Work is scheduled to occur along the following streets:
Sewer Pipeline & Manhole Rehabilitation
Somerville’s over 180 miles of sewer pipelines are a critical asset to our community that residents and businesses rely upon daily. Just like any other infrastructure or equipment, our sewers require regular upkeep and rehabilitation in order to function effectively.
Each year the City’s Department of Infrastructure and Asset Management sets out to repair deficiencies identified in the previous year’s Annual Sewer and Storm Drain Inspection Program.
Scheduled and Locations of Work
Work for 2025 is underway in East Somerville and Winter hill.
Crews are currently working on sewer repairs on:
- Franklin Street from Pearl Street to Oliver Street
Meanwhile sewer cleaning and trenchless (without excavation) repairs are taking place on:
- Moreland Street from Meacham Street to East Albion
- Ash Avenue from Meacham Street to East Albion
- East Albion Street from Ash Avenue to Moreland Street
- Florence Street from Pearl Street to Washington Street
- Dartmouth Street from Broadway to Medford Street
- Evergreen Avenue from Dartmouth Street to Thurston Street
- Mount Pleasant Street from Broadway to Perkins
Construction Impacts:
Sewer repairs
- Periodic street closures during construction hours.
- Access will be retained for residents and emergency vehicles.
- Some on-street parking will be restricted.
- Please observe posted signage.
Sewer cleaning and inspection
- Potential for brief, elevated noise levels during work.
- No excavation is required for this work.
- Work at any particular location is expected to last between ~1-3 hours.
- Some on-street parking restrictions will be in place.
Please observe posted signage.
If you have questions, please email construction@somervillema.gov or call the Engineering Division at (617) 625-6600 x 5400
Each year the City inspects a portion of our sewer and drainage system to identify areas in need of rehabilitation. While more critical issues are addressed via emergency repairs, regular rehab and maintenance typically takes place the following year through our Sewer Pipeline and Manhole Rehabilitation Program.
Pipelines and manholes are rehabilitated using a combination of methods, including but not limited to the following:
- Injection Grouting – acrylic grout is pressure injected through a defect in the pipe, forming an impermeable barrier
- Cured In Place Pipe (CIPP) Lining – a flexible liner is inserted inside the existing pipe, inflated, and then hardened, forming a smooth surface inside the existing pipe
- Open Trench Excavation – crews will dig down to and expose existing pipe, remove the defective section or full length of pipe, and then install new pipe
- Spot Repair – similar to Open Trench Excavation, crews will dig a small trench, remove a short section of pipe, and install a new section of pipe
- Manhole Lining & Sealing – epoxy or cementitious material is applied to the inside of the manhole as a coating, restoring structural integrity and waterproofing the manhole
- When excavation is required for construction, City contractors will pave the impacted area with a temporary course of asphalt immediately following the work. They will then return roughly a year later and perform final surface restoration.
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This work is expected to begin as early as the week of July 28 and continue through the summer and into the fall. Residents will receive additional notification prior to work beginning on their street. Daily work hours are approximately 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Anticipated Impacts
Streets and sidewalks are expected to remain open for the duration of the project. Lane closures, lane shifts, and parking restrictions may be implemented as needed. Driveway access will be maintained.
Excavation may generate moderate noise during work hours (typically between 7 a.m. and 4 p.m.) throughout the project area. Pipe lining may produce a bubblegum-like odor that will dissipate quickly once the process is complete.
Stay Informed
Residents in impacted areas will receive notification via flyers and community alerts prior to work starting in their area.
Sign up for the City alert system to receive notifications about disruptive construction, snow emergencies, and major events planned for your neighborhood: somervillema.gov/alerts
Have questions? Email construction@somervillema.gov, call the Engineering Division at (617) 625-6600 ext. 5400, or call 311.
Programs & Initiatives
Somerville's Overnight Warming Center is a safe space where adults experiencing homelessness can spend the night safe from the cold of winter weather.
The City of Somerville has career opportunities for a diverse range of professionals and skill sets to reflect the culturally rich community we serve daily.
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