FRIDAY, MAY 21, 2021
Contractors excavate a section of Central Avenue at the intersection of Washington Street to replace aging drinking water infrastructure as part of the Washington and Main Water Improvements Project.
Latest Updates

  • The more disruptive began this week as contractors began digging sections of deep trenches in the area of Washington Street and Henry Law Avenue to replace the aging eight-inch pipe with a new 12-inch water main.

  • Traffic will continue to be reduced to one lane and detoured where necessary. 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 24 to Tuesday, May 25:

  • Crews continue to replace the water mains from the Washinton Street/Henry Law Avenue intersection to the north side of Washington Street by the entrance to the Cocheco Mill driveway.

  • This work involves crossing Washington Street, anticipated to be one of the most challenging parts of the project.

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

  • Henry Law Avenue will be closed at Washington Street on Monday but will be reopened after the work moves away from Henry Law Avenue. Traffic will be detoured around Henry Law Avenue via Williams Street. 

  • Parking restrictions will be required on Henry Law Avenue closest to the Washington Street intersection on Monday.

  • Parking restrictions will be required on a north-side section of Washington Street on Tuesday.


Wednesday, May 26 to Friday, May 28:

  • Crews will continue work to replace the water mains on Washington Street, from the entrance to the Cocheco Mills driveway to the Washington Street Bridge.

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

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

  • 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/