Officials say Blue Hill Ave utility work nearing completion; businesses seek clear timeline
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Summary
Deputy Chief Julia Campbell told councilors Boston Water & Sewer work on Blue Hill Avenue is complete and National Grid is finishing its portion; she said the city expects to restore the street this fall but could not provide an exact date, and councilors pressed for clearer timelines for affected businesses.
Councilors pressed Streets Cabinet staff on construction impacts to small businesses along Blue Hill Avenue and the Dudley corridor at the May 20 budget hearing. Officials said they are tracking utility sequencing and expect restoration this fall but could not give a precise date.
Deputy Chief Julia Campbell said Boston Water and Sewer completed the deepest utility work and that National Grid is currently finishing its portion of the project. “They are working through the summer. Hopefully, they won’t encounter any significant delays, but we can’t necessarily predict what their schedule is going to be,” Campbell told the committee. She said the city is pressuring utilities to allocate dedicated crews and to complete work promptly so the streets can be restored.
Councilors representing Roxbury and Dorchester asked about business impacts and aid; staff said they have coordinated with the Office of Economic Opportunity and will provide updates when utility schedules firm up. Officials acknowledged the work has been a long process and said they would return with a clearer timeline for repaving and restoration as utilities finish their work.
Councilors asked for frequent updates so neighborhood business groups and residents can plan ahead; staff said they will provide follow-up information to Council offices.
