Skip to main content

Central Broadway Water Main Upgrades

City contractors are working to upgrade the water main beneath Broadway between Temple St. and Boston Ave.

The water main in this area dates as far back as the late 19th/early 20th century. Old pipes suffer from tuberculation, a form of corrosion, which reduces the amount of water that the pipe can supply. 

Through this project, water mains in the neighborhood will be upgraded through a combination of replacement and rehabilitation (including processes such as cured-in-place pipe lining). Some water services (lines connecting individual properties to the water main) will also be replace through this project. 

Recent Updates

January 2025 Update

Since the Spring of 2024, City contractors have been working along the Broadway corridor to restore and upgrade water utilities.

Crews are rehabilitating these systems through a combination of cleaning/lining existing water mains as well as by replacing select segments of old main and installing new pipes.

What has been completed so far?

Cleaning and Lining Work

  • 14-inch water main on Broadway from Cedar Street to Glenwood Road
  • 12-inch water main on Broadway from the Broadway Bridge to Cedar Street
  • 12-inch water main on Broadway from Cedar Street to Medford Street
  • 10-inch water main on Norwood Avenue from Broadway to Medford Street

Installation of New Utilities

  • New 12-inch water main on Broadway from Glenwood Road to Central Street
  • New 8-inch water main on Broadway Terrace

What work remains? (Spring '25)

Crews are expected to resume work in April (weather permitting) to complete the remaining utility work. 

Cleaning and Lining Work

  • 12-inch water main cleaning and lining on Broadway from Main Street to Temple Street
  • 12-inch water main cleaning and lining on Medford Street from Broadway to Trull Street

Anticipated Work Schedule: 

Work will resume in the spring and run through the 2025 construction season  (approximately April through October). 

Daily work hours are approximately 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Traffic Impacts: 

Broadway is expected to remain open to through traffic for the duration of the project. 

  • Lane closures and lane shifts may be required during certain phases of the work.
  • Some temporary sidewalks closures may be required, but temporary crossing will be provided to ensure pedestrian access

Potential Parking Restrictions: 

During certain phases of the project, there may be associated parking restrictions. Notification of any parking restrictions will be posted no less than 48 hours in advance. 

Other Impacts 

Temporary Water Bypass - Some residences may require temporary water bypass to be installed to ensure continued delivery of water service while new mains are installed. 

  • additional notification will be provided to residents prior to installation 

Water Service Interruptions - Brief interruptions to water service will be required during the project.

  • Notification for water interruptions will be provided 48 hours in advance via flyer and City alerts

Staying Informed

Sign-up for City Alerts - Receive important notifications about this project and work in your area.

Visit our new construction page - Get a comprehensive look at work across the city.

Sign-up for the City's Construction Newsletter - Receive a monthly digest on infrastructure work across Somerville. 

Follow us on Twitter - Tweets about curb-cuts, culverts, and more.

 

Programs & Initiatives

We're addressing excessive use of force and systemic racism at all levels so that we can equitably serve our entire community.
Members will develop a recommendation to the Mayor on both the location and scope of a renovated or new school to meet the needs of the Winter Hill Community Innovation School and potentially the Benjamin G. Brown School.

Please submit website feedback using this form. Be sure to include:

A description of the issue (if any)
A link to the affected pages

Thank you for your feedback!