Construction Updates
This construction/Permit tracker represents all Active/current Street permits, including Street opening, Street occupancies and Lead pipe replacements. This tracker is updated on a weekly basis. You can also find a particular permit and its details in our Permit Database.
If you have additional questions or difficulty using this map tracker, please contact Public Works at 617-466-4200.
Infrastructure + Transportation
Latest updates (as April 13, 2023)
The City has been awarded a grant from the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) under their Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI) Program to reestablish the City's Quiet Zone. Supported by this grant, the City has now contracted with Dagle Electrical Corp to construct the new grade crossings. The MBTA is in the process of it's own Automatic Train Control upgrade process and the City must coordinate closely with the MBTA so that both projects can be accomplished. Construction of the foundations and installation of conduit is beginning this spring and will continue through the summer. The signal upgrades depend on the timing of the MBTA's project but are currently planned for Winter 2023.
Utility, Road, and Traffic Improvements
The work consists of new water, sewage, and drainage utility installation and service connections on Central Avenue, Willow Street, Watts Street, and a small portion of Eastern Ave. Subsequently, sidewalks, roadways, and ramps will be rendered along the project limits. This project runs concurrently with the Innes Apartments Redevelopment Project.
Project Components
- Utility Work: Combined sewer separation, new gravity sewers, storm drains, and water main and service alterations.
- Road Work: Full width pavement reclamation and overlay, reset granite curb, curb extensions, new concrete and bituminous sidewalks, pedestrian curb ramps, and driveway aprons, new traffic signal at Central Ave. / Willow St., street lighting, new pavement markings and signs, decorative crosswalk markings and new street trees.
Latest updates (as April 27, 2022)
- Installation of new storm drain, catch basins, gravity sewers and water main and water services were completed along Watts Street, Willow Street, and Central Avenue.
- Scheduling for storm drain connection, box culvert and manhole installation at the intersection of Eastern Ave/Central Ave is TBD.
- Roadway reclamation and grading has been completed along Central Avenue, with the first phase of paving scheduled for Thursday, April 27, 2023.
- As of April 26, 2023, roadway reclamation has been completed and grading of the roadway is underway on Watts Street. The first phase of paving along Watts Street is scheduled to begin as early as Wednesday, May 3, 2023.
- Joshua Johnson, City of Chelsea, Department of Public Works, Construction Manager/Project Engineer, (617) 293-1799
- Jorman Mota, City of Chelsea, Department of Public Works, Assistant City Engineer, (857) 206-4750
After completing the water and sewer improvements in 2022, the City of Chelsea is pleased to announce the Upper Broadway Drainage and Surface Project, an effort to improve the safety and operations of Broadway between City Hall Ave. and Route 16. Funded through a $11 million federal grant, the project will include the reconstruction of drainage, sidewalk, roadway, and traffic signal infrastructure.
The project area extends down Broadway from Marlborough Street through Clinton Street to the Chelsea-Revere border. The projected completion date is April 2025. The State, through the Mass Department of Transportation (MassDOT), has hired Aqua Line Utility, a construction contractor, to carry out this work. Per federal requirements, MassDOT will administer the construction phase.
Existing issues such as bus stop spacing, insufficient rider amenities, narrow/congested sidewalks, accessibility challenges, and service delays will all be addressed during the construction. Project goals are improving intersection safety, reducing congestion, and enhancing pedestrian/bike/transit accommodations.
Improvements include new sidewalks, bus stops, bike lanes, parking areas, and appropriate turning lanes at intersections. Signal technology and equipment upgrades will be installed at the four signalized intersections in the project area. New pavement will be installed, new/reset granite curbing will be featured, and ADA/AAB-compliant sidewalks and curb ramps will be featured. New signage and pavement markings will be included. Damaged or unhealthy trees along Broadway will be replaced with new native tree species.
Community Meeting Presentation - April 11, 2023
Chelsea Happenings Newsletter: Sign up to receive updates in your inbox here.
For questions, please contact Joshua Sklodowska-Johnson at jjohnson@chelseama.gov or 617-466-4208.
Latest updates (as May 26, 2023)
3 Week Look Ahead Schedule 5/31/23-6/15/23.
- Installation of drainpipe starting at City Hall up to Gerrish Ave
- Installation of catch basin and connecting to new drain manholes
- Installation of drainpipe on Library Street from existing drain manhole to new drain manhole on Broadway
- Paving of trenches weekly
- Westbound and Eastbound Lane closures daily 7am-3:30pm, one lane of traffic will be maintained at all times.
- On-street parking is prohibited during the times and dates posted on the construction signage distributed throughout work zone.
- On-street parking is allowed once construction hours have finished.
- After work is completed on a respective street, construction signs will be removed and residents will be free to park in the available on-street parking spaces.
The hired contractor, Cicconi & Sons Construction Co, has initiated work along Chester Ave to reconstruct the sidewalks. Construction is projected to be complete by late May, 2023.
Work began on Chester Ave. and then continue on Shawmut St from the northern end to the southern end.
Work is performed between the hours of 7am and 5pm, Monday through Friday, as well as occasional Saturdays, in order to expeditiously complete the project.
Dust and rodent control measures will be employed throughout the duration of this project.
Joshua Sklodowska-Johnson
Construction Manager | Project Engineer
617-293-1799
jjohnson@chelseama.gov
Open Space & Resiliency
The cemetery, an important facet of the City's rich heritage, is a historic and cultural resource for the City, yet it has fallen into disrepair. Its original design represented a major step forward in the development of the modern cemetery design. Restoration has been historically deferred due to complexity and lack of resources. The 2018 master plan for the cemetery identified the components of a major rehabilitation project necessary to reopen the cemetery for public use and enjoyment. Restoration of this important historic asset will eventually enable public access to the cemetery.
Latest updates (as March 30, 2022)
Garden Cemetery (Phase III)
After completing Phase II of the restoration program, the City, in consultation with its landscape architect, CBA Landscape Architects, is undertaking the design of Phase 3. Phase 3 entails the restoration of crypts, 100 grave stones, and interior pathways, coupled with tree planting and landscaping. Presently, the City's historic preservation consultant is finalizing the gravestone restoration plans, after the City expanded the number of grave stones subject to restoration. Subsequently, a construction contractor will be procured, with a targeted construction start date of Fall 2022.
Chelsea Garden Cemetery Master Plan
Project Contact: Alex Train, Director, Chelsea Department of Housing & Community Development
(617) 466-4192
atrain@chelseama.gov
The City of Chelsea Department of Housing and Community Development is currently undertaking a design project to improve historic staircases and community open space in the Powder Horn Hill and Upper Broadway areas. The intent of this project is to enhance safety, functionality, and aesthetics of the existing staircases, while beautifying the neighborhood by improving these features.
The Project areas in focus are:
- the small staircase and grassy area at the intersection of Forsyth Street and Lafayette Avenue;
- the historic staircase at Franklin Avenue and Spruce Street, connecting Franklin Avenue to Lafayette Avenue;
- and the historic staircase at Clark Avenue and Crest Avenue, connecting Crest Avenue to Broadway.
The Dept. hosted two community meetings, including an outdoor meeting with residents, to solicit ideas for the renovation program. Grounded in this guidance, the City progressed through the schematic design and design development phases of the project, in partnership with Weston & Sampson. Next quarter, the design development plans and cost estimate will be finalized and submitted to the City for review.
A community meeting will be held in June, following the refinement of the final design. In parallel with the design phase, the City is engaging with Chelsea High School students and local artists to develop a public art concept for the staircases.
Project Contact: Alex Train, Director, Chelsea Department of Housing & Community Development
(617) 466-4192
atrain@chelseama.gov
Latest updates (as March 31, 2022)
This quarter, the Department, in conjunction with La Colaborativa and GreenRoots, began the design and civic engagement process to comprehensively renew Bellingham Sq. plaza, in connection with the City's efforts around the Broadway Corridor. The City's landscape architect, Brown, Richardson, and Rowe composed a basemap, following the completion of the site survey.
As part of the City of Chelsea’s Redesign of Bellingham Square, students from Chelsea High School who are participating in La Colaborativa’s STEM program contributed a research project to aid the development of redesign proposals. The research project focused on five topic areas about Bellingham Square: History, Demographics, Businesses, Transportation and Safety. Within each project area, the team of students conducted their own research on the current functionality of Bellingham Square, and utilized existing data to support the report.
Additionally, a public visioning workshop, sensory walking tour, and discussions with abutters were held. Next quarter, the City will advance the schematic design process, culminating with the production of two schematic design options and cost estimates. The Dept. is planning to exhibit these design concepts at an upcoming community meeting later this spring.
Housing
On October 18 was the Groundbreaking Ceremony for Innes Redevelopment Project at 170 Central Ave. The City of Chelsea, in partnership with the Chelsea Housing Authority and the Joseph J. Corcoran Co., oversees this project which consists of 96 affordable public housing units, 40 middle-income units, and 194 market-rate units. In tandem with the housing redevelopment, the City is completing infrastructure improvements in the surrounding area.
Regular construction updates are available at https://info.chelseainnesapts.com/Residents that would like to receive the 60-day construction updates going forward are encouraged to sign up for the emails and/or paper postings by contacting jmc@jmcandco.com or calling (781) 849-7111 to provide their contact information.
25 Sixth Street offers 56 affordable apartments and six homes for sale in downtown Chelsea. The Neighborhood Developers is working with NEI General Contracting to create these new homes located just a few blocks from City Hall.
To stay up to date, visit the project webpage at https://theneighborhooddevelopers.org/25-sixth-street
1005 Broadway offers 38 affordable homes for families at the border between Chelsea and Revere and on the edge of Mill Creek. The Neighborhood Developers is working with Traggorth Companies to create this building, along with associated community space including a pocket park and creek walk to serve residents and neighbors.
To stay up to date, visit the project webpage at https://theneighborhooddevelopers.org/1005-broadway
For further project updates, visit www.VeteransHomeinChelsea.com