Latest updates
The contractor has completed the installation of the new water main and is now working to connect water customers. Deputy Community Services Director Bill Boulanger is scheduling connection times, which require temporary water shutoffs to the property being connected. For questions or concerns about scheduling a water connection, contact Boulanger at b.boulanger@dover.nh.gov, or 516-6450.
Traffic and parking restrictions for the week of Aug. 2
Monday, Aug. 2
- Portland Avenue inbound will be closed at Chapel Street. Traffic will be detoured via Chapel Street, Saint John Street and Broadway.
- Main Street will be reduced to one lane by the project area.
- Parking will be restricted by the Picker House at 42 Main St.
Tuesday, Aug. 3 and Wednesday, Aug. 4
- Washington Street will be reduced to one lane by the project area.
- Parking will be restricted on Washington Street by the Cocheco Mill.
Thursday, Aug. 5
- Washington Street will be reduced to one lane by the project area.
- Parking will be restricted on Washington Street from the Washington Street bridge to the first driveway of One Washington Center.
Friday, July 16
- Washington Street may be reduced to one lane to allow for morning work.
- Contractor will pave the week's work areas in the afternoon, resulting in intermittent lane closures from Washington Street to Main Street.
The work schedule may change depending on conditions on the ground, and as much advanced notice as possible will be provided for significant schedule changes.
Drivers should pay close attention to the construction signs when driving and parking downtown. Temporary water mains are laid along the curb and marked by construction barrels and signs. If water lines are hit by a vehicle, it could result in a rupture of the lines and damage to the vehicle.
Report any damage to the temporary water system to police dispatch at 603-742-4646.
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 October 2021.
Due to the high vehicular and pedestrian traffic within the project area, many construction measures have been included in the design and construction contract to limit project disturbance. These measures include, temporary water services, night work, and limited construction hours. Although, these construction measures are designed to help, the area will undoubtedly experience temporary traffic congestion and service disruptions, the City asks the public for patience and understanding as we work through this critical infrastructure project.
An information meeting was held Monday Feb. 8, 2021 at 6:00 p.m. Due to the ongoing COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic, the meeting was held virtually.
For more information or questions about the project, contact Assistant City Engineer Max Kenney, PE at m.kenney@dover.nh.com or (603) 516-1915.
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."