Trench paving continues next week
This past week, the water main trenches were repaved on Henry Law Avenue, Washington Street, and Main Street. However, the trenches for individual water connections into the new main still need to be repaved. That work will continue next week, from Monday, Sept. 20 through Wednesday, Sept. 22.
For contractors to complete paving, residents and businesses should expect the following disruptions:
- A section of Henry Law Avenue near the Central Avenue/Washington Street intersection will be closed for a few hours Monday morning, Sept. 22. Parking will also be restricted in that area. Traffic will be detoured via Williams Street.
- Parking will be restricted on Washington Street from Henry Law Avenue to Main Street Monday and Tuesday, Sept. 20 and 21. Expect a lane reduction through the paving area.
- Inbound and outbound Portland Avenue will be closed for short durations to allow paving on Tuesday or Wednesday, Sept. 21 or 22.
- Parking will be restricted on Main Street from Washington Street to Broadway on Tuesday and Wednesday, Sept. 21 and 22. Expect a lane reduction through the paving area.
Once paving is complete, the crews will raise water valve boxes throughout the project area. This work is anticipated to occur Thursday and Friday, Sept. 23 and 24. This will require rolling lane closures as crews move from valve box to valve box. No parking restrictions are required.
The work schedule may change depending on weather conditions, and the City of Dover will provide as much advanced notice as possible for significant schedule changes.
Email updates
The City of Dover sends regular email updates about the project. To sign-up, visit bit.ly/doverdownload and select "Project updates: Washington and Main Water Improvements."
About this project
The City of Dover is committed to proactively maintaining the municipal water system to ensure consistent high-quality water is available to those who live in, work in and visit the City. As part of the ongoing effort to replace the oldest and most at risk of failure water infrastructure, the Washington Street and Main Street Water Improvements project will target replacement of some of the oldest water distribution pipes in the Downtown area.
The project area includes all of Main Street, Washington Street from Central Avenue to Main Street and a portion of Henry Law Avenue closest to Washington Street. Replacement infrastructure includes approximately 3,000 feet of new ductile iron water main that meets the needs to today’s water systems and will provide reliable water service for the next 100+ years.
After a competitive process, the City Council at its Oct. 14, 2020 meeting, authorized the City of Dover to contract with N. Granese & Sons, Inc. of Salem, Massachusetts to complete the work. Underwood Engineers is the City’s engineering consultant who completed the design and will oversee the construction. Construction is anticipated to begin in March of 2021 and be completed in September 2021.
An information meeting was held Monday Feb. 8, 2021 at 6:00 p.m. Due to the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic, the meeting was held virtually.
For more information or questions about the project, contact Community Services Deputy Director Bill Boulanger at (603) 516-6450.
As the project progresses, abutters and residents can sign up to receive regular updates via email. To sign up, visit bit.ly/doverdownload and select "Project updates: Washington and Main Water Improvements."