Photo © Montgomery County Planning Commission 2013 via Flickr
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
May 2025 Update
Since April crews have been making progress on water main updates along Medford Street between Broadway and Trull Street. This work is expected to be completed in late June.
Meanwhile, crews has start preparing for work on Broadway. Crews will start at Template Street and work west toward Cedar Street. This work is expected to continue through the summer and into the fall.
March 2025 Update
As early as the week of March 31st or soon after, City contractors will begin preliminary work on the remaining water main upgrades planned as part of this project.
What to Expect
Crews will begin work by setting up temporary water mains along:
- Medford Street between Broadway and Trull Street
- Broadway between Cedar Street and Temple Street
Properties along the above stretch will be connected to water utilities via temporary bypass (somervillema.gov/bypass) to ensure they continue to receive service throughout the work.
- Additional notification will be provided prior to properties being connected via temporary bypass.
Some brief interruption of water service may be required during construction (notification will be provided approximately 48 hours in advance.)
Temporary parking restrictions will be required to facilitate work. Please observe posted signage.
Locations of Work (2025 Spring/Summer Season)
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Questions?
If you have questions, please email construction@somervillema.gov or call the Engineering Division at (617) 625-6600 x 5400.
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.
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