Harvard University homepage
HARVARD.EDU

Week of August 7, 2023

The Western Avenue utility crossing roadway work is finalized and is extending onto Kresge Way. This 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
The utility crossing at Western Avenue is complete. Final roadway paving is being coordinated with the City of Boston.

Kresge Way Gas Line Relocation Phase 2 and Extension of Thermal Pipes and Electrical Duct Bank
Construction work is underway on the Kresge Way Gas Line Relocation Phase 2 and Extension of Thermal Pipes/Electrical Duct Bank.

  • A section of Kresge Way has shifted west away from the Soldier’s Field Garage.
  • The road is striped and appropriate signage is in place.
  • Minor pathway shifts will also occur.
  • An interim temporary parking attendant’s booth on the shifted section of Kresge Way is operational.
  • The existing permanent parking attendant booth has been relocated and is being temporarily stored.
  • The existing overhead sign has been removed for temporarily storage during construction.
  • The gas line has been relocated and the area backfilled.
  • Crews are pre-clearing and excavating for the thermal utility work.
  • Construction is being phased in smaller segments to minimize impacts to visitors, pedestrians, bicycles, and vehicles.
  • Work will take place on Saturday, August 5.
  • Piping will be pre-fabricated on site.
  • 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.

DEF, ERC and Road Work

  • The 12 Western Avenue driveway to Harvard’s District Energy Facility (DEF) has shifted back to Milestone Street near National Resilience from Trotting Avenue.  
  • National Grid is working on Western Avenue between Trotting Avenue and Kresge Way on the ERC side of the road and installing piping for an upsized gas service.  When the work is near the entrance of Milestone Street, access will be maintained to the DEF. If work is in progress, there may be a delay while crews plate the area.
  • The ERC development team is finishing installing sheet piles and secant wall piles at the laboratory and residential/hotel sites and beginning bulk excavation creating an uptick in truck traffic, equipment and noise on the site. Field office trailers will begin to be installed on the site between Trotting Avenue and Hague Street.   
  • All are working in coordination with National Resilience.

92 Seattle Street 

  • Fencing has been installed around the perimeter as crews increase activity on this renovation project. 
  • A new street signage package has been installed to help prevent construction vehicles and all other vehicular traffic from cutting through the Allston neighborhood.
  • Mini pile drilling inside the building is underway.
  • Planning is underway for sewer connections near the transportation lot and 38 Travis lot.

175 North Harvard Street

  • Project trailers remain occupied in the 201 Western Avenue lot. 
  • The MBTA bus stop in front of the building will be relocated closer to South Campus Drive on Saturday, August 5.  
  • Interior abatement has begun.
  • Fencing and barriers are installed.

210 North Harvard Street
Work on this exterior and interior improvement project is in progress.

  • Utility work, ramp/stair install, and other upgrades continue, requiring the sidewalk to be closed during work hours and when concrete is curing in front of the building. 
  • Pedestrians are being directed at crosswalks to the opposite sidewalk on North Harvard Street.
  • Work will also take place on the sidewalk at Bertram Street.

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.