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.

Week of May 5-9 - Roadway Restoration

Weather permitting, this upcoming week, May 5-9, between the hours of 7 a.m. and 4 p.m., City contractors will be repairing and repaving the sections of the roadway where underground utility work took place last year. (Click for more.)

Anticipated Schedule/Locations of Work

The below schedules are subject to change due to weather or other factors.

Monday - May 5

West Adams Street (between approx. #114-139)
Chetwynd Rd (in the vicinity of #64)
Conwell Avenue (between approximately #89 and the intersection w/ North St.)
Shore Drive
Crest Hill Road

Tuesday - May 6

North Street (between approx. #121-157
Shore Drive
Crest Hill Road

Thursday - May 8

Gordon St (near #85)
Fairfax Street (near #17 and #79
Sterling Street (near #17)
West Quincy Street (between approx. #109 and the intersection w/ Bailey St.)

Construction Impacts

Periodic street closures may be in effect while work is underway
- Pedestrian access will be maintained via both sidewalks at all times.
- Access will be retained for local residents and emergency vehicles .
Temporary parking restrictions will also be in place.
- Please observe posted signage.

On-site crews and police details are available to help, if you need assistance getting to/from your home while work is underway.

If you have questions, please email construction@somervillema.gov or call the Engineering Division at (617) 625-6600 ext. 5400.

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CIPP Lining Only - Affected residences are asked to limit their water usage during work hours on the date when work is taking place on the stretch where their home located
- affected residents will receive a secondary flyer with more information this request approximately 24 hour prior to work on their street
On-street parking will be restricted during construction.
- Please observe posted signage.
Periodic road closures may be required.
- Access will be maintained for pedestrians/residents
Trash/recycling pick-ups and deliveries will not be affected.

If you have questions, please email construction@somervillema.gov or call the Engineering Division at (617) 625-6600 x 5400

How It Works

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.

Affected Streets 2025

Work is scheduled to occur on portions of the following streets:

Street	Status	Street	Status
Franklin Street	Upcoming	Franklin Avenue	Upcoming
Myrtle Street	Upcoming	Florence Street	Upcoming
Lincoln Avenue	Upcoming	Mount Pleasant Street	Upcoming
Mount Vernon Street	Upcoming	Perkins Street	Upcoming

Map showing affected streets in East Somerville for upcoming sewer rehab work

Schedule of Work

This work is expected to begin in late May and continue through the summer. 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

Fire Prevention Bureau

The primary responsibility of the Fire Prevention Bureau is to prevent fires from occurring by aggressive enforcement and educating the public on all laws and ordinances relative to fire safety.

A large propane tanker truck photographed from behind to show its warning sign.

Local Emergency Planning Committee

The Somerville Office of Emergency Management and the Somerville LEPC work collaboratively with all town public safety agencies to maintain the required levels of preparedness and response to potential hazardous material incidents.

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