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Update: The Somerville Construction Advisory issued on Monday, March 23rd, remains in full force. The City of Somerville had previously issued Construction COVID-19 Safety Guidelines to allow construction to move forward with site-specific safety plans ensuring social distancing and following state and federal safety guidelines for COVID-19.

Upon review of those plans and through spot site checks, we discovered we could not at this time control for every factor to ensure safe social distancing and other health and safety guidelines, particularly due to Somerville’s dense urban environment. Therefore, to protect the workers on these sites, their families, and everyone they come into contact with, the City of Somerville construction suspension remains in full force. Worksite managers with questions should contact their City Project Manager or Inspector.

March 23, 2020

Sites must be secured by Friday, March 27

Mayor Joseph A. Curtatone and the Board of Health today ordered that all non-essential construction work cease operation during the statewide closure of non-essential businesses through Tuesday, April 7, announced by Governor Charlie Baker.

“The construction projects happening in Somerville – both public and private – are important to the city’s future, but we must continue to act with public health and safety in mind during the COVID-19 crisis,” said Mayor Curtatone. “We need to do whatever we can to slow the spread of this disease so that our healthcare system does not become overwhelmed.”

The city has ordered all construction projects to cease general operations and secure their sites by Friday, March 27. If needed, the Director of Inspectional Services and Director of Infrastructure and Asset Management can approve extensions on a case by case basis where additional time is needed. Exceptions will be carefully scrutinized and must include safety protocols to protect workers and residents.

Work deemed essential, like making utility repairs, will be allowed to take place during this time. For more information, please visit www.somervillema.gov/covid19constructionupdate.