Child hospitalized following crash in Wellesley; Oakland St. reopened

July 30, 2026 by Deborah Brown

A child was transported to a Boston hospital with potentially serious injuries Thursday morning following a collision between the child, who was traveling by bicycle, and the driver of an SUV, at a busy Wellesley intersection.

The incident occurred just before 9am at the intersection of Oakland St. and Woodlawn Ave. According to the Wellesley Police Department, the child was alert and conscious at the scene before being taken for medical treatment. Details of the child’s injuries have not been released.

woodlawnoakland — Woodlawn-Oakland intersection highlighted

The driver of the SUV remained on the scene, according to police

The collision prompted an immediate response from the Wellesley Police Department’s Crash Reconstruction Unit, which conducted an on-site investigation. During the investigation, Oakland Street was closed to traffic between Route 9 and Washington St.

Officials confirmed that Oakland Street was reopened as of 11am.

The crash remains under active investigation by the WPD Crash Reconstruction Unit. No further updates regarding the child’s condition or potential charges have been provided at this time.

Wellesley: A timely reminder to spring ahead this weekend

March 7, 2026 by Deborah Brown

Daylight Saving Time kicks off this weekend, so don’t forget to “spring ahead” by an hour any clocks that don’t automatically reset on Saturday night heading into Sunday, March 8.

This is also a good time to check your smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) alarms. Replace smoke alarms after 10 years, and CO alarms based on the manufacturer’s recommendation (typically 5, 7, or 10 years). Always check the manufactured date on the back of the unit. Replace alkaline batteries in alarms that require them.

Wellesley DPW announcements

This page was updated June, 2026.

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.

Drought status to Level 1— One day per week watering restrictions

May 14, 2026–The Wellesley Department of Public Works needs your help to comply with state regulations and has issued outdoor water use restrictions, effective May 13, 2026. Mandatory outdoor watering restrictions are requested.

The restrictions include a mandatory limitation of outdoor watering to no more than one-day per week for homes and businesses and a ban on non-essential outdoor watering between 9:00 am and 5:00 pm. Complete details are included below.

According to DPW Officials, the Massachusetts Executive Office of Environmental Affairs declared a Level 1 – Mild Drought in our region on May 13, 2026. Due to Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (Mass DEP) regulations now in effect, non-essential outdoor watering is limited to no more than one day per week. In addition, non-essential outdoor watering is prohibited between the hours of 9:00 am and 5:00 pm.

‘These restrictions are needed to keep the Town 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.

Outdoor Water Use One Day per week Restrictions

Based upon street address numbers, nonessential outdoor water use IS ALLOWED according to the following schedule:

Odd numbered address are restricted to Tuesdays
Even numbered addresses are restricted Fridays
Nonessential outdoor use of water on all other days is prohibited

Nonessential outdoor water hours are restricted to before 9:00 am and after 5:00 pm 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

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

All water customers are urged to set irrigation systems and timers to ensure watering takes place on the allowed days and times. Customers are also encouraged to consider rain gauges and sensors to avoid over watering. One inch of watering per week is sufficient to promote deep root growth for a healthy and drought resistant lawn.

Initial enforcement activities 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.

If you have any questions please call the DPW’s Water & Sewer Division at (781) 235-7600 extension 3355.

Wellesley to conduct spring street sweeping

April 27, 2026–Keep an eye out for the Wellesley DPW’s regenerative air street sweeper! Unlike traditional sweepers, it uses pressurized air to remove more dirt, debris, and trash, while significantly reducing dust in the air.

It’s hydrant flushing time

The DPW’s annual hydrant flushing is planned for Monday, April 27 – Friday, May 1, 2026 between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.

During this week, the Water & Sewer Division will be flushing water mains throughout Town to remove sediment buildup and ensure the safe operation of fire hydrants and valves.

PLEASE NOTE! This process may temporarily discolor water and reduce water pressure.

While water remains safe to drink, DPW recommends that you avoid doing laundry during the flushing period, especially whites, as staining may occur.

If you must wash clothes, check the cold water before starting the wash. If water is discolored, let it run for a few minutes to clear any sediment.

Contact the DPW Water Division with questions at 781-235-7600 ext. 3355. Thank you!

Overnight Tree Work on Central Street

April 8, 2026–The DPW Park & Tree Division will be repairing tree pits along Central Street on Wednesday, April 8 and Thursday, April 9.

Work will be done overnight beginning at midnight and ending in the early morning. Some noise is expected, and equipment may temporarily block street parking spaces and sidewalks.

Tree pits are the dirt areas surrounding trees planted along Central Street in Wellesley Square. Over time, the stone borders become uneven and tree roots poke upwards becoming dangerous tripping hazards.

These repairs will temporarily improve this issue while the Town finalizes plans for the upcoming Wellesley Square amenities project.

Please email DPW with any questions or concerns. Thank you for your patience.

Tree pit, Central St., Wellesley — Photo by Town of Wellesley

Weston Road reconstruction to restart

April 2, 2026–After a winter pause, reconstruction of Weston Road between Worcester Street and the Weston Town line is set to resume this spring. Work is expected to restart in April weather permitting. Remaining work includes sidewalk and wheelchair ramp reconstruction, loam and seeding, and the final roadway paving course. Once paving is complete, crews will finish line marking for the centerline and shoulders, crosswalk markings, and signage installation. The project is expected to wrap up this summer.

As construction resumes, road users and residents should expect isolated lane closures. Please allow extra travel time or use alternative routes when possible. Police details will be on site to assist with both vehicle and pedestrian traffic.

Wellesley team rooms getting closer

March 2026–Construction on the team rooms at the Hunnewell Track & Field Complex begins on Tuesday, March 24, 2026.

This project was approved and funded by 2025 Special Town Meeting in November and is the final phase of work on the athletic complex used by Wellesley High School and Middle Schools sports teams and local sports organizations.

When completed, the enhanced modular building will provide locker rooms for home and visiting teams.

Contractors will be installing construction fencing around the work area, which includes part of the State Street parking lot adjacent to Fuller Brook Park. This fencing will limit several parking spots in the lot.

Regular updates will be posted on the Department of Public Works project pages. Please email DPW with questions or for more information.

What to do if snowplows damaged your property or street

March 2026–Now that the snow has melted, property owners are asking about repairs from snowplow damage. The Department of Public Works addresses snowplow damage repairs in the late spring on a case-specific basis. By April 15, please email DPW@wellesleyma.gov with concerns, and include photos if possible. For requests received after April 15, repairs will be done later in the summer. Please remember there is a public easement of Town-owned land in front of all properties in Wellesley.

Announcement: DPW Water & Sewer Line Inventory

Jan. 16, 2026–The DPW Water & Sewer Division is conducting a federally required inventory of water service lines under the EPA’s Lead and Copper Rule. This work will help determine the material used for water lines and identify lines that may need to be replaced. All water suppliers in Massachusetts are required to maintain a full inventory. Letters were mailed to residents and property owners to share information about the known or suspected material of the service line connecting properties to the public water system. Some landlords received letters for distribution to tenants.

Service lines may be classified as 1) unknown/not verified or 2) Galvanized Requiring Replacement (GRR). Galvanized pipes do not mean lead has been found in the water, but the GRR designation requires further verification. No lead service lines have been identified in Wellesley. At this time, most residents do not need to take any action.

The Town has required the use of copper service lines since 1962 and has been replacing old lead service lines since the early 1990s.

Regular lead and copper sampling programs show that, in Wellesley, the risk of lead exposure through drinking water is extremely low.

Visit the Service Line Inventory webpage for detailed information on this project.

Some history

Wellesley has approximately 8,500 water service lines. After an initial review in October 2024, the Water Department found there were approximately 6,000 missing or partial water line records for residential and commercial properties in Town.

Wellesley DPW street resurfacing list for 2026

November 2025—

Wellesley firefighter entrance exam set for Sept. 27

September 11, 2025 by Bob Brown

Those interested in becoming a Wellesley firefighter are invited to take the exam on Sept. 27 at Wellesley Middle Schools (check-in 8:30am, exam at 9am). Wellesley has a roughly 60-person fire department, with three stations across town.

It costs $100 to take the exam, which you can register for online. Learn about requirements (including age restrictions) and expectations for Wellesley firefighters.

Fire Chief Steve Mortarelli said during a Select Board briefing in the spring that the department has been proactive about encouraging locals to learn more about becoming a firefighter.

Expand your reach thru paid advertising on Swellesley (this goes for government departments, too)

E-bikes allowed on Wellesley’s Brook Path, at least for now

September 10, 2025 by Bob Brown

It’s been hard to miss the town of Wellesley’s new multi-pronged awareness campaign about e-bike safety—the sandwich boards, the postcards, the emails/website content.

While the information has clarified much about a sometimes gray, sometimes changing set of state and local rules, one question has remained: Can you ride e-bikes on the Brook Path?

That was the first question Mrs. Swellesley had when the e-bike safety postcard arrived at our house. Some have also raised the question in local online forums, which have been active with stories of close calls and demands for more enforcement.

In addition, we heard the topic of e-bikes on the Brook Path discussed during this week’s meeting of the Wellesley Trails Committee, which has been monitoring the use of e-bikes on trails for some time now (see about 30 minutes into the Wellesley Media recording).

With some of the sandwich boards placed by the Brook Path, people might naturally think the message relates to the heavily used trail that stretches two-plus miles from Dover Road to Wellesley Hills.

The messaging specifies that you can ride a Class 1 or 2 e-bike—pedal-assist or throttle up to 20 mph—on public roads, in bike lanes, and on shared use paved paths. And that you can’t ride them on NRC Trails (whether most residents or others would know what “NRC” is… Natural Resources Commission… we’re not so sure).

But the Brook Path is indeed an NRC trail. Is it really a paved path though? It’s mainly covered in stone dust.

We got clarification on this subject from NRC Director Brandon Schmitt and Wellesley Police Lt. Michael Lemenager.

Schmitt says “the NRC has not yet taken any formal action to designate the Brook Path one way or another. But it is altered and improved with surfacing materials that move it beyond the more simple ‘natural’ trails that are outlined in the governing state regulations. We continue to monitor the information available, and our hope is in the absence of governing regulations that with continued education and some common sense, everyone can continue to enjoy the path safely.”

Lt. Lemenager adds that “Legislators really need to address the gaps created by the popularity of these bikes, especially the undefined ‘class 3’ models that are essentially electric motorcycles… I think it’s going to take some action at the State House to put pressure on retailers to educate families and inform them of the laws at the point of purchase. After all, we don’t allow 13–15 year olds to purchase motorcycles or drive them off the lot unregistered and unlicensed, and I would imagine more legislative action will come in this area.”

Related:

Now, thanks to Swellesley’s partnership with Tiny News Collective, you can make tax deductible contributions to support our work.

Swellesley welcomes letters to the editor

What Wellesley’s young e-bikers have to say

July 10, 2025 by Bob Brown

To be clear, we’re not suggesting that people in Wellesley haven’t had close calls with e-bike riders. We’ve seen the online rants and pleas for young people on e-bikes to be careful and for parents to be aware of what their children might be up to on two wheels. Mrs. Swellesley herself has seen questionable and dangerous shenanigans in Linden Square. We know the town has published information online about e-bike and e-scooter safety at a time when e-bike rules are evolving, and has begun posting signs to encourage respectful and safe riding.

Having covered all that, plenty has been said ABOUT the young people and their riding antics in Wellesley. But what say these teens?

A Wellesley High freshman with a Class 3 e-bike reached out to us this past spring asking if we’d be interested to hear their side of the story. “I am one of those riders, and understand many people have vast and polarized views on what kids/teens should and should not be allowed to do. A few of us use our bikes to run errands, socialize and often grab food—just normal things. We do our best to be respectful to people driving and walking, follow rules, and avoid causing issues. These bikes are a large part of many of our lives…”

I took this teen up on his offer to listen, and met with a couple of his friends, Ty and Saif, near the Hunnewell tennis courts. The students, now rising sophomores at Wellesley High, rode over on their bikes, both wearing helmets.

(On my way there, driving, I was passed three times by a grown man on a bike who blew through three separate red lights.)

While the teens I met with live in Wellesley and ride their bikes to school, they spend a lot of their bike time in Natick, where there are e-bike and mountain bike-friendly trails. They say only a handful of Wellesley High kids have e-bikes like theirs, though they know of more who are working on their parents to get them. Natick is a hotspot for teens with e-bikes, they say.

The teens say they were among the first e-bike owners at the school, though see lots of middle schoolers with them now.

“I know at least 15 kids who got them in the last few months,” said Saif, who upgraded in December from a regular e-bike with pedals and a small motor that maxed out at 20mph to a Talaria e-dirt bike that can go faster. “I’m sure there will be more, too. At least five of those cases were parents buying them just to get in front of the tariffs since the bikes are made in China. The prices are already fluctuating wildly.”

Saif got his bike partially as a gift, and partially by paying for it through a power washing business run by local teens. It wasn’t easy convincing his parents to let him have it. “I’m not sure how I convinced them, and these online posts about kids being dangerous aren’t helping,” he says.

Ty got his e-bike (really an e-moped with pedals) last summer, and before that tooled around on an e-scooter. His mom prefers him using the bike to the scooter, he said.

Bikes like these can go for a couple to a few thousand dollars.

Both students say they mainly use their bikes for transportation, as they’re too young to drive a car. They generally keep their bikes off the main roads since they never know if drivers will see them, they say.

The teens say they’ve never had trouble with police, who have told them they’re fine on the streets as long as “we’re not doing tricks,” Saif said. They’ve seen younger kids doing tricks at Linden Square and acknowledge “it’s not a good look.”

“There should definitely be rules and limits,” said Saif . “We’re young, but kids who are 12 or 13 with these bikes, that’s crazy.”

The Wellesley Police Department has seen an increase in calls about e-bikes in recent months as the weather has warmed. Often the riders are gone by the time the police arrive.

e-bike sign at Sprague Fields — E-bike sign

“If we encounter a youth on an e-bike that can travel at rates of speed over 20 mph we educate the youth and talk to their parents about the laws,” says Lt. Marie Cleary. “We are focusing on educating the kids driving the e-bikes on safe driving and where the e-bikes can and cannot be ridden. If we encounter the same youths multiple times we will reach out to the parents to let them know what is going on. We have increased patrols in areas where e-bikes are most frequently reported (Hunnewell Fields, Sprague Fields, Linden Square and around the WHS). We want to ensure the safety of the public as well as the e-bike riders. We encourage residents to notify us when they witness anyone riding an e-bike in an unsafe manner.”

Metal and electronic signs are now posted at Sprague Fields to encourage safe and respectful bike, e-bike, and e-scooter riding (e-bikes are not allowed on Wellesley fields or natural trails). The students we were in touch with recalled encounters with a couple of pedestrians who have told them they need to learn a lesson by getting driven off the road. “We were not flying through there by any means,” said Saif , who added they now avoid the area on their bikes.

Saif says his bikes have also allowed him to meet people he otherwise never would have and who have become friends.

“It’s a great tool for socializing,” he says.

Don’t be shocked, but Nehoiden Golf Course in Wellesley to test out lightning detection system

March 18, 2024 by Deborah Brown

If you’re in the Nehoiden Golf Club area on Tuesday, March 19, 8am-noon, prepare your ears for an assault. The private, 9-hole golf course, owned and operated by Wellesley College, is in the process of installing a lightning detection system for the safety of their members, and loud test alarms will periodically go off.

Read the above carefully—it’s a lightning thing, not a lighting thing. So nobody start up in the comments section about towering poles or dark skies in peril.

The automated system detects lightning activity within 10 miles of the course and provides an audible 5-second alarm, as well as visual strobe light alerts. Thirty minutes after the last lightning strike, the system will signal an “all-clear” audible alert (two short blasts), and the strobe light will turn off.

Neighbors of Nehoiden received a postcard letting them know about about the lightning detection system testing.

We checked in with head golf pro Hal Jacobs at Wellesley Country Club who told us they also have such a system. “When it’s not safe to play, everyone is evacuated off the course and into the clubhouse. Then after 30 minutes, if there hasn’t been more lightning, everyone can go back onto the course,” he said.

Nehoiden has collaborated with Wellesley College Campus Police and Town of Wellesley Police on the scheduling of the test.

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Update: power restored at Wellesley Town Hall

December 18, 2023 by admin

The lights are back on, and regular business operations have resumed at Wellesley Town Hall.

The Town asks residents to please take care when traveling throughout town as many trees remain down and roads are blocked.

Shout-out to the DPW and Municipal Light crews for their work!