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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 2024 here.

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Important Information and Alerts 

  • Work continues week of 7/1 (crews will only be onsite 7/1 and 7/2 and will be off the remainder for the week for the July Fourth holiday) see "Active Work" below for locations of work, description of activity, and construction impacts.

Active Work

Week of June 24th 

Crews will dig to expose existing infrastructure at locations previously identified as needing repair. (More on how we determine where repairs are needed.)  They will then remove the defective portions of the system and install new structures.

Work is expected to last approximately 1-3 days in each particular location. Schedules are subject to change due to weather or other circumstances.

Scheduled and Locations of Work

Anticipated Work - Week of 7/1 (crews are expect to work on Mon/Tues only)

  • Broadway between Endicott and Weston
  • Broadway between North Street and Alewife Brook Parkway

Work Hours are weekdays 7 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Construction Impacts: 

  • 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 2024

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

Street Status Street Status
Bailey Street Ongoing - Excavation Resumes Week of July 8, 2024  Hillsdale Road Begins Spring 2024
Belknap Street Begins Spring 2024 Hooker Avenue Begins Spring 2024
Broadway Begins Spring 2024 North Street Excavated Work Begins Week of August 2024
Chetwynd Road Begins Spring 2024 Powder House Boulevard Excavated Work Begins Week of July 8,  2024
Conwell Avenue Excavated Work Begins July 8,  2024 Raymond Avenue Excavated Work Complete, Trenchless Begins Summer 2024 
Crest Hill Road Begins Spring 2024 Shore Drive Begins Spring 2024
Curtis Street Excavated Work Complete, Trenchless Begins Summer 2024  Sterling Street Excavated Work Complete, Trenchless Begins Summer 2024 
Dow Street Excavated Work Complete, Trenchless Begins Summer 2024  Upland Road Begins Spring 2024
Endicott Avenue Begins Spring 2024 Ware Street Begins Spring 2024
Fairfax Street Ongoing - Excavation Resumes August 2024  Waterhouse Street Begins Spring 2024
Farragut Avenue Excavated Work Complete, Trenchless Begins Summer 2024  West Adams Street Excavated Work Begins July 15,  2024
Gordon Street Ongoing - Excavation Resumes July 2024 West Quincy Street Excavated Work Complete, Trenchless Begins Summer 2024 
Hamilton Road Begins Spring 2024 Woodstock Street Begins Spring 2024
Hardan Road Begins Spring 2024 Victoria Street Begins Spring 2024
High Street Begins Spring 2024    


 

Image
Map showing the limits of work for sewer rehab in West Somerville

 

Schedule of Work

While all timelines are subject to change, substantial work is expected to begin in June 2024 and be completed by December 2024 with final paving for select streets in spring 2025. 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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