Enterprise Research Campus (ERC)* Phase 1 Enabling Infrastructure Work
Enabling work continues at the parcel of the future Enterprise Research Campus (ERC) in Allston across from Harvard Business School (HBS) bordered by the Mass Pike, Western Avenue, Hague Street, and the National Resilience Inc. facility at 500 Soldiers Field Road. Much of the project work, which will continue through this year, involves underground investigations, pre-clearing, trenching, and utility pipes/conduit/utility structure installations. Construction activities will continue through 2024 for the construction of streetscape elements and completion of roadways.
The first phase of the Developer construction work will begin with foundation preparation activity on new buildings including residential, lab/office, hotel, conference center, retail/restaurant space and is targeted to begin this month.
- As the project progresses, there will be an uptick in truck traffic on Western Ave during project work hours, typically 7AM to 3PM Monday through Friday. Contractors and subcontractors are directed to have all Trucks follow approved truck routes to/from the jobsite to ensure they are not traveling on neighborhood streets.
- 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 driveway to Harvard’s District Energy Facility (DEF) will shift back to Milestone Street from Trotting Avenue later this month.
- The roadways have been paved within the ERC site.
- Construction noise will continue during work hours.
North Allston Storm Drain Extension Project (NASDEP)
The NASDEP is a project for the Boston Water and Sewer Commission (BWSC) that is designed in collaboration with Harvard University to alleviate the inundated existing storm water systems in the North Allston neighborhood. The proposed modifications to the BWSC stormwater management system will significantly improve its performance by providing much needed additional conveyance capacity. The enabling work for the project began in 2021 and once permitted will continue through 2024. The increased capacity systems are designed to extend from the area south of the new Science and Engineering Complex (SEC), connecting to an existing stormwater drain system in Rena Park, routing through the ERC and following behind the National Resilience Inc. (formerly Sanofi/Genzyme) facility before crossing Soldiers Field Road to an outfall in the Charles River.
Major sections of an 84-inch and 48-inch diameter concrete drainage pipe have been placed between manhole structures behind the DEF and off Trotting Avenue. Sheet piles and other piles have been installed near National Resilience to support other underground structures in advance of a National Grid gas relocation at 500 Soldiers Field Road.
- The area adjacent to the southern side of the DEF is being restored.
- Crews are placing the concrete slab inside an underground stormwater storage area on site. Thousands of R tank infiltration modules currently stored on the Sears pad will be installed above the concrete.
- Pre-clearing and soil probe test pits for future structures will occur behind the Science & Engineering Complex off Science Drive between Rena Path and Rotterdam Street.
- Activity on-site is ongoing and in accordance with access and monitoring protocols.
- Truck traffic to and from the site continues using the designated route from Hague Street.
- Noise will continue to be intermittent.
Kresge Way Temporary Relocation
As part of Harvard’s infrastructure improvements in Allston, the University has relocated utilities across Western Avenue, over to and on Kresge Way, the main driveway into the Harvard Business School (HBS) campus. A temporary drive to Kresge Way remains open to the west of the existing drive. Traffic continues to be relocated to this interim drive on Western Avenue.
Western Avenue Utility Crossing
A utility crossing at Western Avenue is finishing up and will allow for improvements to Harvard’s Allston energy infrastructure.
Supporting vehicular, cycling and pedestrian flow, a phased approach has been used to install hot water and chilled water supply and return piping, telecommunications and electrical duct banks in two trenches across the width of Western Ave. 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 sidewalk closest to the ERC has closed in coordination with crews backfilling the southern section of the trench.
- The crossing section of Western Avenue will be paved and restored.
- Appropriate signage and police details will be in place.
- During project hours 7AM to 3PM (at times may extend to 6PM), the work will generate intermittent noise due to the presence of work crews and the use of construction equipment including a vacuum truck and drill rig needed to perform this work.
- Saturday work will take place early this month.
DEF Thermal and Electrical Duct Bank Installation
- All are working in coordination with National Resilience.
South Campus Drive Utility Work
South Campus Drive has been paved and vehicular, cycling and pedestrian traffic has shifted from the temporary roadway back to the original alignment along the McCurdy track.
- The interim roadway will remain in place for use in future demolition/construction/utility work.
92 Seattle Street
Renovation is underway for reuse of this Harvard building.
- Fencing has been installed around the project site perimeter as crews prepare to mobilize this week for building renovation and removal of regulated materials.
- Select interior demolition, interior drilling of mini piles, abatement and other early construction activities are expected to begin this month.
- The work will generate intermittent noise due to the presence of work crews and the use of construction equipment including but not limited to jackhammers.
- Work hours will be Monday through Friday, 7AM to 3PM with possible intermittent coordinated Saturday work.
Kresge Way Gas Line Relocation Phase 2 and Extension of Thermal Pipes/Electrical Duct Bank
The gas line is being relocated in preparation for extending the thermal piping and electrical duct bank later this summer and fall from the DEF under Kresge Way from Western Avenue and turning left at Klarman Hall.
- This initial phase of work includes temporarily relocating the parking attendant’s booth. The booth will be stored and replaced with a temporary booth that will be located on a median further west on Kresge Way.
- Coordinating with National Grid, crews will be excavating and properly removing regulated soils followed by installation of piping and duct banks, testing and then backfilling and site restoration. The gas line work is expected to be complete in July.
- Construction will be phased in smaller segments to minimize impacts to visitors, pedestrians, bicycles, and vehicles.
- This work will be coordinated to minimize impact on traffic.
175 North Harvard Street
Preparation is underway for building demolition this summer.
- Three trailer field offices remain occupied in the 201 Western Avenue lot.
- The Blue Bike station will relocate to the McCurdy track side of South Campus Drive.
- Crews are working on temporary electrical power areas including placing concrete for the pads.
210 North Harvard Street
Improvements for this Harvard-owned building include removal and replacement of windows, doors, stairs, landings, and sidewalks. Roof work, excavation of the side parking lot for installation of upgraded, underground utilities and connecting to existing utilities will also take place.
- Exterior work in the building’s parking lot and the North Harvard Street sidewalk in front of the building begins the week of June 5th.
- Construction noise can be expected during standard work hours Monday through Friday, 7AM to 3PM. Excavators and trucking equipment will be used to perform this work.
- Intermittent sidewalk closures in front of 210 North Harvard Street will occur.
- Signage will be posted during closures to provide pedestrian detours and ensure their safety.