FITCHBURG ROAD & INFRASTRUCTURE UPDATE | WEEK OF NOV. 9, 2026
First, a look at some recently completed improvements!
Check out these photos of the completed Railroad Street improvements, part of our Complete Streets project connecting the Rail Trail to the new pedestrian bridge being constructed toward Main Street! We're also working on the next phase of that connection to Main Street, with additional improvements planned for 2027–2029 through our Moran Square improvements grant.
And take a look at the freshly paved Pleasant Street, including new sidewalks that will provide safer walking conditions for our students at Longsjo Middle School!
These are great examples of how we're connecting neighborhoods, improving pedestrian safety, and investing in infrastructure that serves our residents for years to come!
IMPORTANT DOWNTOWN TRAFFIC ALERT: MULTIPLE MAIN STREET CLOSURES THIS WEEK!
In addition to our ongoing infrastructure projects, multiple contractors will be working on Main Street and Boulder Drive this week, resulting in significant traffic restrictions and detours downtown.
MONDAY & TUESDAY: Main Street will be CLOSED in both directions between Oliver Street and Hartwell Street, near 533 Main Street.
MONDAY, TUESDAY, THURSDAY & FRIDAY: Main Street will be CLOSED to WESTBOUND traffic near Rise and Grind Café at 805 Main Street.
BOULDER DRIVE: Alternating one-lane traffic will be in place near the Water Street Bridge during additional roadway construction.
These projects may affect your regular route through downtown, so please plan ahead, allow extra travel time, and follow posted detours.
Downtown businesses and City Hall will remain accessible, although you may need to approach from a different direction. Please continue supporting our downtown businesses throughout construction!
IMPORTANT UPDATE: The Boulder Drive closure associated with the Water Street Bridge project has been rescheduled to begin the week of November 16, rather than November 9. The closure is expected to last approximately 1–2 weeks.
NOW, HERE'S WHAT'S HAPPENING THIS WEEK!
Several important infrastructure projects are underway across Fitchburg, including sewer separation, drainage improvements, water infrastructure, paving, and bridge reconstruction.
Here's where crews are scheduled to work, organized alphabetically by street to make it easier to find your neighborhood!
ACADEMY STREET
New sewer installation continues in the Davis Street area as part of the CSO 045/083 Sewer Separation Project.
Drainage installation continues near the Upper Common and Main Street.
Temporary detours and local traffic restrictions will be in place.
ARN-HOW FARM ROAD
• Lazaro's subcontractor will install guardrail near the entrance at Ashby State Highway.
BOULDER DRIVE
Water Street Bridge Project:
Contractor MIG now anticipates beginning the relocation of Boulder Drive beneath the Water Street Bridge during the week of November 16.
Boulder Drive will be CLOSED to through traffic in the construction area for approximately 1–2 weeks beginning that week.
An emergency vehicle travel lane is not expected to be available through the work zone during this phase.
Following this work, crews will begin lead abatement and bridge superstructure demolition. During that subsequent phase, traffic over the Water Street Bridge will be reduced to one lane in each direction, with one westbound lane on Boulder Drive remaining open.
Sewer Separation Projects:
Water main service tie-ins are scheduled for the week of November 9.
Test pits are planned between 166 Boulder Drive and Wood Place during the week of November 9.
Additional Boulder Drive Construction (Polito Construction):
Roadway construction will take place near the Water Street Bridge.
Boulder Drive will be reduced to ONE travel lane, with alternating traffic maintained in both directions.
Motorists should expect intermittent delays and follow directions from traffic control personnel.
This is separate from the upcoming Water Street Bridge-related Boulder Drive closure currently scheduled to begin the week of November 16.
Downtown businesses, employees, and visitors should anticipate detours and allow extra travel time as construction progresses.
CENTRAL STREET
Drainage repairs to address a sinkhole are scheduled during the week.
Temporary traffic impacts may occur while repairs are underway.
DAVIS STREET
Installation of new sewer infrastructure continues as part of the CSO 045/083 project.
Local traffic will be directed around active construction zones.
Parking restrictions will be in effect near the work area.
ELECTRIC AVENUE AT ROLLSTONE ROAD ROUNDABOUT
Lazarro will resume construction, complete guardrails and sidewalks, and prepare the roadway for paving.
Final paving is expected by Friday, November 13, weather permitting!
MAIN STREET
Upper Common:
Installation of new drainage infrastructure continues near Academy Street.
Portions of Main Street and Academy Street may be restricted to local traffic or temporarily closed during construction hours.
Detour signage will be in place.
Main Street at 533 Main Street (Hydra Tech):
• Monday and Tuesday: Main Street will be CLOSED in BOTH directions between Oliver Street and Hartwell Street.
• WESTBOUND traffic should use Oliver Street to Elm Street or Boulder Drive as alternate routes.
• EASTBOUND traffic is strongly encouraged to use Boulder Drive unless accessing businesses or other destinations on Main Street.
Eastbound motorists entering the affected Main Street area may be directed back to Boulder Drive via Newton Place.
Main Street between Hartwell Street and Central Street, along with connecting side streets, will remain accessible.
Businesses, residents, delivery vehicles, and visitors to City Hall will continue to have access, although detours may be necessary.
Main Street at 805 Main Street, Rise and Grind Café (GVC Construction):
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday: Main Street will be CLOSED to WESTBOUND traffic near Rise and Grind Café.
Construction will extend across all westbound travel lanes, making westbound travel through the immediate work area impossible.
• WESTBOUND DETOUR: Turn right onto Central Street, left onto Elm Street, then left onto Academy Street to return to Main Street westbound.
• Tractor-trailers and larger commercial vehicles may use Brook Street to connect to Elm Street for additional clearance.
• Detour signage and traffic control personnel will direct motorists through the area.
Main Street at Prospect Street:
Installation of new traffic signal wiring and conduit.
Removal of temporary traffic control equipment.
• PJ Albert will complete minor incidental and punch list work to finish the project.
CSO PAVING & FINISHING WORK
GVC's subcontractor, PJ Albert, will complete minor incidental and finishing work on the following streets:
Academy Street
Elm Street
Essex Street
Johnson Street
Marshall Street
Omena Place
Oxford Street
Pleasant Street
Simonds Street
Victor Street
Villa Street
Additional Phase 1 paving locations include Coolidge Street, Harding Street, High Street, Lowe Passway, Marshall Drive, Northmen Passway, Saari Parkway, and Tapio Street.
Not all streets will have active paving crews this week. Please watch for temporary parking restrictions, equipment, and traffic controls as work progresses.
IMPORTANT CONSTRUCTION INFORMATION
Regular construction hours are generally Monday–Friday, 7 AM–5 PM.
No work is scheduled on the CSO 032/045 project on Wednesday, November 11, in observance of Veterans Day.
Fitchburg Police details will assist with traffic management in active construction areas.
Parking will be restricted near construction zones.
Multiple contractors will be working downtown simultaneously. Traffic patterns and detour routes may change throughout the week, particularly near Main Street, Central Street, Elm Street, Academy Street, and Boulder Drive. Please follow posted signage and traffic control personnel rather than relying solely on your usual route.
All schedules are subject to weather, field conditions, and unforeseen underground utility issues.
Questions or concerns?
Weston & Sampson: 978-548-4808
Fitchburg Wastewater Division: 978-829-1930
Fitchburg Police: 978-345-4355 (for construction-related access or safety concerns)
WHY ALL THIS WORK?
Much of this construction is part of Fitchburg's ongoing Combined Sewer Overflow (CSO) separation program. By separating stormwater from sanitary sewer flows, we're working to reduce sewer overflows into the North Nashua River during heavy rainfall, improve drainage, reduce flooding risks, and modernize aging underground infrastructure.
These projects involve substantial underground work that residents may never see once the roads are restored, but the improvements will serve Fitchburg for decades.
I know the overlapping construction projects, particularly downtown, have created significant challenges for residents, commuters, and businesses. We are continuing to coordinate with contractors and our departments to manage these impacts and keep the public informed.
Please plan ahead, follow posted detours, and continue supporting our local businesses throughout construction.
I'll continue sharing updates as these projects progress. Thank you for your patience as we work to improve Fitchburg's infrastructure!
