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Jay Mello, P.E., Assistant Commissioner
Andy Truman, P.E., Director of Engineering

Engineering, a division of DPW, manages the planning, design, construction and preservation of the City's public infrastructure. The Division is responsible for streets and sidewalks projects, sewer programs, private street conversions, Conservation Commission and Planning Board issues, bridge construction and right of way permitting.

Construction Activity

View the scheduled construction related activity for resurfacing, water and sewer work city-wide. Motorists are advised that there will be traffic delays at these locations during construction activity. The typical hours of work will be from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Emergency events are not listed on this page.

Ararat Street Bridge: MassDOT is performing bridge preservation and rehabilitation work on the Ararat Street Bridge over I-190. Beginning on May 1, 2026, traffic patterns will be modified:

  • Eastbound traffic will be detoured
  • Pedestrian access will remain across the bridge
  • Westbound traffic will remain open across the bridge during construction
  • The detour is expected to remain in place through August 2026
  • Local access to residences and businesses will be maintained throughout construction

A detour for eastbound traffic will be in place from May 1, 2026 through August 2026.

  • Turn right on Frontage Road South
  • Continue straight and follow signs to Shore Drive
  • Turn left onto Shore Drive
  • Turn left on Frontage Road North
  • Continue straight to reconnect with Ararat Street

Harrison Street Bridge: Reconstruction work continues on the Harrison Street Bridge. The bridge is currently open to one-way vehicle traffic heading eastbound. Pedestrian travel is allowed and will be maintained throughout the project.

A one-week disruption to all vehicle traffic on the bridge is planned for mid-May 2026 to allow for installation of structural beams.

The overall project is expected to be completed in the Spring of 2028.

Please reach out to dot.feedbackdistrict3@dot.state.ma.us with any questions or concerns.

Millbrook Street Bridges: MassDOT is managing the ongoing reconstruction of two bridges on Millbrook Street: one that crosses railroad tracks, and a second that crosses I-190. Preconstruction began in March with minor signage and surveying and is expected to run through early May. Significant reconstruction is expected to start May 4, and the phases of the project are outlined below. Overall, project work is expected to be completed in June 2027 and will include a pause between November 2026 and the spring of 2027. Throughout construction, the westbound direction of travel will remain open, and eastbound traffic (Gold Star Boulevard to Burncoat Street) will be detoured. Pedestrians will continue to be able to use Millbrook Street.

Phase 1:

  • Expected to begin Monday, May 4 and last for 75 days.
  • Westbound travel will always be open, eastbound travel will be detoured.
  • Eastbound detour will be Gold Star Boulevard to I-190 South, to I-290 East, to the Burncoat Street exit.

Phase 2:

  • Expected to begin mid-August and last for 75 days until early November.
  • Westbound travel will always be open; eastbound travel will be detoured.
  • Eastbound detour will be Gold Star Boulevard to I-190 South, to I-290 East, to the Burncoat Street exit.

Spring 2027:

  • Final tasks for completion including paving.
  • There may be day road closures around the work area during this phase.
  • Estimated date of project conclusion is June 2027.

Tunnel Closure Alert: The Ernest A. Johnson tunnel will be closed to the public until further notice.

Active Resurfacing & Construction Maps

Additional details, including contact information, can be found on the embedded maps by clicking on the highlighted street.

 

View Larger Map

 

Permits & Licensing

Engineering

Create an Account • Submit Applications • Manage & Print Permits

For information on all city permits, licenses and fees, visit the Permit/License Center.

We encourage you to submit your application ONLINE through our permit portal!

Before you can submit an application for a permit or license you must create an account. For your convenience, payments can be made via all major credit cards or ACH transfer.

In addition to creating an account, if you are a new contractor, you must register as a New Contractor and attach a copy of your insurance binder. Alternatively, if you are a company already on file with DPW&P, you can request updates to your company contact information, insurance and surety via the Company and Individual Information Updates.

Apply Now

Permit/License Types

  • DPWP Engineering Permit
  • Small Wireless Facilities License and Permit
  • Flow Test Permit
  • General Hydrant Use Permit
  • Drainlayer License
  • Grant Plan Review
  • Outdoor Dining on Public Sidewalk Permit
  • Stationary Vendor Permit
  • Wastewater Discharge Permit
  • Move Overweight Loads on Local Streets

Winter Street Opening Moratorium

The annual Winter Street Opening Moratorium will take effect on Wednesday, November 26, 2025. This policy is in place to facilitate potential snow and ice operations and ensure safe vehicular travel and pedestrian mobility during adverse weather conditions anticipated during the winter months. 

This year the DPW is piloting a weather grace period with rolling dates for some moratorium requirements.

Key Details

Weather Grace Period: On a weekly basis starting on 11/14/25, DPW will analyze the weather forecast for the subsequent 7 days. Based on forecasted weather, DPW will determine 1) when, if possible, the weather grace period will be extended to, and 2) The date for termination of work.

Notification: Drainlayers shall be notified by email. The DPW Engineering webpage will also be updated.

Existing Permits: Existing permitted work can continue until the work termination date.

New Permits: New permits will only be issued for work which can be completed within the weather grace period.

Termination of Work: The weather grace period shall end, and all work shall cease until April 1 when either 1) an adverse winter weather event is forecasted, or 2) the forecasted daytime high temperature drops below 40° F for a period of at least 48 hours. All work shall be finalized, and roadway/sidewalk restoration shall be completed 48 hours prior to the declared termination of work date.

TERMINATION OF WORK DATE: 11/26/2025

Licensed Contractors

Information for Contractors

Please view the documents below if you are a contractor performing work within the City of Worcester:

Information for Residents

If you are a resident looking for a licensed contractor (insured and bonded to perform work within the City of Worcester), please review the following documents:

Contact Information

Address

Engineering
20 East Worcester Street
Worcester, MA 01604

Contact

Phone: 508-929-1300
Fax: 508-799-1448
Email Us
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Hours

Monday - Friday
9 a.m. - 4 p.m.