The downtown infrastructure project to replace 125-year old water pipes along Washington Street and Main Street is scheduled to begin this Monday, March 22, 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 project will replace 3,000 feet of some of the oldest water distribution pipes in the downtown area with a new ductile iron pipe that will provide reliable water service for the next 100-plus years. This work will include street excavation, lane closures, and evening water shutoffs in the downtown area. See the map at the bottom of this email 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." 

Week of March 22: The contractor N. Granese & Sons is anticipated to mobilize to the worksite with its heavy equipment, set-up traffic control devices and install construction signage. No water shutoffs are anticipated.

Week of March 29: The contractor anticipates beginning work on daytime excavations, from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., locating the existing water main. During the overnight, from 8:30 p.m. to 6:30 a.m., the contractor would install isolations valves. Overnight water shutoffs are expected and are anticipated to last a maximum of eight to nine hours. 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.

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. 

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.