South Street Water Main

The contractor mobilized and began construction of the bypass water line, initiating work at Chestnut Street. Erosion control measures were completed early in the season, and both abutters and nearby residents were notified of the project, including details of a permanent traffic detour.

Work advanced with the installation of the bypass water line extending from Stonecrest Drive to Farley Pond Lane, and temporary road closures were put in place to accommodate sewer extension work to a private development. A temporary bypass line was installed and was successfully chlorinated following installation. Water quality tests were completed and passed, confirming the bypass system was safe for use.

Connections were made from individual house lines and lateral lines to the bypass, and resident tie-ins continued throughout the season. Later in the summer, the contractor connected lateral lines at Chestnut Street and Southwood Lane to the bypass and deactivated a section of the existing water main.

Traffic adjustments were implemented to support ongoing work, with South Street operating as one-way westbound between High Rock and Chestnut Street and limited local access maintained from the east. Daily road closures generally began in the morning and reopened in the afternoon, with schedules adjusted for weather and school transportation needs. By season’s end, water construction was completed between Chestnut Street and Marant Drive, excavation began at the South Street and Chestnut Street intersection for the new water line, and a gate valve was installed and the trench backfilled.

During the fall season, work began with the installation of the water main at the south side of the Chestnut Street intersection, as well as the placement of a 16-inch main, including the installation of fire hydrants. The contractor steadily advanced down South Street, extending the water line past Stonefield, Southwood, and beyond Farley Pond. Additional hydrants and a catch basin were installed near the Chestnut Street and Farley Pond areas.

The new water line continued through the Farley Pond intersection to the culvert. The bypass system was connected, followed by pressure testing and chlorination of the new main. As construction continued, water samples were collected to ensure quality standards were met, and trench paving began.

The project also included the connection of Stonecrest, Chestnut, Southwood, Farley Pond, and remaining house services to the new main. Once the final lateral was connected, the contractor began removing the bypass system. Restoration work included loaming and seeding the berm between Chestnut Street, Stonecrest, and Southwood. The contractor then began preparations for the installation of best management practices (BMPs).

Later in the season, an R-Tank was installed, along with a sluice and manhole. As winter approached, minor sitework was completed, and the contractor demobilized with plans to resume construction in the spring, weather permitting.

K&K Excavation resumed work with the installation of erosion control measures along South Street between Marant Drive and Charles River Street. They assembled and completed a bypass water line along the northerly side of South Street, extending from Marant Drive to Crestview Road. Following chlorination and successful sampling of the bypass, crews began test pitting to locate the existing water main, saw cutting the trench, and preparing the work area by stripping loam.

Service connections were made to Burr Drive and several properties along South Street. The old water main was shut down and drained, and installation of the new main began, progressing steadily toward Burr Drive and beyond. The new water main was installed in segments with multiple hydrants and water services connected along the way. A 110-foot section of drainpipe was also replaced.

 In addition to main line installation, a second crew focused on restoration, spreading loam and seed in previously disturbed areas and trimming overhanging branches to maintain equipment access. Bypass infrastructure was also extended along Charles River Street, including through its intersection with South Street. Several trenches were paved, and sections of the new water main were pressure tested and prepared for chlorination. 

Throughout the summer of 2025, steady progress was made on the installation and activation of the new water main along South Street. The new main was extended from Marant Drive to Charles River Street, with sections activated and pressure tested in stages. Several hydrants, gate valves, and laterals were installed, and numerous service connections were completed, transitioning homes from the temporary bypass system to the new main. Chlorination, flushing, and de-chlorination procedures were conducted as required, and leak testing led to minor repairs and adjustments. Portions of the bypass were relocated as work progressed westward. Final trench paving was completed in various segments, and the project advanced toward completion with continued installation of hydrants, laterals, and main connections.