FRIDAY, MAY 14, 2021
Latest Updates

  • More disruptive work begins this week as contractors begin digging sections of deep trenches along Washington Street and Main Street to replace the eight-inch 133-year-old pipe with a new 12-inch water main. Traffic will be reduced to one lane and detoured where necessary.

  • 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.

Friday, May 14:

  • Crews will continue to install the new water line on Henry Law Avenue.

  • All water will be off on Henry Law Avenue, from Washington Street to River Street, from 8 to 10 a.m. as new pipe is installed.

  • Work this afternoon will include the paving of trenches.

  • Parking restrictions will be required on Henry Law Avenue and Portland Avenue. Parking will open as the work is completed.

  • Road closures will be required on Henry Law Avenue in the morning. Traffic will be detoured down Williams Street.

Monday, May 17 to Tuesday, May 18:

  • Crews will continue work to replace the water mains on Henry Law Avenue and at the Washington Street and Central Avenue intersection.

  • Traffic on Washington Street, near the intersection of Washington Street and Central Avenue, will be reduced to one lane while the work is ongoing.

  • Parking restrictions will be required on Henry Law Avenue.

  • Henry Law Avenue will be closed at Washington Street. Traffic will be detoured down Williams Street.


Wednesday, May 19 to Thursday, May 20:

  • Crews will continue work to replace the water mains on Washington Street, from Central Avenue, to the Washington Street Bridge.

  • Traffic on Washington Street will be reduced to one lane. 

  • Parking restrictions will be required on Washington Street. Parking will open as the work is completed.

  • No road closures are anticipated.
Friday, May 21:

  • Crews will replace the water mains on Washington Street, from Central Avenue to the Washington Street Bridge.

  • Traffic on Washington Street will be reduced to one lane. 

  • Work in the afternoon will focus on temporary trench pavement on Henry Law Avenue and Washington Street.

  • Parking restrictions will be required on Henry Law Avenue and Washington 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.
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/