City Construction Projects

The City of Cambridge has purchased the building located at 859 Massachusetts Avenue formerly owned by the Chamber of Commerce. The City has decided to move the family shelter, formerly located at 3 Bigelow Street, into this location.

There are several opportunities for tree canopy development in Alewife Linear Park

Reconstruction of Amory Street

Highland Street to Brattle Street

Avon Hill St & Hillside Ave are scheduled for reconstruction in 2024 as part of the City's Five Year Plan for Street and Sidewalk Reconstruction

Belmont Street Reconstruction Project

Binney Street Park, located between Binney Street and Broadway along Galileo Galilei Way, is one of three new City open spaces in eastern Cambridge. The design of the park was guided by the Eastern Cambridge/Kendall Square Open Space (ECKOS) Study and Connect Kendall Square Open Space Competition, which resulted in a framework plan for the overall network of open spaces in eastern Cambridge. This new park will feature a variety of tree plantings, a dog run, lounge and play surfaces, and will include a segment of the Grand Junction Greenway.

The City of Cambridge and DivcoWest, the developer of NorthPoint, will be implementing storm water infrastructure improvements on Binney Street. The new drainage system will be installed in Binney Street from Cardinal Medeiros Avenue to the area west of Galileo Galilei Way, through the park area to Broadway. The system will be owned and maintained by the City of Cambridge.

Brewster St (Appleton to Sparks) and Riedesel Ave (Brattle to Brewster) are scheduled for street and sidewalk reconstruction in 2018 as part of the City's 5 Year Sidewalk & Street Reconstruction Plan.

Third Street to Ames Street

Prospect Street to Portland Street

Brookline Street Improvements (from Henry to Pacific)

Includes Whittemore Ave, Harrison Ave, Seagrave Rd, Madison Ave, Magoun St, Columbus Ave, Kimball St, Kassul Pk, and Massachusetts Ave and Alewife Brook Pkwy Intersection

Rehabilitation of the Cambridge Common and Flagstaff Park

Includes Wheeler St, Fawcett St, CambridgePark Dr, Acorn Park Dr, and the Alewife Reservation

Reconstruction of the Cambridge Tunnel and Overpass

As part of the City’s Participatory Budgeting process, $320,000 in the Fiscal Year 2016 Budget was allocated for a public toilet installation in Central Square.

Centre Street from Dana St. to Hancock St. and Dana Street from Cambridge Street to Mass Ave are scheduled for reconstruction in 2022 as part of the City's Five Year Plan for Sidewalk and Street Reconstruction.

Includes Brattle St, Prospect St, Middlesex St, Cedar St, Cameron Ave, Municipal Lot #2

Includes Hubbard Ave, Robinson St, Cushing St, First St, Putnam Ave

Includes Chauncy St, Upland Rd (Raymond to Huron), Lowell St, Pemberton St, Henry St

Includes Linnaean St, Spring St, Davis St, Moore St

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.

Chetwynd Road from Newell Street to the end is scheduled for reconstruction in 2024 as part of the City's Five Year Plan for Street and Sidewalk Reconstruction

Upgrades to the Sullivan Chamber, Ackermann Room, and Sophie J. Anastos Room

City Hall Annex Entry Plaza Accessibility Upgrades anticipated to begin in March 2018.

The City will soon begin a façade restoration project at City Hall. Construction is anticipated to start in fall 2023 and take approximately 15 months to complete.

City Hall Window Sills

The Clarendon Avenue Playground will undergo targeted repair work and equipment upgrades to improve play conditions for and the safety of its users.

Includes Emily St, Tudor St, Decatur St, Speridakis Terrace, Day St, Green St, Franklin St, Hamilton St, Murray Hill Rd, Main St, Anglim St, Brewer St, Amherst Alley and the Volpe Center

Includes Elm St, Market St, Gardner Rd, Notre Dame Ave

Includes Concord Ave from Fresh Pond Parkway to Blanchard Rd.

Reconstructing of utilities, streets and sidewalks in the Concord Avenue neighborhood. Phase 3 of the Alewife Sewer Separation Project.

The Cottage/Lopez Drainage Improvements Project includes design of new storm drain infrastructure to alleviate flooding in the Cambridgeport neighborhood.

The Danehy Gateway Pavilion project, a collaboration between the Department of Public Works and the Department of Human Service Programs Recreation Division, is the construction of a new sports pavilion (5,800 sq. ft.) and other improvements to Danehy Park. Located at 100 New Street, the pavilion will serve sports teams from Cambridge Rindge and Latin School (CRLS) and the community. The facility will provide female athletes with more equitable access to amenities, including new restrooms, changing and locker rooms, an athletic trainer’s room, a coach’s office, storage for athletic equipment, and multi-purpose space. The pavilion will also provide public restrooms for park visitors. Additionally, the project scope includes lighting improvements to Danehy Dog Park, the provision of fiber optic to enable public internet access in the park, landscape improvements, and renovation of the existing New Street Parking Lot. The project will be net‐zero emissions (all electric) and will target LEED Gold new construction and Passive House Certification. It will include a solar photovoltaic array and provisions for future electric vehicle charging stations. The project is currently in the design phase.

The Danehy Improvement Plan project is a collaboration between the Department of Public Works, the Department of Human Service Programs Recreation Division, and the Community Development Department. The goal is to develop a shared vision of the future of Danehy Park that reflects the community’s needs and values. The final report will provide a roadmap that guides future park improvements for the next 10-15 years.

Danehy Park is the site of a former landfill (see History section for more details). Since the landfill was capped in 1990, the management of the site is controlled by permitting through the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP), Division of Solid Waste.  The goal is to ensure that the site is managed in a safe manner and that landfill gases are properly managed and allowed to vent safely.  To that end, the City contracts with CDM Smith to conduct quarterly monitoring, inspect the methane trench (which is the stone-filled trench around the perimeter of the park) annually, and develop an annual environmental monitoring report that is submitted to MassDEP. 

The track and field, installed in 2012, are at the end of their useful life and need to be replaced. The scope of work will include the replacement of the synthetic turf field and the track, as well as upgrades to the adjoining amenities including team benches, bleachers, and shot put and discus throwing areas. The scope of work will include the replacement of the synthetic turf field and the track, as well as upgrades to the adjoining amenities including team benches, bleachers, and shot put and discus throwing areas.

Dodge St. between Western Ave. and Callendar St. is schedule for reconstruction as part of the Five Year Sidewalk and Street Plan.

Aimed at improving drainage along the perimeter path near the bike path entrance, as well as increasing access and improving design of the community gardens.

Dudley Street Reconstruction Project

Eliot St., between JFK St. and Bennett St. is scheduled for reconstruction in 2019.

Reconstruction of Ellery Street between Cambridge St and Broadway

Elm St Reconstruction Project

Plaza renovation project

Sidewalk and Street Improvements for Fairmont Ave., Fairmont St., Rockwell St., Laurel St., Kelly Rd.

Reconstruction of Fawcett Street

The City will be renovating the Fire Department Headquarters at 491 Broadway.

Includes Forest St, Frost St (Prentiss St to Forest St) and Oxford St (Garfield St to the Somerville line)

Franklin Street, between Pleasant Street and Landsdowne Street, is scheduled for street and sidewalk reconstruction in 2018.

Cambridge Street to Charles Street

Glacken Field & Playground Renovation Project

The City of Cambridge and Divco West, developer of NorthPoint, will be undertaking construction on Gore Street between Monsignor O’Brien Highway and Warren Street. This construction is an opportunity to incorporate improvements into Gore Street; sidewalks, crosswalks, street trees improved access to the park, etc.

Building & Park Improvements

Gray Street from Martin Street to Linnaean Street is scheduled for reconstruction in 2024 as part of the City’s Five Year Plan for Street and Sidewalk Reconstruction

The Green Line Extension is a top transportation priority of the Commonwealth.

Green Street from Pearl St. to Landsdowne St. is scheduled for reconstruction in 2022 as part of the City's Five Year Plan for Sidewalk and Street Reconstruction.

Reconstruction of the Haggerty School Playground

Mt. Auburn Street from JFK Street to Holyoke Street

Includes Linden, Pympton, Dunster, and JFK St

The City is reconstruction the historic Out of Town News Kiosk and surrounding plaza.

MBTA Elevator Construction and DeGuglielmo Plaza Reconstruction.

Installation of Public Toilet in Harvard Square

The Community Development Department (CDD) has received several requests for traffic calming measures on Harvey Street.

Haskell Street from Rindge Ave to Mass Ave is scheduled for reconstruction in 2024 as part of the City’s Five Year Plan for Street and Sidewalk Reconstruction

Roadway and Sidewalks

Highland St, between Appleton Street and Sparks Street, is scheduled for street and sidewalk reconstruction in 2018.

Sidewalks & Roadway

Hurley Street Park Renovation

Phase 1 of the Alewife Brook Sewer Separation Project.

Huron Ave, between Concord Ave. and Raymond St., is scheduled for upcoming street and sidewalk reconstruction as part of the City’s 5 Year Plan.

As part of the Five-Year Street and Sidewalk Reconstruction Plan, Huron Ave, from Fresh Pond Place to Fresh Pond Parkway, is scheduled for reconstruction. This project will include paving, sidewalk improvements and utility installations. Cushing Plaza, located at Cushing Street and Huron Avenue, is scheduled for reconstruction to allow stormwater to infiltrate and provide enhanced biochar and compost soil for the new trees and garden plantings.

Phase 2 of the Alewife Brook Sewer Separation Project.

Inman Square Intersection Improvements

Reconstruction of Irving Street & Scott Street

Roadway paving, sidewalk reconstruction, pedestrian ramp installations

King Open and Cambridge Street Upper Schools & Community Complex Project

Reconstruction of Kinnaird Street

Kirkland Road from Kirkland Street to the end is scheduled for reconstruction in 2024 as part of the City's Five Year Plan for Street and Sidewalk Reconstruction

Infrastructure Improvement Project on Land Boulevard at Binney Street

Roadway paving, sidewalk reconstruction, pedestrian ramp installations

Reconstruction of Longfellow Road

Reconstruction of Main Street in Kendall Square

Maple Ave from Broadway to Cambridge St. is scheduled for reconstruction in 2022 as part of the City's Five Year Plan for Sidewalk and Street Reconstruction.

As part of the Cycling Safety Ordinance, the City is implementing separated bike lanes on Mass Ave. from Plymton to Garden.

As part of the Cycling Safety Ordinance, the City is implementing separated bike lanes on Mass Ave. from Dudley to Beech and Roseland to Waterhouse.

Linnaean St to Upland Rd

Everett Street to Linnaean Street & Beech Street to Russell Street

Street/ sidewalk reconstruction on Meacham Road, Woodbridge Street, Shea Road, Locke Street.

Reconstruction of Mead Street

In order to develop Cambridge Crossing, DivcoWest was required to make improvements to Monsignor O’Brien Highway from Third Street to Museum Way. These improvements have included subsurface and surface infrastructure upgrades. This section of Monsignor O’Brien Highway is being transformed from a highway into a tree lined boulevard with bicycle lanes/cycle tracks, new sidewalks and significantly improved pedestrian crossings. Due to the construction associated with the MBTA’s Green Line Extension (GLX) Project, these improvements have been phased over several years.

In order to develop Cambridge Crossing, DivcoWest was required to make improvements to Monsignor O’Brien Highway from Third Street to Museum Way. These improvements have included subsurface and surface infrastructure upgrades. This section of Monsignor O’Brien Highway is being transformed from a highway into a tree lined boulevard with bicycle lanes/cycle tracks, new sidewalks and significantly improved pedestrian crossings. Due to the construction associated with the MBTA’s Green Line Extension (GLX) Project, these improvements have been phased over several years.

Montgomery Street between Harvey St. and Rindge Ave. is scheduled for reconstruction in 2022 as part of the City's Five Year Plan for Sidewalk and Street Reconstruction.

Gibson Street to Fresh Pond Parkway

Includes Myrtle Ave, Magnolia Ave, Hovey Ave, Lamont Ave

New St from Bay State Rd to the railroad tracks and Concord Lane

Newport Road and Roseland Street Infrastructure Improvements

Norfolk Street from Broadway to the Somerville line is scheduled for reconstruction in 2024 as part of the City's Five Year Plan for Street and Sidewalk Reconstruction

Construction of a small park in the front and on the sides of O'Connell Library.

Improvements to the Pacific Street Dog Park.

Park Ave. from Huron Ave. to Holworthy St. is scheduled for improvements as part of the Five Year Street and Sidewalk Reconstruction Plan. Work is expected to begin in the Spring of 2020.

Road and Sidewalk Reconstruction

Reconstruction of Pearl Street from Massachusetts Avenue to Granite St.

Resurfacing of Tennis Courts and Basketball Courts

Pleasant Street/Fairmont Street Intersection

Roadway paving, sidewalk reconstruction, pedestrian ramp installations

Includes Massachusetts Ave to the Somerville Line, Oxford St from Garfield to Forest (sewer only)

Roadway & Sidewalk Reconstruction

Welcome to the River Street Construction Webpage! This is the place to find current information and updates related to construction of the River Street Infrastructure and Streetscape Project. The project includes utility and surface reconstruction of the following streets and public spaces: • River Street from Memorial Drive to Massachusetts Avenue • Carl Barron Plaza (the major public space at the intersection of River Street/Western Ave/Mass Ave in Central Square) • The MBTA bus stops and busway at Magazine/Green/River Street adjacent to Carl Barron Plaza • Pleasant Street and Tubman Square between Pleasant Place and River Street • Green Street between Magazine and Pearl Street • Magazine Street between Franklin and Green Street • Blackstone Street In addition, the project includes the following nearby neighborhood streets which are due for reconstruction under the City's Five Year Sidewalk and Street Reconstruction Plan • Fairmont Avenue / Fairmont Street / Rockwell Street / Laurel Street / Kelly Road

MassDOT project - scheduled to be completed Spring 2016

The City of Cambridge and MBTA have been working together to develop a maintenance improvement project to address the issues on the Russell Field Path which is owned and maintained by the MBTA.

The City is developing plans to renovate Russell Field and the adjacent practice field area. Plans include the resurfacing of both playing fields and site amenities to improve the functionality of the facility.

Park renovation and improvements

Sciarappa Street from Charles St. to Winter St. is scheduled for reconstruction in 2022 as part of the City's Five Year Plan for Sidewalk and Street Reconstruction.

Rogers Street to Charles Street & Hurley Street to Gore Street

The City is planning to make repairs and modest improvements to Sennott Park. Construction is anticipated to begin late Summer 2021

The City's contractor, National Water Main, is performing "cured-in-place" pipelining around the City. this process provides a new, jointless sewer pipe connection that minimizes root and water infiltration problems, improves flow and provides for a more structurally sound pipe without the need for excavation.

Shepard Street from Garden Street to Mass Ave is scheduled for reconstruction in 2024 as part of the City’s Five Year Plan for Street and Sidewalk Reconstruction

The Walden Square Inflow and Infiltration (I&I) Project is located in the vicinity of 99 Sherman Street. The City has designated this area for redesign to help reduce the amount of storm water that goes into the city drainage system in order to prevent flooding during heavy rain events. The I&I project at Walden Square encompasses three parcels of land with the first parcel being the surface parking lot at Danehy Park, the second being the roadway at Sherman Street, and the third being the surface lot at the Walden Square Apartments.

Garden Street to Walden Street

The Simard building, located at the Department of Public Works campus, 147 Hampshire St., is slated for renovations.

Sixth Street between Cambridge Street and Bent Street is currently scheduled for roadway work in the summer of 2018 as part of the City's 5 Year Street & Sidewalk Plan.

St. Mary Road, between Inman Street and Prospect Street, is scheduled for street and sidewalk reconstruction in 2018 as part of the City's 5 Year Sidewalk & Street Reconstruction Plan.

MIT in collaboration with the City of Cambridge is planning to install a new drainage structure from Talbot Street to the Charles River to improve stormwater management in the area due to current and future development. The project will begin construction in October of this year and continue through to the Fall of 2019.

Beginning Spring 2019 and lasting for approximately 12 months, several improvements will be taking place at the Taylor Square Fire Station. Work will be taking place on the interior and exterior of the building. See below for project updates, timeline and additional info.

MLK School Construction Project

Construction of water, sewer, drainage, street and sidewalk improvements in The Port

Thorndike Street (Fulkerson St. to Third St.) Reconstruction Project includes sidewalk and roadway work as well as water main replacement.

Formerly known as Rogers St. Park, this new City park is being constructed at 71 Rogers St.

The Cambridge Public Schools’ Innovation Agenda will result in the creation of four new upper school campuses serving students in grades 6 to 8. The Tobin and Vassal Lane Upper Schools, located at 197 Vassal Lane, Cambridge, will be the third school to be redesigned.

Traffic Calming at Tremont/Gardner

Magazine Street to Pearl Street

The City of Cambridge, the City of Somerville, and the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority are collaborating on CSO Control plans to protect and improve our water resources.

The CRLS Tennis Courts will be under construction from late July to early September

Street/ sidewalk reconstruction on Waterhouse Street.

Webster Ave, between Lincoln St. and Hampshire St., is scheduled for upcoming street and sidewalk reconstruction as part of the City’s 5 Year Plan.

Includes Western Ave from Green St. to Memorial Dr.

The main goal of the Willard Street Drainage Improvement Project is to address stormwater flooding of the street and abutting properties. The project also provides an opportunity to upgrade other obsolete utilities and provide surface improvements including accessible sidewalks and traffic calming.