Excavation work begins Monday
The contractor, N. Granese & Sons, mobilized to the worksite this week with its heavy equipment, set-up traffic control devices and installed construction signage.

Week of March 29:

  • Construction work on water valve installation begins this Monday, March 29, with the excavation of small pits near water mains on School Street, Chapel Street and Young Street.

  • Additional pits will be excavated on Central Avenue, Henry Law Avenue, Portland Avenue and Broadway from Tuesday through Thursday.

  • Pits will be closed overnight for safety and to allow uninterrupted traffic flow.

  • There are no planned overnight water shutoffs until the week of April 5. More details will be published next week so residents and businesses can plan accordingly.

  • Daytime work is from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.

  • Overnight work is from 8:30 p.m. to 6:30 a.m. This is when the contractor would shut off water to install isolation valves.

  • Water shutoffs are anticipated to last a maximum of eight to nine hours when they occur. However, residents are encouraged to have bottled water on hand throughout the construction project in case of an emergency unplanned water shutoff.

  • The City will notify areas where water will be turned off through these regular project email updates, the dedicated project page, and door hangers to individual properties. The installation of isolation valves is anticipated to last two to three weeks.

  • Motorists and pedestrians should use caution when driving through the downtown. Watch for flaggers, police details and detour signs directing traffic and allowing construction equipment to enter and exit the streets. 

The contractor will first install isolation valves on side streets adjacent to Main Street and Washington Street. These streets include Central Avenue, Broadway, Chapel Street, School Street, Portland Avenue, Young Street and Henry Law Avenue. Isolation valves are necessary for the contractor to replace the water main along Washington Street and Main Street. The valves allow for the installation of the temporary water line that will provide a constant source of drinking water as the water main is replaced.

Contact City about specific water shutoff concerns
 
The City aims to keep water shutoffs to a minimum and is cognizant of its inconveniences. While shutoffs are scheduled for weekday overnights from 8:30 p.m. to 6:30 a.m., there may be options to postpone a shutoff until later in the night or to specific nights of the week to lessen impacts. Contact City of Dover Assistant City Engineer Max Kenney at m.kenney@dover.nh.gov or 516-1915 to discuss options.

About the project
The Washington and Main Water Improvements project is focused on replacing 3,000 feet of critical water main infrastructure along Washington Street and Main Street. These are some of the water distribution pipes in the City of Dover that are more than 125 years old.

The contractor will install a new ductile iron pipe that will provide reliable water service for the next 100-plus years. The project began on Monday, March 22, 2021, with mobilization to the worksite. The six-month project is expected to have traffic impacts and limited durations of water shutoff as infrastructure is replaced.

This work includes street excavation, lane closures, and overnight water shutoffs in the downtown area. See the map below for the project area, or click here for the project page with project maps.

The City encourages pedestrians and motorists to be vigilant while moving throughout the downtown area and look for signs providing information about the project and sections of streets and sidewalks closed for construction. Uneven road conditions and sidewalks are likely to occur, so please use caution driving, riding bikes and walking in the area.

To receive these email updates about the project, visit bit.ly/doverdownload and select "Project updates: Washington and Main Water Improvements."
The above map shows the project area for the replacement of the water main along Main Street and Washington Street. This map and detailed maps of where isolation valves are located are available at the project page: https://www.dover.nh.gov/government/city-operations/community-services/current-projects/washington-and-main-water-improvements/