Kleinfelder was selected for this project by the City of Cambridge based on our team’s knowledge of and experience integrating surface and subsurface design components to improve the environment and traffic flow while enhancing neighborhood benefits.
The City’s sewer, drainage, and water distribution systems are more than 100 years old and seriously deteriorated. Surface enhancements needed to balance the diverse retail, transit, and residential needs of the area’s two conflicting roles: a residential public open space and a regional connector roadway. Furthermore, improvements would entail working with several utility companies, while complying with both Charles River discharges, Massachusetts Water Resources Authority requirements, and the City’s own Climate Protection Plan.
After reviewing existing reports, conducting extensive investigations, and using hydraulic modeling to identify how the system reacts during wet weather storm events, Kleinfelder recommended a combination of alternatives to the damaged area, including best management practices and system optimizations. Our team collaborated with the city-appointed Advisory Committee to define and sequence four distinct projects, targeting the most cost-effective program, while minimizing disruption and promoting the best solutions for retail, traffic, transit, and residential goals.
The Western Avenue area’s improvement project provides a renewed, vibrant neighborhood with state-of-the-art surface and subsurface urban infrastructure—including energy-efficient, environmentally conscious surface solutions and improved traffic flow. Kleinfelder’s holistic designs provide the neighborhood with enhanced services while meeting the City’s project objectives and long-term goals.
Location:
Cambridge, Massachusetts
Owner:
City of Cambridge
