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February 03, 2023
Building 1
A lab renovation project in the basement of Building 1 is scheduled through the end of December. Demolition of the existing space in suites 1-078 and 1-080 is underway. Work hours are daily from 6AM-3PM, with some additional early morning and night hours anticipated. Noise is anticipated during construction, with high levels of noise and vibration concluding by 8:30 AM daily.
Questions may be directed to Julie Azzinaro.
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Building 4
A renovation project is underway on the fourth floor of Building 4 to create space for the Physics of Living Systems. Construction activities are scheduled to proceed through December, with crews working Monday-Friday, 6AM–2PM, with occasional weekend work. Additonal work may occur outside the space on the third floor and in the courtyard. This renovation work will generate some noise from demolition activities. Any activities generating loud noise are scheduled to conclude by 9AM.
While this work is underway, crews will transport materials through the fourth floor of Buildings 10 & 3, to the Building 3 loading dock via the Building 3 freight elevator. Material transport is scheduled to occur before 8AM daily. Access to the corridors and stairwells will not be impacted.
Questions may be directed to Bill Mackie.
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Building 5
In order to create a new lab, Room 5-011 has been redesigned. Demolition of the existing space is scheduled to begin Monday, January 23. Anticipated work hours are weekdays from 6AM-2PM. Some noise is anticipated during construction, with high level of noise and vibration concluding by 8:30AM daily. During work hours, crews may be carrying materials to and from the Building 7 loading dock. No hallway closures within Building 5 are anticipated, though the hallway may be narrowed to complete work in the adjacent corridor. This project is scheduled through the end of April.
Questions may be directed to Ben Buda.
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Buildings 16 & 56
Several spaces located on the eighth floor of Buildings 16 & 56 are currently being renovated to create a new lab. Work hours are weekdays from 7AM-3PM, with occasional night and weekend hours. Noise and dust are anticipated during construction, with high level of noise and vibration sometimes beginning after noon. Occasionally during construction, crews will complete work outside of the space, including areas on the seventh floor and on the roof. This project is anticipated to last through March 2023.
Questions may be directed to Julie Azzinaro.
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Building 32
Facade repair
Work is underway to repair the masonry façade of the Star element of Building 32. Anticipated work hours are weekdays from 7AM-6PM, with some weekend and evening work expected. Some minor noise is anticipated. The work areas will be cordoned off. Access to the building will be maintained.
See an overview of the project from the info session here.
Questions may be directed to Eric Ammondson.
Access restrictions and garage closure
To accommodate work in Building 32, access to the building is scheduled to be restricted from 8AM-4PM on Saturday, January 14, and Saturday, January 21. Police will be onsite to assist any occupants who may need access during this necessary systems work.
During the dates and times listed above, Stata Center Garage and all loading docks located within will be inaccessible. Vehicles will be prohibited from entering or exiting the garage during these times. If you will need to park and/or access your vehicle during these times, please plan accordingly and park your car in another location. View alternate parking locations and restrictions.
Questions about access may be directed to Greg Walson.
Drone flight
On Tuesday, January 24, crews are scheduled to be onsite around the Stata Center, Building 32, to perform drone imaging of the area, weather permitting. Anticipated hours are 8AM-2PM. The drone will depart from Hockfield Court. Note that EHS and MIT Police have approved this flight.
Questions may be directed to Alan Molin.
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Building 35
In order to create a new lab, Room 35-333 has been redesigned. Anticipated work hours are weekdays from 6AM-3PM. Some noise is anticipated during construction, with high level of noise and vibration concluding by 8:30AM daily. This project is scheduled through the end of January.
Occasionally the corridor may be narrowed as crews complete work outside the room; the work area will be cordoned off and the corridor will remain accessible. While construction is underway, crews are scheduled to transport materials through the Building 35 freight elevator. Access to the stairwells will not be impacted. No hallway closures within Building 35 are anticipated.
Corridor closure
In continuation of the lab renovation in Room 35-333, corridor work has been scheduled from Monday, January 9, through Friday, January 27. Anticipated hours are 7AM-6PM daily. During these times, there will be no access through this corridor or to the adjacent stairwell on the third-floor except as emergency egress. Occupants are encouraged to use the elevators, stairs, and corridors in Buildings 33, 35, and 37 to access adjacent spaces. Signage will be posted directing occupants.
Questions may be directed to Cherie Alexander.
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Building 42
Construction of the medium temperature hot water (MTHW) structure addition to Building 42 is underway. Anticipated construction hours are 7AM – 3PM, Monday through Friday with some weekend and evening work expected.
Two-way traffic will be maintained on Vassar Street. Cranes, lifts, and saw cutting equipment will be used to perform the demolition operations and materials will be hauled offsite. Noise and some vibration are anticipated during this work, but will not be extensive.
Questions may be directed to Eric Ammondson.
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Building 45
Construction activities are underway as MIT proceeds with the College of Computing on the site of Building 44. As part of its mission to enhance the student experience, the project will establish a home for the new College of Computing.
Below you’ll find an overview and high-level schedule for the major phases of construction. Anticipated construction hours are 7AM – 3PM, Monday-Friday with some weekend and evening work expected. Please note that the schedule is subject to change.
Construction activities
Construction of the College of Computing building is underway. Cranes, construction vehicles, and large trucks will be used to assemble the structure and deliver materials. Noise and some vibration are anticipated during this phase. More information about schedules and dates will be shared as the project progresses. This project is scheduled through the fall of 2023.
- Two-way traffic will be maintained on Vassar Street, though east/west traffic may be intermittently stopped. Construction vehicles will travel through the area.
- The project team will coordinate with other projects along Vassar Street to maintain access around the site.
See the latest two-week look ahead.
Questions may be directed to Travis Wanat.
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Building 46
Energy conservation measures are scheduled to be implemented as part of a full building energy efficiency project in Building 46. The construction phase of the project is underway and will proceed through mid-2023. This work is scheduled to take place daily from 6AM to 3PM.
During this process, crews will access each space to perform the necessary upgrades, potentially including adjusting airflow, installing additional occupancy sensors, relocating or installing diffusers, and upgrading fume hoods. The team is working closely with the departments and room occupants to coordinate the activity as needed. This work will impact every room within these buildings.
See an overview of the project from the recent townhall here.
Questions may be directed to Jessica Parks.
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Building 54
As part of the Institute’s investment in infrastructure renewal, work is underway to renew Building 54. This work includes replacing the roof system, and restoring the façade and building systems. During this construction, noise and vibration are expected.
The area under Building 54 and to the north and south has been fenced off to define the construction area. During this time, access to the lobbies of Building 54 will be relocated to the southern side of the building through temporary passageways. This relocation is scheduled through the end of the project’s anticipated completion in August of 2023.
Anticipated work hours are from 7AM to 3:30PM daily. The construction vehicles and crane will be entering and exiting the site through the courtyard via Ames Street through the driveway behind Building 50. A police detail will be onsite to direct pedestrian and vehicular traffic.
See an overview of the project from the 2019 townhall here.
View the latest townhall presentation here.
See the latest two-week look ahead and egress plan.
Questions may be directed to Megan Kefalis.
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Building 55
Construction activities are currently underway as MIT proceeds with a new pavilion addition to Building 54, Building 55. Below you’ll find an overview and high-level schedule for the major phases of construction. Construction hours are 7AM–6PM, Monday through Friday, with some weekend and evening work expected. Please note that the schedule is subject to change.
Project phases (note these dates are estimates and are subject to change)
- Project mobilization in March included extending fencing along the site perimeter and utility work. Foundation excavation activities are underway. Traffic will increase in the area during this time.
- April – May Foundations: Beginning April 1, sheet piles will be driven into place on the site. This is noisy work. Pile driving activities will be delayed to a 9:00 AM start time to mitigate the impact on residents abutting the site. The team is working with Housing and Residential Life Services to arrange additional mitigation strategies.
- May 2022 – August 2024 Construction and exteriors: Steel structure will be erected along with envelope, interiors, utilities, and landscape.
Entrance and exit relocation
The area under Building 54 and to the north and south has been fenced off to define the construction area. During this time, access to the lobbies of Building 54 will be relocated to the southern side of the building through temporary passageways. This relocation is scheduled through the end of the project’s anticipated completion in August of 2023.
Project overview
Building 55 will provide new meeting places, classrooms, and study areas, and will create a high-profile space to showcase climate and environmental research at MIT. The project brings the Department of Earth, Atmospheric and Planetary Sciences (EAPS), the MIT-Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) Joint Program, and the MIT Environmental Solutions Initiative (ESI) all under one roof, affording greater opportunities for interaction and the cross-pollination of ideas.
Contacts
Questions may be directed to Megan Kefalis.
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Buildings E23 & E25 facade work
As part of the Institute’s investment in infrastructure renewal, crews are scheduled to renew the façades of Buildings E23 & E25. This work includes repairing, replacing, restoring, and repointing the brick and surfaces of the façades. Construction activities are targeted to continue through the summer of 2023, with a break during the winter months. Anticipated construction hours are 7AM – 3PM. During this construction, noise and vibration are expected from façade cutting and chipping work.
Construction is planned to be completed in two phases. The project team is working closely with the occupants impacted by this work and has been meeting with key contacts in each area to review the proposed schedule and share the scope of work associated with the project.
Building E23 laydown area
Please note that during construction, materials for the project will be transported via Amherst Street to the laydown area on the corner of Carleton and Amherst Streets. The Bluebikes rack in this area will remain open and accessible, and access to the buildings and the surrounding area will be maintained.
Questions may be directed to Thanh Nguyen.
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Building E55 surface lot
In an effort to improve utilities in the area for current and future development, MIT has closed the Hermann Garage, surface lot, and a portion of the Main Street walkway to the north of Building E55 for construction. Excavation activities are underway and a vacuum truck will be utilized; noise is expected. Work hours are 7AM – 6PM Monday to Friday, with potential for additional weekend hours.
During this work, pedestrian and vehicular access across the surface lot will be prohibited. Pedestrians will be rerouted along Main Street and in front of Building E62 to access the headhouse for the Sloan Garage. Vehicular access to the Sloan Garage will be maintained through the E62 driveway, though the location of the path will be shifted throughout the project.
Police will be onsite to direct vehicular, cyclist, and pedestrian traffic. Signage will be posted. Please be aware and use caution when traversing the area.
Questions may be directed to Holly Sutherland.
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East Campus: Kendall Square Initiative
For the most up-to-date information about the Kendall Square Initiative, visit the courbanize project profile. Click the “Follow” button to sign up for an account and receive notifications about the project. Learn more about the Kendall Square Initiative.
Construction in Kendall Square kicked off in September 2016. Ultimately, this visionary project will deliver a dynamic blend of uses in the area, including graduate student, market rate, and affordable housing; lab and research space; innovation space; retail and open space; and a new facility for the MIT Museum. Construction hours are scheduled for 7AM – 6PM weekdays, and Saturday from 9AM – 6PM.
Questions about the construction phase of this work may be directed to Holly Sutherland.
Visit the courbanize project profile to review details about the planned activities and to subscribe to construction updates. Subscribe to notifications by clicking the “Login” button at the foot of the “Comment here” box to sign up for an account, and then “follow” the project.
Patient parking for MIT Medical will remain available.
- MIT Medical will validate parking for patients. (Cars exiting the lot without validation will incur a non-refundable $60 fine.)
- Cars that are in the lot for more than two hours are subject to towing. If patients have appointments that exceed two hours, MIT Medical will contact the Parking Office on their behalf.
MBTA Kendall Station work
The MBTA has commenced work at the Kendall Square inbound train station. Access to the station is scheduled to be maintained throughout construction. Signage will be posted directing users to alternate entrances. MBTA passengers are anticipated to be directed to the new headhouse leading to the Kendall Square inbound MBTA station after January 28. Watch for signage and fencing changes.
General Construction Updates
- Police details will be utilized throughout the project area to assist with pedestrian and vehicular traffic.
- Large equipment will be removed and brought to site on and on-going basis. This activity may occur after hours but no disruptions are expected.
- General construction activities will continue on Saturdays. Work will occur within the City of Cambridge allowable work hours, 9:00 am to 6:00 pm.
See the map for more details.
Questions about the construction phase of this work may be directed to Holly Sutherland.
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East Campus, Medium Temperature Hot Water
A project to install Medium Temperature Hot Water to the East Campus is underway. Updates about the project as it progresses through the area can be found below.
Questions may be directed to Seth Kinderman.
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Building N51
Demolition work is underway in the basement, first floor, and courtyard of Building N51 for the relocation of the Hobby Shop. Construction hours are weekdays from 5:30 AM – 3:30 PM; any disruptive exterior work will commence after 7 AM. This construction will generate some noise from jack hammers, trucks, and hand tools.
Materials will be delivered from the Building N52 loading dock. Crane work is scheduled to occur as the project progresses, and a notification detailing the location and impact will be sent when this work is scheduled. This project is scheduled through the end of January.
Questions may be directed to Alan Molin.
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Building W5 & W7
Emergency steam manhole work along Amherst Alley between Buildings W5 and DKE/PBE is underway. Anticipated work hours for this project are Monday through Friday 7AM-5PM, with disruptive work beginning after 9AM, and Saturday from 9AM-5PM. This work is scheduled through the end of February.
Temporary boiler placement
To accommodate loss of heat in buildings directly affected by this steam line work, temporary boilers have been placed onsite and piped into spaces in Buildings W5, W7, TDC, PBE & DKE. Scaffolding has been erected to support temporary piping into the buildings. Access to the buildings and Amherst Alley will be maintained throughout. The boilers are scheduled to be started the week of January 16.
Manhole work: January - February
Once the temporary boilers are activated, manhole work is scheduled to begin in several locations along Amherst Alley between Buildings W5 and DKE/PBE. A generator truck may be onsite as needed during this work; some generator noise may be expected Monday through Saturday between 9AM and 5PM. The work areas will be cordoned off, and police will be onsite. This work is scheduled through the end of February. Due to the nature of work to be completed, please note that the schedule is subject to change. Notice will be given.
Questions may be directed to Seth Kinderman.
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Building W18: Music Building
Construction activities are underway as MIT proceeds with a new Music Building on and around the site of the Kresge parking lot (behind Building W16). As part of MIT’s mission to enhance the student experience, the project will provide highly advanced performance, rehearsal, and music teaching spaces as well as music technology resources such as a makerspace, research lab, and production labs.
Construction hours are 7 AM – 6 PM, Monday through Friday, with some weekend and evening work expected. Please note that the schedule is subject to change.
Learn about the new Music Building
To learn more about the project, visit the Capital Projects site.
See the latest two-week look ahead.
Contact
Questions about this work may be directed to Sarah Yazici.
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Building W20
Envelope repair work is underway on the Building W20 terrace adjacent to the Kresge Oval. This project includes the removal and replacement of the waterproofing membrane and concrete repair. Construction activities are planned for Monday through Friday, from 7AM – 3PM. Some noise from concrete demolition and membrane repair is expected; note during finals, work will be limited to activities with reduced noise and impact to the surrounding community.
To accommodate this work, the terrace area will be enclosed with fencing. Access to the main entrances of W20 will be maintained, and pedestrians will be detoured around the construction area. The second-floor entrances on the terrace will remain closed throughout construction. Signage will be posted. This project is scheduled through the end of January 2023.
Questions about this work may be directed to Thanh Nguyen.
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Building W41
Construction activities are underway as MIT proceeds with the redevelopment of the Metropolitan (Met) Warehouse, Building W41. The adaptive reuse of the Met Warehouse will provide a new home for the School of Architecture and Planning (SA+P), including classrooms, design studios, research spaces, faculty offices, and areas for meetings and collaborative activities. Additionally, the space will house the new MIT Morningside Academy for Design and create a location for the largest community-wide makerspace on campus managed by Project Manus. The anticipated target completion date for this project is summer 2025.
Below you’ll find an overview and high-level schedule for the major phases of construction. Standard hours are 7 AM – 6 PM, Monday-Friday, with some weekend and evening work expected. Please note that the schedule is subject to change.
Project mobilization and demolition (June 2022)
Beginning Wednesday, June 1, crews are scheduled to be onsite to begin construction activities at the Met Warehouse. On Friday, June 3, crews are scheduled to install a fence to establish the perimeter of the construction site. Demolition will continue through May of 2023, and will include activity on all sides of the existing structure. Noise, vibration, and increased truck traffic are anticipated throughout this phase.
During this time, the sidewalk and cycle track adjacent to the building along Vassar Street will close to pedestrians and cyclists for the duration of the project. The westbound cycle track will be detoured to create a shared lane on Vassar Street (the eastbound lane will be unaffected). Pedestrians will be directed to the south side of Vassar Street via existing crossings at the New Vassar Residence Hall and at Mass Ave. The sidewalk adjacent to Mass Ave will remain accessible.
Utilities and foundation work (summer and fall 2022)
Utilities work is scheduled to proceed during the summer, followed by foundation work for the renovated space in the fall. The additional foundation structure will consist of drilled piles within the existing building shell.
Noise and some vibration are anticipated during this work. Trucks will deliver materials and remove debris from the site from locations along Vassar Street, the railroad tracks, and the loading dock area next to Building W46. The sidewalk adjacent to Mass Ave is scheduled to close for a three-week duration in the fall.
Learn about the Metropolitan Warehouse
To learn more, visit the Capital Projects site.
Contact
Questions about this project may be directed to metwh-reno-info@mit.edu.
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Building W51
Lintel work
Crews are performing upper window lintel remediation work along the Memorial Drive façade of Burton Conner, Building W51. As part of this project, the exterior stair will also be removed. Crews will access the windows from a lift. Paint will be removed from the windows by hand-scrapers, and the stair will be removed using a grinder. Dust will be contained, and a protective coating will be applied to seal the exposed lintels.
Anticipated hours are Monday through Saturday from 9AM-6PM. Please note that lifts for this project will be delivered during the week preceding the start of work. Crews will be onsite beginning at 7AM to set up, but work will not begin until 9AM. Some minor noise from the lift or grinders is expected. The work area will be cordoned off, and access to the building will be maintained.
Questions about this project may be directed to Kevin Carr.
Courtyard work
Beginning Tuesday, January 3, drain line repair work is scheduled for the northeastern courtyard of Building W51 along Amherst Alley, weather permitting. Anticipated hours are 8AM-3PM each day. High levels of noise from machinery are anticipated. The work area will be enclosed; no impact to traffic or pedestrians is expected.
Questions may be directed to Cori McKee.
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Buildings W87 & W88: West Campus Graduate Residence
In January 2022, construction activities are scheduled to begin as MIT proceeds with the creation of a new graduate residence in West Campus at the site of the West Lot and the Police Station (Building W89).
A Graduate Residence on West Campus
As part of MIT’s mission to advance its commitment to expanding graduate housing, the West Campus Graduate Residence on Vassar Street will add approximately 675 new beds to MIT’s housing stock and will enrich connections with the surrounding neighborhood. Construction is expected to proceed through the end of the summer of 2024.
Construction is underway
Normal construction hours are 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM, Monday-Friday with some weekend and evening work expected.
Project phases (note these dates are estimates and are subject to change)
- January – April 2022 Site enabling and Demolition: In preparation for demolition and foundation activities, the West Lot is scheduled to close permanently on Saturday, January 15. An email has been sent to all Riverside area parking account holders advising that all vehicles in the West Lot must be moved to another lot by 7:00 PM on Friday, January 14. Parkers may relocate their vehicles to the Westgate Lot across Vassar Street or to any lot within the Riverside area.
- As part of the project, the MIT Police office, currently in Building W89, has been relocated to newly renovated space in W91.
- March – September 2022 Foundations: Piles will be spliced and driven into place on the site. This is noisy work. The team is working with Housing and Residential Life Services to arrange mitigation strategies. This activity will include Saturday work throughout the summer.
- August 2022 – August 2024 Construction and exteriors: Steel structure will be erected along with envelope, interiors, utilities, and landscape. Updates will be sent as the project progresses.
Safety measures throughout construction will include:
- Parallel street parking along certain portions of Vassar Street will be blocked off.
- The westbound cycle track will be detoured to create a shared lane on Vassar Street (the eastbound lane will be unaffected).
- The two Vassar Street crosswalks and the sidewalk in front of the site will be closed, and pedestrians will be directed to the south side of Vassar Street via existing crossings at Simmons Hall and at Amesbury Street.
- The MBTA track pedestrian crossing at Fort Washington Park will be closed to the public during construction, and all circulation will be detoured to the Pacific Street Crossing between Buildings W46 and W59.
- The Cambridge Public School bus stop currently located in front of W89 will be relocated. Details will be sent when the location is finalized.
- Note that the tower crane will move with the wind when not in use; this is normal for cranes like this.
Closure of the railroad crossing
The pedestrian railroad crossing at Fort Washington Park is closed to the public for the duration of construction, and all circulation will be detoured to the Pacific Street Crossing between Buildings W46 and W59.
The traffic pattern in front of the site along Vassar Street has been altered to allow for westbound cyclists to join traffic, and pedestrians have been rerouted to the southern sidewalk of Vassar Street. Two-way traffic will be maintained throughout construction. Noise and vibration are anticipated during construction hours. Saturday work is scheduled throughout the summer. Pile driving activities are scheduled to run from March 2022 to September 2022.
See the latest two-week look ahead.
Questions may be directed to west-campus-grad-info@mit.edu.
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Amherst Alley
The drain line work next to Building W51 is scheduled to continue through Friday, January 13, and may extend depending on the progress made. During work hours, a vacuum truck is scheduled to be located on Amherst Alley between Endicott and Fowler Streets. High levels of noise from machinery are anticipated.
Amherst Alley will remain open to pedestrians, though the sidewalk next to Buildings W51 and W51D has been narrowed. Pedestrians are urged to use caution when traversing this area.
Vehicular traffic will be intermittently stopped during work hours, and shuttles will be diverted in the area down Endicott Street to Memorial Drive, returning to Amherst Alley on Fowler Street. This portion of the alley will be impeded from 8AM-3PM and reopened fully to traffic in the evening. Police will be onsite throughout these activities. Signage to direct pedestrian and vehicular traffic will be posted.
Questions may be directed to Cori McKee.
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Non-MIT work
Albany Street closure
Traffic patterns have shifted at the site of the new Ragon Institute project. Albany Street is inaccessible to vehicular traffic from the intersection of Portland and Albany Streets to the entrance of the Albany Street Garage. This closure is scheduled continuously through the end of construction in 2023.
This proposed closure will occur from the intersection of Albany and Portland Streets to the entrance of the MIT Albany Street Garage (Building N4). Traffic will remain two-way from Main Street to the entrance of the Albany Street Garage (Building N4). The sidewalks along the site on Portland Street and Main Street will be removed during this time. The pedestrian path, located between the Albany Street Garage and the CUP construction site, will not be affected by this project. Signs will be posted to direct pedestrians around the area.
See the map for more information.
Questions about this work may be directed to Steve Allen.
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Eversource work
Eversource is performing exploratory work throughout campus. Locations of work include areas on Ames Street, Memorial Drive, Broadway, Hampshire Street, Third Street, and Vassar Street. During this activity, a truck will set up at various locations along the street or the adjacent sidewalk to perform drilling work. Intermittent heavy noise is expected. Scheduled hours of work are Monday through Friday from 7AM-4PM, with some Saturday and evening work anticipated.
Traffic may be reduced to a single lane; two-way traffic will be maintained, though traffic may be intermittently stopped. The sidewalk may be impassable at the work location, and pedestrians may be directed to use the opposite sidewalk. Police will be onsite to help direct pedestrian, bicycle, and vehicular traffic during this work.
For questions, please contact Eversource representatives Charles Eck or Peter Tuttle.
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