Crews continue work on the Western Avenue utility crossing which involved temporarily relocating a section of Kresge Way, which opened to traffic in July. Pedestrian and vehicular shifts on Western Avenue to accommodate underground utility trenches and work zones will be in place. The work will continue into spring 2023 and will be coordinated with University operations. A small masonry repair project will take place through the month of October at the Soldier Field Garage.
Kresge Way Temporary Relocation
As part of Harvard’s infrastructure improvements in Allston, the University is extending thermal piping and electrical/telecommunications duct banks from the District Energy Facility across Western Avenue to Kresge Way, the main driveway into the HBS campus. An interim drive further west off Western Avenue has replaced the original drive.
Western Avenue Utility Crossing
Work for the utility crossing at Western Avenue will allow for expansion of the Harvard’s Allston energy infrastructure and is expected to be complete next spring. Supporting vehicular, cycling and pedestrian flow, a phased approach is being used to install hot water and chilled water supply and return piping, telecommunications and electrical duct banks across the width of Western Ave. The construction activity consists of six phases to excavate three trenches the width of Western Avenue. Only a third of the roadway will be a construction zone allowing for two, open vehicular traffic lanes at all times, one in each direction.
- A detailed traffic management plan is in place always maintaining two lanes of traffic.
- Excavation and installation of lagging and utility monitoring equipment has begun closer to Kresge Way and Harvard Business School on Western Avenue for Phase 3 work, which will be ongoing through October.
- A pedestrian detour is in place around the excavation site. Pedestrians are routed to and from Western Avenue through Kresge Way/Harvard Business School lot sidewalks. The sidewalk adjacent to the ERC site remains open.
- Abutters can anticipate intermittent noise during excavation including use of a vacuum truck.
- Appropriate signage and police details or workers will be in place. Work is scheduled to take place in close coordination with Business School/Housing/Transportation operations.
- During project hours 7AM to 3PM (at times may extend to 6PM), the work will generate noise due to the presence of work crews and the use of construction equipment.
DEF Thermal and Utility Installation
- The interim DEF access drive behind the construction fence at the Enterprise Research Campus (ERC) has opened up.
- All are working in coordination with National Resilience.
- Other utility work including a large drainage pipe installation (NASDEP) continues inside the ERC site.
Electrical work at Western Avenue
Eversource has finished replacing a manhole closer to Hague Street on Western Avenue. Future activity is being planned by Eversource.
Soldiers Field Garage Masonry Repair
Starting on Tuesday, October 11, crews will be installing scaffolding and removing bricks at the Soldiers Field Garage to repair masonry. This repair project will continue into November. Pedestrian access will be maintained. A police detail will be in place.
