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 are in place. The work will continue into spring 2023 and is being 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.
- 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 while Phase 3 work finishes up.
- Pressure testing, backfilling and removal of wooden lagging and other support of excavation will continue at the East trench.
- Abutters can anticipate intermittent noise during excavation including use of a vacuum truck.
- Appropriate signage and police details or workers will be in place to provide guidance to pedestrians and vehicles. Work is taking place in close coordination with Harvard Business School/Housing/Transportation operations.
- Work activity will take place on Saturday, December 10.
- During project hours Monday through Friday from 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 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.
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 traffic has shifted from the new work zone and will be maintained throughout the work activity into spring 2023.
- Crews will finish duct bank work and begin excavation for thermal pipe installation.
- 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 and are finishing up this month. Coordination is ongoing with the Western Avenue Crossing project.
