Construction update: Hammond Pond Parkway

With preparations complete for the redesign of the Hammond Pond Parkway, a two-mile park roadway south of the Chestnut Hill Campus that links many communities south and west of the University—which owns property at 300 Hammond Pond Parkway—construction is now in progress.

The two-year, $11.3-million project began in December with tree removal and pruning, site protection, as well as drainage and infrastructure work. Crews removed the old asphalt and are re-paving the roadway with a binder coat to make the road passable, one lane in each direction.

Undertaken with support from the administration of Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey and the City of Newton, the project aims to enhance safety and accessibility for pedestrians, cyclists, and vehicles between Beacon Street and Route 9, particularly to the Hammond Pond Reservation and the Webster Conservation Area.  

The installation of a curb on the eastern sidewalk and preparations for the eastern side pathway are underway, along with traffic signal road crossings near The Shops at Chestnut Hill.  Crews will also complete a street lighting conduit between The Shops and Beacon Street.

Over the summer and into the fall, crews will begin installing new street lighting, west side curbing, a walkway and path, and undertake landscaping and plantings in the area. Work on the Beacon Street intersection also will begin.

During the lengthy construction period, commuters to BC using the Hammond Pond Parkway should expect delays and periodic detours and are encouraged to use alternate routes to the Main Campus.   

The project is expected to finish up in late fall 2025.