Change in Schedule
Planned water shutoffs and fire pump work scheduled for Thursday, September 25, 2025 have been postponed to Monday, September 29, 2025.
This fall, the City of Boston will replace two aging water mains along Boylston Street between Carver Street and Tremont Street. Prep work starts September 15, with full construction running September 22 to mid-November 2025.
Most work will happen overnight and may cause some temporary disruptions, but Emerson is working closely with the City to minimize impacts, keep facilities accessible, and keep our community informed throughout the project.
We will provide additional updates as specific dates and building impacts are confirmed.
Activity Updates
September 22, 2025 through September 30, 2025:
This project timeline allows the waterline crossover to be connected to the temporary bypass system. As with any large-scale infrastructure effort, progress will remain weather-dependent and subject to change if conditions require.
Work on this project is restricted to 7:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m., with quiet work observed between 11:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m. This schedule reflects the City’s effort to balance construction needs with the well-being of our campus community and neighbors.
Domestic Water Shutdown will mean no running water in the affected building, while a Fire Pipe Shutdown will temporarily take fire protection systems offline. To ensure safety during these impairments, the Boston Fire Department will be on site monitoring throughout.
Water Service Impairment Schedule
Wednesday, September 24, 2025
134–136 Boylston
Domestic Water Shutdown: 12:00 a.m. – 5:00 a.m.
Fire Pipe Shutdown: 7:00 p.m. – 1:00 a.m.
2 Boylston Place (Residence Hall)
Fire Pipe Shutdown: 7:00 p.m. – 1:00 a.m.
Monday, September 29, 2025
(Postponed from Thursday, September 25, 2025)
2 Boylston Place (Residence Hall)
Domestic Water Shutdown: 12:00 a.m. – 5:00 a.m.
114–120 Boylston (Walker Building)
Domestic Water Shutdown: 12:00 a.m. – 5:00 a.m
Fire Pipe Shutdown: 7:00 p.m. – 1:00 a.m.
98–106 Boylston (Colonial Building and Residence Hall)
Domestic Water Shutdown: 12:00 a.m. – 5:00 a.m.
Fire Pipe Shutdown: 7:00 p.m. – 1:00 a.m.
Tuesday, September 30, 2025
150 Boylston (Piano Row, including Residence Hall)
Domestic Water Shutdown: 12:00 a.m. – 5:00 a.m.
Fire Pipe Shutdown: 7:00 p.m. – 1:00 a.m.
180 Tremont (Ansin Building)
Domestic Water Shutdown: 12:00 a.m. – 5:00 a.m.
We recognize that these service impairments may cause inconvenience, and we deeply appreciate your patience and flexibility as this essential work is completed. Our Facilities team and project partners are working diligently to maintain safety and minimize disruptions throughout the process.
xSeptember 22, 2025 through September 24, 2025: Periodic BWSC Mandatory Temporary Water Main Chlorination Flushing and Testing along Boylston Street from Charles Street South to Tremont Street.
Key Information
- Work schedule: Monday to Thursday nights, between 7:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m.
- Sidewalk access: Jersey barriers will be installed for safety. Some walkways may be temporarily narrowed, but all sidewalks will stay open.
- Water service: Individual buildings will experience a brief (4–5 hour) overnight shutdown as service is moved to temporary above-ground pipes. The City will provide advance notice and work to minimize disruptions.
- Timeline: Mid-September through mid-November 2025, with possible limited additional work extending into February 2026.
We appreciate your patience and understanding as the City of Boston undertakes this important project, and we remain committed to minimizing disruption to campus life as much as possible.
Questions?
Boston Water and Sewer Commission Project Information
https://www.bwsc.org/projects/central/20957
617-989-7900 (BWSC 24-hour phone)
Emerson Project Contacts
facilities [at] emerson.edu (facilities[at]emerson[dot]edu) Facilities Department (Anytime)
617-824-8299 or 617-824-8984 Office of Government & Community Affairs (Business Hours)
617-824-8555 Emerson Police Department (After-Hours)