Street Opening Bond – City of Medford, MA

If you're a contractor, utility provider, developer, or property owner planning to perform excavation, construction, or underground utility work that impacts public streets, sidewalks, or right-of-way areas in Medford, Massachusetts, you must obtain a Street Opening Permit from the Department of Public Works (DPW).

A critical part of this permitting process is securing a Street Opening Bond, which serves as a financial guarantee that all work will be completed according to city regulations and that any damaged public property will be properly restored.

At Axcess Surety, we help contractors and businesses obtain Street Opening Bonds quickly and affordably, ensuring compliance with Medford’s permit requirements and preventing delays to your projects.

What is a Street Opening Bond?

A Street Opening Bond is a surety bond required by the City of Medford DPW for any contractor, business, or property owner performing work that disturbs public roadways, sidewalks, or municipal infrastructure.

This bond serves as a financial guarantee that the permit holder will:

✔️ Follow all construction and safety regulations set by the City of Medford.
✔️ Restore public streets, sidewalks, and infrastructure to their original condition.
✔️ Repair any damage caused by the work.
✔️ Ensure public safety by securing work areas and maintaining proper traffic flow.

If the contractor fails to meet these obligations, the City of Medford may file a claim against the bond to recover the costs of repairs or restoration. The contractor is ultimately responsible for reimbursing the surety company for any claims paid out.

Who Needs a Street Opening Bond in Medford?

A Street Opening Bond is required for any person, company, or contractor performing work that involves excavation, digging, or modifications to public infrastructure in Medford. This includes:

✅ General Contractors – Engaged in roadwork, sidewalk repairs, and construction projects.
✅ Excavation Companies – Performing digging, trenching, or earth-moving operations.
✅ Utility Companies – Installing or repairing water, sewer, gas, electric, cable, or telecommunications lines.
✅ Paving & Landscaping Contractors – Modifying driveway aprons, curbs, or drainage systems.
✅ Developers & Property Owners – Connecting new buildings to public water, sewer, or gas lines.

If your work involves public streets, sidewalks, or city-owned infrastructure, you are required to obtain a Street Opening Bond before receiving a permit from the Medford DPW.

Why Does Medford Require a Street Opening Bond?

The City of Medford enforces bonding requirements to protect public property, ensure contractor accountability, and prevent financial burdens on taxpayers.

A Street Opening Bond helps:

✔️ Ensure quality construction and excavation work – Contractors must meet safety and engineering standards.
✔️ Protect city-owned streets and sidewalks – The bond guarantees that all repairs and restorations are completed properly.
✔️ Reduce financial risks for the city – If a contractor fails to restore a damaged area, the city can use the bond funds to cover repair costs.
✔️ Maintain public safety – Ensures that roadways, sidewalks, and pedestrian access remain safe and accessible throughout the project.

Our experience shows that cities that strictly enforce Street Opening Bonds experience fewer abandoned projects, fewer liability claims, and lower infrastructure maintenance costs.

Medford Street Opening Permit Requirements

To perform any work that disturbs public roads, sidewalks, or infrastructure, contractors must obtain a Street Opening Permit from the Medford DPW.

Key Permit Requirements:

📌 Completed Application – A detailed description of the work scope, location, and estimated duration.
📌 Street Opening Bond – A surety bond (amount set by DPW) to ensure proper completion and restoration.
📌 Certificate of Insurance – Contractors must provide proof of liability insurance, listing the City of Medford as an additional insured.
📌 Project Plans & Traffic Control Plan – If work affects traffic flow or pedestrian access, a safety plan or detour plan may be required.
📌 Permit Fees – Fees vary depending on the project’s size, complexity, and potential impact on public infrastructure.

🔗 Medford Public Works Permits & Applications

Once approved, contractors must follow all city regulations, including safety protocols and timely project completion.

How Much Does a Street Opening Bond Cost?

The cost of a Street Opening Bond (also known as the bond premium) depends on several factors:

📌 The required bond amount set by the Medford DPW.
📌 The contractor’s credit score and financial stability – Higher credit scores qualify for lower rates.
📌 The type of work being performed – Excavation, trenching, paving, and utility work may have different risk levels.

Estimated Costs for Medford Street Opening Bonds:

• Small Bond Requirement (e.g., $5,000 - $10,000) → Estimated $100 - $250 per year.

• Medium Bond Requirement (e.g., $25,000 - $50,000) → Estimated $250 - $750 per year.

• Large Bond Requirement (e.g., $100,000+) → Pricing varies based on risk assessment.

At Axcess Surety, we work with multiple surety providers to ensure the lowest possible rate, even for contractors with less-than-perfect credit.

How to Obtain a Street Opening Bond in Medford

Step-by-Step Process:

1️⃣ Verify Bond Requirements

• Contact Medford DPW to confirm the exact bond amount needed.

2️⃣ Apply for the Bond

• Provide basic business details, project scope, and financial history.

3️⃣ Underwriting Review

• The surety company evaluates credit history and financial strength.

• Some applicants may need to submit additional documentation.

4️⃣ Receive a Bond Quote

• Get a final premium price based on risk factors and bond amount.

5️⃣ Pay for the Bond & Receive It

• Once approved, pay the premium and receive the official bond certificate.

6️⃣ File the Bond with Medford DPW

• Submit the bond along with your permit application.

⏳ Most bonds can be issued within 24 hours!

Why Choose Axcess Surety?

At Axcess Surety, we specialize in helping contractors obtain Street Opening Bonds quickly and at the best rates.

✔️ Fast Approvals – Get bonded in as little as 24 hours.
✔️ Lowest Rates – We shop multiple surety companies for the best price.
✔️ Easy Online Application – No unnecessary paperwork or delays.
✔️ Expert Guidance – Our team ensures you meet all Medford bonding & permitting requirements.
✔️ Flexible Payment Plans – Available for larger bond amounts.

We’ve worked with numerous contractors, utility companies, and developers in Medford and across Massachusetts, ensuring compliance with local regulations and bonding requirements.

Get Your Street Opening Bond for Medford Today!

If you need a Street Opening Bond, Excavation Bond, or Utility Work Bond in Medford, MA, we’re here to help!

📞 Call us today for expert assistance.
💻 Apply online now and get bonded in 24 hours or less!

At Axcess Surety, we make the bonding process fast, simple, and stress-free, so you can move forward with your project with confidence.