pearl Street will commence in the summer/fall of 2015 and be complete by fall of 2016. A thorough evaluation of project outcomes, including pedestrian/bicycle use, vehicle speeds, yielding to pedestrians, parking patterns etc., will be conducted after the project has been completed. Auto ownership rates, pedestrian comfort, bicyclist safety, and transit vehicle mobility will also continue to be monitored.

We also propose continuing discussions with staff and the community about future trials or pilots, with the additional assessment information from the evaluation in hand. Changes to the street that involve pavement marking or signing can be made after the baseline construction is complete. The potential for any signing or marking related to bicycling will be considered as part of the complete project evaluation, and can be installed at that time."

Please visit the Updates tab for the most up-to-date information and schedule for this project.


Work began in the Summer of 2016 and the City anticipates that work will be completed in the fall of 2018 (26 months).

Construction will occur in 2 phases on Pearl Street:

  • Phase 1: Erie St to Mass Ave (Roadway reconstruction followed by Sidewalk reconstruction. August 2016 - end of 2016)
  • Phase 2: Erie St to Granite St (Roadway reconstruction followed by Sidewalk reconstruction. 

Work in both of these phases includes:

  • Roadway Reconstruction - full-depth reconstruction of the roadway.
  • Sidewalk Reconstruction.
  • Traffic calming with three raised intersections at Erie, Decatur and Chestnut streets
  • Raised sidestreet crossing treatments and wheel chair ramp installations at various locations.
  • Drainage structure installation.
  • Gas main and services.
  • Lead water service replacements to back of sidewalk. Affected properties have been notified.
  • Hydrant replacements.
  • Water main gate valve replacements.
  • Planting of street trees.

This contract also includes:

  • Installation of Portland Loo public toilet at a location in Central Sq.
  • Bump out on Green St for an enlarged MBTA bus stop with bus shelter
  • Sidewalk maintenance work on Mass Ave from Sellers St to Inman St (South side).
  • Sidewalk maintenance work on Mass Ave from Pearl St to Western Ave (South side).

This project is in coordination with the City's Street and Sidewalk Reconstruction Program. Construction generally includes surface enhancements such as pavement, sidewalk and pedestrian ramp reconstruction, traffic calming, and greenscaping.

Department of Public Works 147 Hampshire Street Cambridge, MA 02139 P. 617.349.4800

Kate Riley

Project Administrator- Community Relations

Phone: 617-349-4870

Email: kriley@cambridgema.gov

For 24 hour emergency assistance, please call Public Works at 617.349.4800.

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Page was last modified on 7/25/2023 3:42 AM
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