August 26, 2026 Update
The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT), via their contractor J. Tropeano, Inc., continues to make progress in the Stratton Elementary School neighborhood. Prior to the start of the upcoming school year on Wednesday, September 2, MassDOT anticipates that sidewalk and curb ramp installation work will be substantially complete for most work locations closest to the school, including along Wheeler Lane, Mountain Avenue, and Dickson Avenue from Pheasant Avenue to Hemlock Street. Remaining curb ramp and landscape work in these areas will be completed in between school arrival and dismissal times.
Significant work has also been completed on the new sidewalks along the western side of Hemlock Street from Summer Street to Dickson Avenue.
Following the start of school, work will continue along the western side of the roadway to complete the installation of new driveway aprons and remaining curb ramp work. Work will then transition to the eastern side of Hemlock Street to replace existing sidewalk and to install ADA compliant curb ramps. Standard work hours of 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. are anticipated through project completion.
Work on Dickson Avenue between Mountain Avenue and Pheasant Avenue has been delayed due to the presence of higher than expected bedrock (“ledge”) and utility conflicts. Design alternatives are being investigated with the hope that sidewalk installation will still be completed in this area this fall. When work resumes, work will be scheduled so as not to impact school arrival and dismissal.
As active sidewalk and ramp construction is anticipated to continue through the remainder of the construction season, residents, parents, students, and visitors are reminded to pay careful attention to construction signage, detours, temporary sidewalks and/or crossings, and to the presence of construction vehicles in or near the construction areas. Pavement markings and permanent pavement restoration work will is still expected to be completed during the 2027 construction season. The Town looks forward to the safe completion of this project and the benefit it will have to the community.
June 5, 2026 Update
The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT), via their contractor J. Tropeano, Inc., will be completing a Safe Routes to School (SRTS) construction project in the Stratton Elementary School neighborhood, beginning as early as Monday, June 8. The project was selected based on a grant application submitted by the Town of Arlington in 2019 and will focus on pedestrian improvements along Wheeler Lane, Mountain Avenue, Dickson Avenue, and Hemlock Street. The project scope of work includes the installation of new ADA accessible sidewalks and curb ramps as well as new pedestrian safety and traffic calming features along the project streets.
A majority of heavy construction work is expected to be completed during the 2026 construction season. The contractor intends to focus on the areas closest to the Stratton Elementary School during the summer months to avoid conflicts when students are present. Pavement markings and permanent pavement restoration work is expected to be completed during the 2027 construction season.
Work hours are anticipated to be 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m, Monday through Friday. During work hours, residents can expect the presence of construction machinery, construction related noise, and temporary detours around work zones. Vehicle operators and pedestrians are asked to adhere to posted construction signage and the directions of Police Traffic Details.
While the work will be overseen by MassDOT, the Town of Arlington Engineering Division will be closely involved during the construction process. Residents can reach out directly to the Engineering Division for more information or with questions via email at engineering@town.arlington.ma.us or by phone at 781-316-3320.
