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.

View of list of streets where repairs will be taking place in 2023/2024 here.

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 2023

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

Bartlett St.	James St.	Pennsylvania Ave.
Beacon St.	Kennsington Ave.	Richdale Ave.
Blakely Ave.	Marshall St.	Rush St.
Bonair St.	Medford St.	School St.
Bradley St.	Melvin St.	Somerville Ave.
Brook St.	Michigan Ave.	Sycamore St.
Cross St.	Mystic Ave.	Tennyson St.
Dartmouth St.	Oakland Ave.	Walnut St.
Garfield Ave.	Otis St.	Wesley St.
Gilman St.	Partridge Ave.	Wigglesworth St.
Glen St.	Pearl St.	Wisconsin Ave.
Jackson Rd.	Pembroke St.

Schedule of Work

While all timelines are subject to change, substantial work is anticipated to be completed in December 2023 with final paving for select streets in Spring 2024. 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 plastic- or glue-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.

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