Crews are finalizing their work on this section of the Western Avenue utility crossing which involved temporarily relocating a section of Kresge Way during the 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 fall 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. 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 final roadway work zone has been removed. Backfilling and restoration continue inside the site.
- Crews will be restoring the Western Avenue sidewalk area on the Harvard Business School side of the roadway next week.
- Pedestrians will be detoured to the sidewalk adjacent to the Soldiers Field garage around the work zone near Kresge Way and back to Western Avenue.
- The southern sidewalk will reopen when National Grid finishes work in the area.
- 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.
- 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 and Extension of Thermal Pipes and Electrical Duct Bank
Plans are under way to relocate a gas line in preparation for extending the thermal piping and electrical duct bank under sections of Kresge Way later this summer and fall. The project team is reviewing work plans/site logistics with Harvard Business School/Transportation/Housing and are targeting to begin work the week of June 20.
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). Plans are underway to relocate the drive back to Milestone Street.
- All are working in coordination with National Resilience.
- Pre-clearing and soil probe test pits for future structures will occur behind the SEC off Science Drive between Rena Path and Rotterdam Street.
92 Seattle Street
- Fencing has been installed around the perimeter as crews prepare for the upcoming renovation project.
- A new street signage package is being installed to help prevent construction vehicles and all other vehicular traffic from cutting through the Allston neighborhood.
- Mobilizing will take place in the coming week.
175 North Harvard Street
- Project trailers remain occupied in the 201 Western Avenue lot.
- Crews are working on temporary electrical power areas.
- Concrete pads will be placed near South Campus Drive.
