Crews continue work on the Western Avenue utility crossing which involved temporarily relocating a section of Kresge Way last summer. 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. Snow removal will occur as needed.
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 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.
- The work zone is currently on the northern side of Western Avenue. Crews will complete installing and fusing the chilled water pipes in the western trench.
- Pressure testing is scheduled for Wednesday, March 29.
- An electrical duct bank will begin to be installed later next week.
- Pedestrians have been rerouted to the sidewalk adjacent to Kresge Way and the Harvard Business School lot. The sidewalk closest 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 Harvard Business School/Housing/Transportation operations.
- Saturday work will take place on March 25.
- 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, Utility Installation and Road Work
- The interim DEF access drive behind the construction fence at the Enterprise Research Campus (ERC) has shifted off Western Avenue to Trotting Avenue near Hague Street as crews work on Milestone Street (the former East Drive).
- All are working in coordination with National Resilience.
- Other utility work installation continues inside the ERC site including a large drainage pipe (NASDEP) and a duct bank.
South Campus Drive Utility Work
A South Campus Drive diversion temporary roadway will close on Monday, March 27. Traffic will shift back to the original South Campus Drive alignment. The sidewalk near the McCurdy Track is restored and will reopen on Monday. Utility work activity on a tele/com handhole will take place on the closed diversion roadway after vehicular, cycling and pedestrian traffic shifts back to South Campus Drive.
- 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 from 7AM to 3PM with intermittent coordinated Saturday work.
92 Seattle Street
- Fencing has been installed around the perimeter as crews prepare for the upcoming renovation project.
