Join Somerville Mayor Joseph A. Curtatone, Ward 2 Alderman Maryann Heuston, and the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) on Monday, May 16, at 8:30 a.m., for a Groundbreaking Ceremony for the Beacon St. Reconstruction Project. Attendees will gather at 8:30 a.m. at the Durell Community Garden, near the intersection of Kent St., for a short speaking program followed by a photo op to officially kick off the expected two-year project. Newport Construction, which was selected through a competitive bid process administered by MassDOT, will be responsible for the project, which stretches from Oxford St./Somerville Ave. south to the Cambridge city line near Inman Sq.

Beginning on May 16, and lasting for approximately two weeks, contractors will undertake what is considered to be the “most disruptive” portion of the entire project. Contractors will work to install a single, 28’ deep utility manhole in the Oxford St. area which will require the closure of Beacon St. to eastbound traffic between Beacon St. and Oxford St., between the hours of 8 a.m. and approximately 3 p.m., Monday through Friday. During these hours, eastbound traffic will be detoured on Somerville Ave. to Park St. Vehicles and cyclists will be able to access Oxford St. by traveling westbound on Beacon St., and all westbound traffic on Beacon St. will be maintained. Cyclists will be also be detoured up Park Street to pick up the dedicated bike lanes on Beacon Street. The city will also be posting secondary detour routes for bicyclists traveling towards Porter and Inman Square.

For more information about the project, visit www.somervillema.gov/beaconstreet.

Individuals with disabilities who need auxiliary aids and services for effective communication, written materials in alternative formats, or reasonable modifications in policies and procedures, in order to access the programs and activities of the City of Somerville or to attend meetings, should contact the City’s ADA Coordinator, Betsy Allen, at 617-625-6600 x2323 or BAllen@somervillema.gov.