WORCESTER, MA — The City of Worcester is moving forward with plans for a major redesign of College Street, a long corridor targeted for major infrastructure, safety and utility upgrades.
The College Street Roadway and Utility Improvement Project, led by the city’s DPW and Department of Transportation & Mobility, will include a full replacement of aging water, sewer and drainage systems along the roadway. Officials say the work is designed to modernize underground infrastructure while also improving long-term reliability for residents and businesses in the area.
After the utility upgrades, the project calls for a complete reconstruction of College Street between Southbridge Street and the Auburn town line.
The redesign will focus on creating a “complete streets” layout to improve safety for everyone, including drivers, pedestrians and cyclists, according to the city. Plans include upgraded sidewalks, new crosswalks, improved pavement conditions, and added bike accommodations, along with efforts to better manage speeding and parking demand along the roadway.
The city said it also plans to relocate certain utilities underground between City View Street and Southbridge Street as part of the broader improvements, which officials say will help modernize the streetscape and reduce visual clutter from overhead lines.
College Street carries about 4,7500 vehicles each day, with recorded speeds above the 25 mph limit, according to the city.
MassDOT reported 16 crashes on College Street from 2021 to 2025, with 13 involving property damage and 2 involving non-fatal injuries. Officials say this reinforces the need for safety-focused redesign work.
A public information meeting on the project is scheduled for Apr. 30, 2026, at Quinsigamond Elementary School, 14 Blackstone River Rd. Officials will present early design concepts and gather community feedback.
Final design and bidding are expected in 2027, with construction tentatively planned for 2027 to 2028, according to the city.
Residents can also submit questions or feedback to the city’s Transportation and Mobility Department at mobility@worcesterma.gov.
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