Crews continue work on the Western Avenue utility crossing which involved temporarily relocating a section of Kresge Way summer of 2022. 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. No construction activity will occur on May 25th, Harvard University Commencement.
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.
- The work zone is currently on the southern (ERC site) side of the roadway as crews finish backfilling the western trench.
- 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 finish in the northeastern corner of the ERC site in preparation for duct bank installation near the National Resilience driveway.
- Preclearing regulated materials will also finish inside the work zone established near the Soldier’s Field Garage. Harvard University IT and electrical duct bank and manhole installation will continue 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. To accommodate this work activity the pedestrian path has shifted and will be in place until next Wednesday, May 24. Upon completion the work zone will be restored.
- 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, May 20.
- 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 continues.
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 raising castings on the interim Trotting Avenue inside the ERC site.
South Campus Drive Utility Work
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 are occupied in the 201 Western Avenue lot. In preparation for the Boston Calling concert on Memorial Day weekend, trucks and boats will be temporarily located in the lot. Fence repairs will take place, and a person gate will be installed along Academic Way.
- Preparation for temporary electrical power will begin with excavation to install concrete pads in the driveway near South Campus Drive starting Monday through Wednesday, May 22 – 24.
