Central Avenue Urban Core Water Improvements

Project 

The Central Avenue Urban Core Water Main is the primary connection between the North End High Pressure Zone, the City’s Urban Core and the City’s entire water system. The existing water main was constructed in the late 1800’s and is 140 years old. The City installed a liner into the pipe in 1988 to extend the life of the pipe and maintain the system. The serviceable life of the pipe has come to an end. This project will replace this critical water main. Replacement of the main along with recent improvements to the Garrison Hill Water Storage Tank will improve the fire flows and public safety. Improvements on Central Avenue will also improve flows to adjacent areas, connected to the Central Avenue corridor and beyond.

Project Area

The work area extends from intersection of Broadway and Central Avenue, northward to Abby Sawyer Memorial Drive (approximately 4,700 feet), and then up Abby Sawyer (approximately 1,000 feet).

Schedule

The construction start date is targeted for March 30, 2026, with substantial completion anticipated by the end of October 2026.  

Scope of Work

The work will begin at the intersection of Broadway and continue Abby Sawyer Memorial Drive, and to the Water Storage Tank on Garrison Hill. Construction is expected to be completed in the fall of 2026.

The following items are incorporated into the work to be completed:

• The work will start at the rail crossing at the Central Ave/Broadway intersection. A new 16-inch ductile iron lined pipe will be installed adjacent to the existing main and through an existing steel sleeve beneath the railroad crossing, previously installed by the City. New water services will be installed to the edge of the road and connect to the property owners’ piping. Phase 1 of the water main installation will extend approximately 1200 feet and will not interfere with the normal operation of the water system, except for minor interruptions to connect to the property owners’ piping. Property owners can anticipate a temporary interruption in their water service (1-2 hours), and they will be notified in advance of these interruptions.
• Phase 2 will involve the construction of a temporary potable water system constructed along the edge of the road beginning and extending to Abby Sawyer Memorial Drive, to the water tank on Garrison Hill.  The temporary water system will cross under driveways and will prevent long-term water interruptions to residents and businesses. Phasing of the work will allow service connections, paving and property restoration work to be completed as the work progresses, The old water main will be removed and replaced with a new main located primarily at the same location. This will eliminate conflicts and/or repairs to other utilities and expedite construction.
• Night Work – Limited night work will involve the installation of water valves where water mains on side streets connect to the Central Avenue system. This will prevent unwanted water interruptions to the areas adjoining Central Avenue.
• Traffic Control - A traffic control plan (TCP) will be developed by the construction team to maintain traffic, accessibility to businesses and residences during construction. For the most part the new water main will be constructed along the east side of the roadway and that two-way traffic will be maintained. Parking will be prohibited within the work area and restrictions will be lifted as the crew moves down the roadway.
• Pavement & Property Restoration – Pavement, curbing, sidewalks and seeded areas impacted by construction will be repaired following water installation and testing. It is expected that Pavement & Property restorations will be completed in sections as crews complete the work as they move down the roadway.

Project Funding

Project funding is supported by grants from the EPA’s Congressional District Spending program and New Hampshire State Housing program. 

The City Council through resolution R-2026.01.14-97 awarded the bid for project B26018 - Central Avenue Urban Core Water Improvements Phase I to S.U.R. Construction, Inc. for a cost not to exceed $7,375,450, which includes a $400,000 contingency. 

The City of Dover contacted with Underwood Engineers, Inc., for design-engineering documents and for construction oversight. The City Council through R–2026.01.14-96 authorized the city to expend up to $434,900 for oversight.