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How Burlington Works

As spring nears, a number of projects will soon be getting back underway that will mark some changes – both large and small – to the way resdients experience Burlington. Here are some major projects you can expect to continue in 2026:

Town Common Electronic Sign

Gone are the two wooden posts that used to hold vinyl banners to raise awareness about upcoming events among travelers through the Town Common. At the corner of Bedford Street and Cambridge Street, a new electronic sign is under construction that will revolutionize the way this type of passive communication happens. The structure, built in brick and white trim to match the look of the Town Center municipal campus, is mostly complete, and the electronic screen is nearly ready to be attached. This spring, expect to see the sign fully operational – and the Select Board will also likely be working on a policy for the sign's use.

Winn St. Traffic Signal at Mountain Rd.

Approved by Town Meeting in 2024, a traffic signal to enhance the safety at Winn St. and Mountain Rd. was designed and begun in 2025, and it is nearly complete. The next major hurdle is electrification of the signal, now that the structure is built and the lights are installed.

Water Infrastructure Upgrades Continue

Te Massachusetts Water Resource Authority (MWRA) connection project continues, as the town proceeds with work to widen the water main from Lexington down Middlesex Turnpike. The project reached Blanchard/Wheeler Rd. before the 2025 construction season ended, and work will resume this spring to bring the pipe under the highway, down Middlesex Turnpike, and to Great Meadow Rd. The project will need approval from the Select Board if they hope to begin sooner than the moratorium on roadwork ends on April 1, and it is expected to be complete by the end of 2026. This project, begun in 2020, is intended to safeguard Burlington's drinking water supply, supplementing the water the town receives from Mill Pond.

Police Station Demolition & Reconstruction

The Police Department has relocated to its temporary location at 171 Middlesex Turnpike, and work on the new police station has begun. The historic 1897 Union School building (seen in the background of the featured photo above) has been completely demolished, and work still continues on the site. The new station is estimated to take two years to build.

As construction resumes this spring, these projects signal a range of changes, both subtle and major, to Burlington’s infrastructure, traffic patterns, and public spaces. While each will shape the town in different ways, the long-term impact is expected to improve daily travel, municipal services, and how residents and visitors experience Burlington.

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