FRIDAY, AUG. 20, 2021
Latest Updates

  • All sections of the new water main are in operation, and all but a couple of properties have been connected into the new main, which will occur next week.

  • The contractor removed the temporary water main this week.

  • In September, the contractor plans to mill and repave the project work areas to make a smoother roadway. After the soil settles over the winter, Washington Street and Main Street will receive a complete paving overlay.

Traffic and parking restrictions for the week of Aug. 23

Monday, Aug. 23

  • Work area will be at the Shanty Dover, at 471 Central Ave. and Franklin Plaza, across from Janetos Plaza.

  • Parking will be restricted in front of 471 Central Ave.

  • When work occurs at Franklin Plaza, Main Street will be reduced to one lane around the project area.

Tuesday, Aug. 24

  • Work area will be at Franklin Plaza.

  • This may require the closure of the left-turning loop from Main Street to Central Avenue/Second Street.

  • Portland Avenue inbound traffic will also be closed at Chapel Street. Traffic will be detoured to Central Avenue by Chapel Street, Saint John Street and Broadway.

  • Main Street will be reduced to one lane near the project area.

Wednesday, Aug. 25

  • Work area will be the Picker House at 42 Main St.
  • Parking will be restricted on Main Street from Portland Avenue to School Street.

  • Unrelated to the water main project, Portland Avenue will be closed from Chapel Street to Cochecho Street. Inbound traffic will be detoured via Chapel Street, Saint John Street and Broadway. Outbound traffic will be detoured via Cochecho Street and Oak Street.

Thursday, Aug. 26

  • Work area will be at the intersection of Washinton Street and Water Street, across from One Washington Center.

  • Parking will be restricted on the north side of Washington Street from Main Street to Water Street.

  • Some work may occur on the concrete island at 459 Central Ave. by the intersection of Chapel Street and Central Avenue.

Friday, Aug. 27

  • The contractor will pave the week's work areas in the afternoon, resulting in intermittent lane closures on Washington Street, Main Street and Central Avenue.
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 replaced 3,000 feet of critical water main infrastructure under Washington Street and Main Street, some of the oldest water distribution pipes in the City of Dover that were installed in the late 1800s.

The contractor installed 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 has had significant traffic impacts and limited durations of water shutoff as infrastructure is replaced. The project remains on schedule for final completion on Sept. 18, 2021. A complete street paving overlay will occur in the spring of 2022.

This work includes street excavation and lane closures. 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. There are areas of uneven roads and sidewalks, 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/