FRIDAY, MAY 28, 2021
Contractors have encountered old wooden water distribution pipes along Washington Street and Henry Law Avenue during the water main replacement project. These pipes have not been used for more than a century and were likely installed in the 1820s and 1830s as part of the earliest water distribution systems in Dover.
Latest Updates

  • Work along Washington Street has been slow as crews have encountered old and abandoned utilities below ground, such as old wooden water distribution pipes seen in the picture above; however, the project overall remains on schedule for substantial completion by Aug. 19, 2021.

  • Next week's work will continue during daytime hours from about 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. No water shut-offs or road closures are anticipated.

  • Traffic will continue to be reduced to one lane on Washington Street near the work zone. Traffic backups are likely.

  • 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.

  • Many steel plates will be placed on the sidewalks in the downtown area. Pedestrians should remain attentive and use caution when walking along sidewalks in work areas.

  • Report any damage to the temporary water system to police dispatch at 603-742-4646.

Monday, May 31

  • Memorial Day (observed). No construction work.


Tuesday, June 1 to Thursday morning, June 3

  • Contractors will focus on replacing the water main from the TD Bank building driveway to the Washington Street Bridge.

  • The Washington Street entrances to the TD Bank building and to the Cocheco Mill building will likely be blocked Tuesday and a portion of Wednesday during work hours. Access will be restored as soon as possible.

  • Traffic on Washington Street, from Central Avenue to Main Street will be reduced to one lane for much of the work.

  • Parking restrictions will be required on both sides of Washington Street near the work area.

Thursday afternoon, June 3 to Friday, June 4:

  • Contractors plan to install new fire hydrants on Washington Street at the entrance to Henry Law Park and by the Children’s Museum of New Hampshire.

  • Parking restrictions will be required on both sides of Washington Street in the work area.

  • Traffic on Washington Street, from Central Avenue to Main Street will be reduced to one lane for much of the work.

  • On Friday afternoon, crews will lay temporary trench pavement on Washington Street between Central Avenue and the Washington Street Bridge.
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.
About the project
The Washington and Main Water Improvements project is focused on replacing 3,000 feet of critical water main infrastructure under Washington Street and Main Street. These are some of the oldest water distribution pipes in the City of Dover that are more than 130 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 March 22, 2021. The six-month project is expected to have significant traffic impacts and limited durations of water shutoff as infrastructure is replaced. The project remains on schedule for substantial completion on Aug. 19, 2021, and final completion on Sept. 18, 2021.

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/