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 and around 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 has extended 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 Harvard’s Allston energy infrastructure and is in the final phase of work. 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 on the southern (ERC site) side of the roadway as crews expect to finish backfilling the western trench next week.
- The southern sidewalk has closed in coordination with the current work zone. All pedestrians will be guided to use the sidewalk adjacent to Harvard Business School.
- Sidewalks will be restored.
- Preclearing regulated materials will take place in the northeastern corner of the ERC site in preparation for duct bank installation near the National Resilience driveway.
- Preclearing regulated materials will also occur inside the work zone established near the Soldier’s Field Garage. Harvard University IT duct bank and manhole installation will take place on the sidewalk adjacent to the Soldiers Field parking garage off Kresge Way near Western Avenue. The line from the duct bank will connect to the garage. This work activity will result in a shift of the pedestrian path for most of next week and into the following week. Upon completion the work zone will be restored. A HUPD detail and signage will help guide pedestrians around the work zone.
- 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.
- No work will take place this Saturday.
- 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.
Kresge Way Gas Line Relocation Phase 2
- Preparation for the Kresge Way National Grid gas line relocation phase 2 will be underway with geoprobe soil testing taking place next Wednesday, May 17.
- Crews will work using a mini drill rig in a work zone that will be set up near the guard shack.
- This work is being coordinated to minimize traffic impacts. Traffic and pedestrians will be detoured around the work zone for an hour or two while the activity is underway.
- A total of four work zones will be set up throughout the day.
- An HU police detail will be on site. Appropriate barriers and signage will be in place.
DEF Thermal, Utility Installation and Road Work
- National Grid will be working on Western Avenue between Trotting Avenue and Kresge Way on the ERC side of the road for the next several weeks excavating and installing piping for an upsized gas service.
- 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).
- Crews are installing shoulders and raising castings on Milestone Street.
South Campus Drive Utility Work
The section of South Campus Drive and the sidewalk near the McCurdy Track is restored and reopened. The interim roadway will remain in place for use in future demolition/construction/utility work. Phase 2 planning is underway.
92 Seattle Street
Fencing has been installed around the perimeter as crews prepare for the upcoming renovation project.
Western Avenue Steam Manhole Repair
Nighttime repair work on a steam manhole on Western Avenue closer to the Charles River is finishing up from 7PM to 7AM intermittently. The work zone will be coned and barreled off while work is underway and opened during the day.
175 North Harvard Street
Project trailers will be occupied once connectivity is established in the 201 Western Avenue lot.
