Boston, MA Street Obstruction / Street Opening Bond
Overview
Planning to dig up, block, or open a street in Boston? Before you touch public pavement, the City of Boston requires a surety bond guaranteeing you'll restore the right-of-way to its original condition. This bond protects the city and its residents if a contractor or utility company leaves a street opening or obstruction unrepaired. Get bonded before your permit is issued and your work can move forward on schedule.
Who Needs This Bond?
Utility contractors, general contractors, and excavation companies working within Boston city streets all need this bond. If your project involves breaking pavement, opening a trench, placing temporary equipment in a travel lane, or otherwise obstructing a public right-of-way in Boston, the city will require this bond before approving your permit. It applies whether you're doing a one-time utility tie-in or managing ongoing street work across multiple Boston project sites.
What is this Bond For?
Boston's Street Obstruction / Street Opening Bond guarantees that the bonded contractor will properly restore any public street, sidewalk, or right-of-way disturbed during permitted work. If the contractor fails to repair the opening or remove the obstruction as required, the City of Boston can make a claim against the bond to recover the cost of completing that work. The bond holds the contractor financially accountable for the condition they leave behind.
When is it Required?
Boston's Public Works Department requests this bond at the permit stage — before any street opening or obstruction permit is officially issued. You'll need the bond in place and proof submitted to the city before work can legally begin. Contractors who regularly perform street work in Boston often keep a continuous bond on file to cover multiple permits throughout the year.
Where Does it Apply?
This bond is a City of Boston requirement and applies specifically to work performed within Boston's public streets, sidewalks, and rights-of-way. It is not a statewide Massachusetts bond and does not satisfy permit requirements in neighboring municipalities. Any project that touches a Boston city street falls under this local obligation.
How to Buy Online
Click 'Buy This Bond Online' on this page and the secure surety portal will open in a new tab. Complete the short application, and your bond documents are typically ready for download and submission to the City of Boston the same day. No waiting on an agent callback — the entire process runs online.
Why Bond Titan?
Bond Titan is powered by The Southern Agency, giving you access to a nationwide surety catalog from a single fast online platform. You don't need to call around or wait for a quote — this bond is available for direct purchase right here. We've built the process so Boston contractors can get bonded and get to work without unnecessary delays.