Inman Street Reconstruction Project

Inman Street from Hampshire Street to Broadway is scheduled for reconstruction in 2026 as part of the City’s Five Year Plan for Street and Sidewalk Reconstruction.

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Construction Notice: Water Work to Begin Week of May 18

As part of the Inman Street Water Main Replacement Project, in coordination with the Department of Public Works (DPW) Sewer Separation Project, the City of Cambridge will be upgrading critical water infrastructure in your neighborhood. The City’s contractor, JNJ Sacca Inc., will be working closely with the Cambridge Water Department to complete this project safely and efficiently with a tentative start date of May 18, 2026.

PROJECT OVERVIEW

This project involves replacing the existing water main with a new, larger, and more reliable system. The current aging infrastructure will be upgraded to improve overall system performance and reliability. Work is expected to take approximately 4–6 months to complete.

TEMPORARY WATER BYPASS SYSTEM

To maintain continuous water service during construction, a temporary water bypass system will be installed. This system will deliver water to your property through a heavy-duty hose connected to your outdoor hose bibb. A “Y-connection” will be provided so you may continue using your outdoor water connection as usual.

The bypass system will be fully chlorinated, tested, and approved prior to use. Water provided through this system will be safe for drinking, cooking, bathing, and all typical household uses, and will meet all Cambridge Water Department standards.

Installation of the bypass system will take approximately 1–2 weeks
The system will remain in place for approximately 4 weeks during active construction
No interruption to your water service is expected
You may notice slightly warmer water temperatures during this period

IMPORTANT ACCESS INFORMATION

Residents must ensure access to an exterior hose connection. If your property does not have a functioning outdoor hose bibb or if access is restricted, please contact the Water Department in advance so accommodations can be made.

WHY THIS WORK IS IMPORTANT

Upgrading the water system provides several long-term benefits, including improved water quality, increased water pressure and flow, enhanced fire protection, and greater system reliability and control.

HOW THIS MAY AFFECT YOU

Water Service

While every effort will be made to avoid disruptions, there may be limited instances where water service must be temporarily shut off. If this occurs, you will receive at least 72 hours advance notice when possible. You may also experience temporary discoloration or air in your water following system changes. If this occurs, run cold water until it clears.

Parking

Temporary parking restrictions will be required in active work zones. Areas will be clearly posted, and efforts will be made to minimize inconvenience and avoid vehicle towing.

Construction Activity & Safety

Typical construction hours are Monday through Friday, 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM, weather permitting. You may notice street openings and construction zones as work progresses. These will be secured at the end of each workday and permanently restored after project completion. Hoses may be placed across sidewalks or walkways. Please use caution when entering or exiting your property and avoid work areas whenever possible.

WATER SERVICE UPGRADES

As part of this project, all non-copper water services in the project area will be replaced with new copper piping up to the existing water meter at no cost to the property owner. If additional information or coordination is required for your property, you will be notified in advance.

QUESTIONS OR CONCERNS?

For more information or assistance, please contact: Jack Terrio, Cambridge Water Department, 617-349-4787

The City of Cambridge appreciates your patience and cooperation as we complete these necessary improvements to your water system.

Construction Notice: Field Investigations Scheduled for the Week of April 27

A City of Cambridge contractor will be excavating test pits at various locations on Inman Street between Hampshire Street and Broadway during the week of April 27. This activity is necessary to support the ongoing design that the City is doing for the Inman Street Reconstruction Project and will temporarily impact street operations and parking.

What Should I Expect During this Work?

Work will begin on or about Wednesday, April 29 and continue for approximately two days.
Work hours will be Monday-Friday, 7 AM – 4 PM.
The work consists of excavating test pits in streets and sidewalks. The purpose of the test pits is to confirm the location of existing underground utilities. Obtaining this more accurate information will allow our design team to plan for the future installation of new utilities on these streets.
There will be noise from the operations, as the use of heavy equipment is involved.
“No Parking” signs will be posted 48-hours in advance. Please be sure to check dates and times.
Accessible pedestrian access will be maintained at all times.
Emergency vehicles and city services such as trash collection will have access at all times.

Information & Assistance:
If you have any questions about this upcoming work, or if you need assistance, including if you have any special needs or disabilities that require special accommodations, please contact Karim-Ben Saunders II, Project Administrator-Community Relations at 617-349-4870 or ksaunders@cambridgema.gov. For more information about the project and to sign up for the project email list, visit www.cambridgema.gov/inmanstproject.

For after-work hours emergencies, call the Department of Public Works hotline at 617-349-4800.