05/07/2008- The City's contractor, Aggregate Industries, has completed all sidewalk excavation, curb installation, and rough grading on Rindge Avenue. They are currently working with various utility companies to adjust the height of metal structures in the sidewalk, with the expectation that they will be in a position to fine grade, place forms, and place concrete once the structures have been adjusted. Concrete work could begin as early as next week, and will include a number of driveway aprons; impacted properties will be contacted directed to coordinate when driveways will be out of service to allow the placement and curing of concrete.

The City has been working to plant trees on both the public sidewalk and the private back of sidewalk (described in the 4/3 update posted below). Click here to view a map of locations that have been identified to date for tree planting [note that this map only shows Cambridge street trees, not park trees or trees on property owned by others].

04/03/2008-Construction to Start, Back-of-Sidewalk Tree Planting
03/17/2008- TV/ Cleaning Notice
03/14/2008-Project Overview

The City’s contractor, Aggregate Industries, will reconstruct all pedestrian ramps, repair selected sections of sidewalk, and pave the roadway on Rindge Ave (from Alewife Brook Parkway to Middlesex St).

This project will create safe, accessible ramps and crossings along this section of Rindge Ave, which is heavily used by pedestrians because of amenities such as the school, library, pool, parks, and MBTA bus stops/ station. Street paving is particularly needed on this section of Rindge Ave due to recent utility improvements

Key pedestrian improvements include:

• Curb extensions at the entrance to Russell Field and at Jefferson Park
  • Create better sightlines and reducing crossing distances
  • Provide an opportunity for additional green space at Russell Field
  • Do not affect on-street parking, as these are existing no parking zones
• Curb extension at Clifton St
  • Creates additional sidewalk width needed to preserve the large, mature tree at 293 Rindge Ave while creating an accessible pedestrian route
  • Removes approximately 2 on-street parking spaces
• Widened sidewalk adjacent to Cemetery (between Clay and Sherman streets)
  • 5 additional feet of sidewalk provides access for pedestrians and maintains the 4 large trees
  • Removes parking on the north side of Rindge Ave between Montgomery and Clay streets

   

See detailed construction plans>>

Through the Rindge Ave improvements, gray rubber sidewalk panels will be installed adjacent to the four mature trees next to the Cemetery in order to reduce the amount of lifting by tree roots. These panels—which have been used on similar locations in other cities— will be monitored to ensure they provide an acceptable walking surface in all types of weather, are durable enough to withstand weather conditions, and conform to growing roots in a desirable manner.

Learn more about rubber sidewalks>>

View Image of Large Tree, 293 Rindge Ave

View Image of Mature Trees next to Cemetery

The City's contractor for this project is Aggregate Industries. DPW Construction Project Manager, Artie O'Brien, will be on site daily to ensure best construction management practices are observed.

“No Parking Signs” will be posted 24 hours in advance of all work. Signage and police details will be in place to assist during traffic disruptions. The contractor will work with impacted property owners to coordinate and limit any disruptions to the greatest extent possible.

Preparatory cleaning of sewer lines (through a separate maintenance contract) started in early March. Installation of drainage structures will begin the first week in April 2008, with significant sidewalk construction expected to start the third week of April 2008. Overall, this project is expected to be completed by early June 2008.

General work hours for this construction will be Monday-Friday, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Evening and weekend construction will be minimized to the greatest extent possible.

For information or assistance, or for accommodations of special needs and/or disabilities, contact Rebecca Fuentes at (617) 349-6948/ rfuentes@cambridgema.gov.

We also send out project updates by e-mail; please e-mail rfuentes@cambridgema.gov to sign up for this distribution list.

If an emergency arises after hours or on weekends, please call the 24-Hour line at (617) 349-4860.

Thank you in advance for your patience during construction. We hope you enjoy these improvements once they are completed.