FRIDAY, June 11, 2021
Latest Updates

  • Contractors began testing a portion of the new water main installed along Washington Street between Central Avenue and the Washington Street bridge; they also installed new fire hydrants in the area of Henry Law Park.

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

  • Traffic will continue to be reduced to one lane on Washington Street near the work zone. Traffic backups are likely due to work moving into the Washington Street and Main Street intersection.

  • Parking restrictions will be required on Washington Street during working hours.

  • The project remains on schedule for substantial completion by Aug. 19, 2021.

  • 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, June 14 to Wednesday, June 16

  • Work will be focused on installing new water main from the Washington Street bridge to Main Street, including work within the Washington/Main intersection that may result in significant delays.

  • Traffic patterns will be shifted frequently to accommodate heavy equipment and trucks required for the work.

  • The entrance to the Cocheco Mills parking lot will be blocked during work hours, 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Cochehco Mill residents and visitors may park on River Street free of charge during the closure.

Thursday, June 17 to Friday, June 18

  • Work will be focused on installing new water main on Washington Street between Main Street and Water Street (in front of the One Washington Mill).

  • Traffic will be reduced to one lane on this section of Washington street with flaggers alternating traffic flow. 

  • On Friday afternoon, crews will lay temporary trench pavement on Washington Street between the Washington Street bridge and Water Street. 

Unscheduled but planned work next week:

  • The contractor plans to cut the pavement on Main Street in preparation for the next sections of pipe installation. This work is not currently scheduled but anticipated to occur either Thursday or Friday. 

  • To complete this work, the contractor will close one lane of Main Street.

  • Access to side streets will be allowed at all times except for Portland Avenue.

  • Portland Avenue traffic will be detoured around Main Street in both directions via Chapel Street, Saint John Street and Broadway when this work occurs.
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/