This page was updated June 2025.
The Wellesley Department of Public Works (DPW) is responsible for a wide range of services that keeps the town running smoothly. Services include:
- Infrastructure maintenance: The Highway Division of the DPW maintains roads, bridges, sidewalks, street signs, and all surface and subsurface drainage systems to provide for safe vehicular and pedestrian traffic.
- Water and sewer services: The Water and Sewer Division of the DPW provides clean water to residents and businesses, and collects and treats wastewater.
- Solid waste management: Trash and recyclables are brought by residents to the Recycling and Disposal Facility. (The town does not have a curbside collection program.)
- Parks and recreation: The Park and Tree Division of the DPW maintains parks, playgrounds, conservation land, and other open spaces.
Hunnewell tennis courts closed
July 2, 2025–The tennis and sports courts at Hunnewell Field are closed this summer for restoration and repairs. The tennis court parking lot is also closed.
Work on the project began in mid-June and will take about 90 days to complete.
Crews will be working Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
The project includes the reclamation and reconstruction of the existing tennis courts, parking lot repairs, construction of accessible pedestrian pathways, and the installation of amenities for the tennis courts.
Due to the demolition and site work required, there is no access to this area during construction.
Please contact the Department of Public Works with questions at dpw@wellesleyma.gov
Wellesley Square road repairs schedule
June 29, 2025–The Wellesley DPW is scheduled to conduct road repairs at the following intersection Sunday night, June 29, into Monday morning (9am – 5am). They are repaving road imperfections at each intersection.
They will be repairing worn-down areas near traffic signals that have been damaged by commercial vehicles. Each location is expected to take about one hour to complete. The traffic plan will involve coordinating two-lane flow or using lane restrictions in tighter areas as needed. No detours are expected; however, the DPW will have all necessary signage ready if required.
Locations
- 103 Central Street (Westbound to Westbound)
- 21′ x 235′ – Crosswalk to crosswalk
- Washington Street to Grove Street (Southbound)
- 25′ x 100′ – From crosswalk back
- 12–24 Grove Street (Southbound)
- 24′ x 140′ – From Spring Street to Washington Street
- 555 Washington Street (Westbound)
- 28′ x 265′ – From Cameron Street to Grove Street
- 530 Washington Street (Eastbound to Wellesley Ave)
- 22′ x 200′ – From crosswalk back
Weston Road reconstruction project, summer 2025 update
June 2, 2025–The Weston Road reconstruction project is ongoing. A new 12-inch diameter water main is currently being installed to replace the old main from Boulder Brook Road to the Weston town line.
The daytime work hours are Monday – Friday, 8am to 4pm during the summer. The nighttime work hours will be from 9pm to 5am and will begin in April-June 2026 for the roadway milling, paving and line marking operations.
Please anticipate sidewalk closures, roadway detours, closures and traffic delays. Police details will be present to help with vehicle and pedestrian traffic. Give yourself extra travel time or use alternative routes if possible while traveling in this area during the construction hours.
Please direct any questions to dpw@wellesleyma.gov
Mandatory outdoor watering restrictions
April 18, 2025–The Wellesley Department of Public Works (DPW) has issued new MANDATORY one-day per week outdoor watering restrictions.
Under the new rules, homes and businesses must follow a one-day per week schedule based on street address numbers, and non-essential watering is banned between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.
These restrictions replace the previous 3-day per week alternate day schedule and are effective immediately due to continued drought and to comply with new state regulations.
“Although conditions have been improving in recent weeks, a lack of rain over the past year has resulted in lower than normal stream flows and ground water levels in our region. These new restrictions will keep us in compliance with state regulations and also help ensure that we can provide enough water for everyday use including health, safety and fire-fighting needs” said DPW Director Dave Cohen.
Based upon street address numbers, nonessential outdoor water use IS ALLOWED according to the following schedule:
- Odd numbered addresses are restricted to Tuesdays
- Even numbered addresses are restricted to Fridays
- Nonessential outdoor use of water on all other days is prohibited
Nonessential outdoor watering hours are restricted to before 9:00 a.m. and after 5:00 p.m. Outdoor watering is prohibited between 9 and 5 to help avoid loss of water through evaporation.
Essential uses of water include:
- For health and safety reasons
- Irrigation to establish a new lawn and new plantings between the months of May and September
- Agricultural operations to maintain livestock and crops and vegetable gardens
- Irrigation of lawns, gardens, flowers and ornamental plants by means of a hand-held hose
- To meet the core functions to the commercial operations of a business
- Irrigation of public trees and parks, schools, and recreational fields
- Hydrant flushing to maintain water systems and improve water quality
Nonessential uses include:
- Irrigation of lawns via sprinklers or automatic irrigation systems
- Washing of vehicles, except in a commercial car wash or as necessary for operator safety
- Washing of exterior building surfaces, parking lots, driveways or sidewalks, except as necessary to apply surface treatments such as paint, preservatives, stucco, pavement, or concrete
Initial enforcement for these new regulations will focus on notices, education and awareness. However, if needed, violations are subject to a $50 fine for the first violation, and $100 for each subsequent violation.
Visit the DPW webpages for more information on drought status, restrictions, and water conservation.
The Natural Resources Commission also offers tips for healthy and sustainable lawn and landscape care.
Questions? Contact the Water Division at dpw@wellesleyma.gov or call 781-235-7600 x3355.
Wellesley DPW announcement—low temps mean that ice isn’t going away anytime soon
Feb. 18, 2025–Department of Public Works (DPW) crews are continuing clean-up efforts from the weekend storms. However, many areas are still very icy due to below freezing temperatures and harsh winds.
Please use caution, especially when walking around Town.
Tractors and crews are working during the day to make sure sidewalks are open, and are treating ice with a sand and salt mix.
Overnight crews will be clearing snow around the parking meters and crosswalks in the Town’s commercial areas, but please be aware that frozen snow piles will remain along the edges of streets.
For immediate winter assistance, please call the DPW 24-hour hotline number at 781-235-7600.
Wellesley DPW announcement—snow plowing priorities
Feb. 7, 2025–The Wellesley Department of Public Works (DPW) is responsible for plowing and ice control for more than 110 miles of Town roads and 32 Town-owned parking lots.
In cooperation with the Wellesley Police Department, DPW monitors winter weather and road conditions 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, with salter and snow plow crews on call to work during the winter season.
In most cases when reliable forecasts are available, DPW will have employees and equipment scheduled in advance to treat and plow roads.
Plowing Priorities
During the first 2-3 inches of snow, the steepest and busiest roads in Wellesley are treated to keep them clear of snow and ice. Roads are plowed when 3 inches or more of snow has fallen.
Based on the type of snow and extended weather forecasts with above freezing temperatures, the department may decide to not to plow roads or prioritize which roads are plowed. This helps to avoid damaging roads and conserves Town resources.
During all storm events, the DPW’s highest priority is to provide safe passage for emergency vehicles and coordinate any required school or public building closures due to weather.
At the end of most snowstorms, it takes DPW plow crews another 3 to 4 hours to properly push back snow and intersections. Homeowners are asked to be patient when clearing driveways as plows may make several passes.
Private Plowing
Homeowners who hire private contractors for snow removal, PLEASE instruct the contractor not to push snow into the public way (into the street or onto the sidewalk) or across the street from the mouth of your driveway.
This practice is prohibited by Town bylaws, and property owners may be fined up to $50 per offense. Also, please remind contractors not to plow snow onto fire hydrants in your neighborhood. These need to be kept clear for emergencies.
And remember, there is no overnight parking on streets or other public ways in Wellesley. Snow removal often takes place at night and vehicles should be parked in driveways.
Wellesley DPW announcement—parking during snowstorms
Jan. 23 2025–The Department of Public Works is reminding residents to refrain from parking vehicles on public roadways or in public parking lots during snow storms.
Vehicles parked in these areas during storms impact the Town’s ability to safely and properly remove snow and make roads safe for travel. Instead, vehicles should be parked in driveways and other off-the-road locations to allow plows to clear streets.
Also, please remember that Town of Wellesley bylaws prohibit the parking of vehicles overnight on public ways.
Snow removal and clean up activities commonly take place during overnight hours, and vehicles parked in the public way impede this process. Vehicles parked overnight in the public way may be ticketed and/or towed.
Thank you for helping to keep our streets clear and safe this winter.
Wellesley DPW announcement—Weston Road improvement project
Jan. 17, 2025–The Department of Public Works is holding a virtual meeting on Zoom for Weston Road neighbors on Thursday, January 23 from 6:30-7:30 p.m. to discuss the upcoming proposed Weston Road Improvement Project.
Meeting topics will include project information, key design decisions, construction schedules, impacts, and estimated costs. Public participation and feedback is encouraged.
Register in advance to take part in the Zoom. The meeting will also be live streamed and recorded for later viewing on Wellesley Media.
The proposed project and funding will be discussed at 2025 Annual Town Meeting in April. If approved, construction on Weston Road will begin this summer and last up to six months. The project will run from the Route 9 off ramps near Fells Market to the northern Town boundary at Weston, near Manor Avenue.
For questions or additional information, contact the DPW Engineering Division at 781-235-7600 ext. 3310 or email dpw@wellesleyma.gov
DPW announcement—adopt a fire hydrant
Dec. 6, 2024—The DPW and Wellesley Fire Rescue Department are asking for your assistance in clearing fire hydrants of snow in your neighborhood this winter season. There are over 1,400 hydrants in Wellesley and each one is potentially vital in the event of an emergency.
Adopt a hydrant in 4 easy steps:
- Visit the Wellesley Adopt a Hydrant map application.
- Pan and zoom to your neighborhood or search for an address using the search bar. In the search bar, start typing your address and matching results will begin to show. Click on the result that matches the address you’re looking for and the map will zoom to your neighborhood.
- Click on the Adopt a Hydrant tool in the top right corner and then select any RED hydrant to adopt it, the GREEN hydrants have already been adopted.
- Enter your information into the form and click SAVE. Changes may take up to 30 seconds to appear.
Please be careful and aware of roadway traffic and thank you for volunteering to keep our neighborhoods safe!
DPW update—water service line inventory
Nov. 15, 2024–The Department of Public Works (DPW) Water and Sewer Division is conducting a water service line inventory.
This work will help determine the material used for water lines and identify lines that may need to be replaced. As part of the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Lead and Copper Rule Revisions, all water suppliers in Massachusetts are required to maintain a full inventory.
Wellesley has approximately 8,500 water service lines. After an initial review in October, the Water Department found there are approximately 6,000 missing or partial water line records for residential and commercial properties in Town.
The Water Department is asking for help filling in the gaps in these inventory records. In the coming weeks, homeowners will be receiving letters from the Water Department with information on how you can help by visually inspecting service lines, taking a photo, and submitting that information for review.
The Water Department believes there are NO lead service lines in Wellesley. The Town has required the use of copper service lines since 1962 and has been replacing old lead service lines since the early 1990’s.
Regular and robust lead and copper sampling programs show that, in Wellesley, the risk of lead exposure through drinking water is extremely low.
Visit the Water Department webpages for detailed information on this project, a list of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs), or to schedule an in-home visual inspection of your water service line.
DPW updates—water mains to be flushed, Oct. 21-25, 2024
The Water & Sewer Division of the Department of Public Works will be flushing water mains throughout the Town beginning Monday, Oct. 21-Friday, Oct. 25, between the hours of 8am and 5pm. The purpose of flushing is to remove sediment buildup in the mains and to verify the safe operation of hydrants and valves. The flushing may result in temporary discoloration of the water, caused by small particles dislodged during the flushing as well as possible reduction in pressure. Therefore, the Division recommends restricting water usage.
Discoloration of the water will be temporary and is not harmful. However, the discolored water might stain your laundry, especially white materials as well as the possible staining of plumbing fixtures. Therefore, please avoid doing laundry during the noted flushing period and certainly while such conditions exist.
Prior to washing clothes, including times after the hours stated in this notice, please check the cold water for possible discoloration. If discolored, let the cold water run for a minute or two to begin clearing. If it does not clear at that time, try again later. Unfortunately, the Town cannot fully guarantee the safety of doing laundry and/or the possibility of discoloration even during the evenings and other times of the day as the water system has been disturbed. Therefore, please check your water carefully prior to doing laundry and inspect the laundry before it is dried.
The Wellesley Water and Sewer Division appreciates your patience as we work to improve the quality of the drinking water. If you would like additional information, please call the Water Division at 235-7600 ext. 3355.
Replacement of underground storage tanks, fall 2024
The Town will replace three (3) 10,000-gallon underground storage tanks (USTs) and two (2) independent fuel islands located at the Department of Public Works (DPW) facility at 30 Municipal Way. Work has gone out to bid and will include, but is not limited to site preparation, demolition, removal and disposal of materials, backfill and compaction, concrete pad installations, tank installations, fuel island equipment installation site restoration, and paving.
Sidewalk project, fall 2024
Department of Public Works (DPW) contractors are extending the sidewalk on the westbound side of Washington Street across from Elm Bank to the Natick town line.
Work is expected to begin the week of Monday, September 16 and continue through late fall, weather permitting.
Crews will be working Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. No weekend work is planned at this time.
The project includes reconstructing and extending the sidewalk, adding curbing and ADA wheelchair ramps, and installing a pedestrian crossing beacon on Washington Street at Cheney Drive (near the entrance to Elm Bank).
This work will impact traffic and parking in the area; drivers should expect detours and delays. Police details will be onsite to help with traffic.
Leak detection testing program, summer 2024
The Wellesley Water and Sewer Department is conducting routine leak detection testing on our town’s water distribution system. Two contracted professionals will be riding E-bikes and stopping at various hydrants throughout town to perform these tests.
This testing is part of our ongoing efforts to maintain the integrity of our water supply system and ensure that any potential leaks are identified and repaired promptly. The testing will take place over an extended period of time, as thorough testing is essential. The individuals will be wearing identification and are authorized by the Wellesley Water and Sewer Department to carry out these inspections.
For any questions or concerns, please contact the Wellesley Water and Sewer Department
(781) 235-7600 ext. 3355
Work on crosswalks begins Sept. 3, 2024
Department of Public Works (DPW) Highway crews will replace the brick-like crosswalks at the Washington and Church Street intersection in Wellesley Square beginning on Tuesday, September 3.
The current crosswalks are rough and create noise when vehicles pass over them. The bricks, which are actually painted concrete pavers, will be removed and replaced with a smooth surface and a new design stamped on them at a later date.
Due to the complexity of this project and heavy traffic volume at this intersection, the work will impact drivers, business owners, and residents. Expected disruptions include noise, traffic detours or delays, and limited parking in the area.
Work will take place during the daytime on Monday through Saturday between 7:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Night work is planned for Friday, September 6 and Saturday, September 7 between 9:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m.
The crosswalks will be divided into thirds or quarters to allow two lanes of traffic to pass through while the work is taking place. Wellesley Police Department officers will be onsite to help direct traffic.
The work is expected to be completed in three weeks, weather permitting.
Similar crosswalk work has been done on Linden Street.
For questions or concerns during this construction, please contact the Highway Division at 781-235-7600 ext. 3325 or email dpw@wellesleyma.gov
Roadwork Continues July 22 – August 1, 2024
The Department of Public Works will continue summer roadwork beginning on Monday, July 22 and continuing through August 1, 2024
Paving crews are scheduled for the following streets starting on July 22, weather permitting: Pond Road, Cedar Street (from Hunnewell Street to the town line), Harvard Street, Summit Road, and Dewing Path.
Please note: Forest Street will be paved during the overnight hours beginning at 7pm on Monday night and ending at 8am on Tuesday morning. Detours will be in place overnight.
Other crews will continue with Phase 2 of the cape sealing work that began earlier this month. This work involves micro-surfacing, which seals road where asphalt and stone chips were applied a few weeks ago in Phase 1 of this project.
This material requires about an hour to set before cars can drive on the new surface. Homeowners have been notified by the DPW about this work.
The specific roads to be treated, weather permitting, are:
Baystate Road, Damien Road, Edmunds Road, Fairbanks Road, Fiske Road, Kipling Road, Saunders Terrace, Tennyson Road, Beechwood Terrace, Berkley Road Garrison Road, Leewood Road, Nobscot Road, Shirley Road, Avon Road, Carlton Road, Elliot Street, Middlesex Road, Solon Street, Woodbine Road, Clifford Street, Cottonwood Road, Swarthmore Road, Wilson Street, and Berkshire
Questions? Please contact the DPW Highway Division at 781-235-7600 ext. 3325.
