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.
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 in the 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 is 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, installation of shoring, lagging and utility monitoring equipment will continue closer to Kresge Way and Harvard Business School on Western Avenue for Phase 3 work.
- Pedestrians have been rerouted to the sidewalk adjacent to Kresge Way and the Harvard Business School lot, and the sidewalk closest to the ERC site will remain open.
- Crews will continue to fuse thermal pipes inside the trench. They will also be installing an IT duct bank.
- 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.
- No Saturday work this week.
- 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, Utility Installation and ERC Site Work
- The interim DEF access drive behind the construction fence at the Enterprise Research Campus (ERC) site 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.
- Pre-trenching is underway in the northeast section of the ERC site.
South Campus Drive Utility Work
A South Campus Drive diversion temporary roadway has opened while crews install utilities (thermal and ductbank) near the McCurdy Track. Vehicular, cycling and pedestrian has shifted from the new work zone and will be maintained throughout the work activity into spring 2023.
- Duct bank installation is finishing up. Restoration of fencing along the track is taking place.
- Crews will then be installing the underground duct bank across South Campus Drive, keeping a travel lane open and having a police detail on duty to direct traffic.
- The work will generate intermittent noise due to the presence of work crews and the use of construction equipment including excavators, and a possible vacuum truck needed to perform this work.
- Work hours will be Monday through Friday, 7AM to 3PM with intermittent coordinated Saturday work.
Soldiers Field Garage Masonry Repair
Crews began October 11 to repair masonry at the Soldiers Field Garage. This project will continue this month. Coordination is ongoing with the Western Avenue Crossing project.
