Arlington Water Main Work On Mill Street Set To Begin This Week

ARLINGTON, MA — Arlington Department of Public Works Director Michael Rademacher says the town would rather do significant road projects on its time frame than having an aging infrastructure dictate that time frame. More simply put: "We would rather replace it before it breaks."

While those repairs do cause traffic and well-being disruptions, town officials note there would be far more disruption – and potential costly damage – from a water main break than a water main replacement.

"We try to make it as least painful as we possibly can through scheduling," Rademacher said. "We are not working in the morning during the commute, and we work a little later in the evening in an effort to get the project done as soon as possible."

The next major project this summer is the latest in the town's year-to-year schedule of water main replacements set for Mill Street. The project is scheduled to begin this week pending a Dig Safe System inspection. During construction, Mill Street traffic will be restricted to one lane, with only one-way access allowed from Massachusetts Avenue. Bike path access will be maintained throughout the project, which is expected to be completed late August.

"We want to get that one wrapped up during the summer if we possibly can," Arlington Town Engineer Wayne Chouinard said. "It would be a nightmare to have that area under construction while school is in session."

During the Mill Street construction, heavy equipment will be on site, along with traffic safety officers to assist pedestrians and vehicles as much as possible. There will be parking restrictions, and potential temporary detours, for the duration of the project.

Rademacher said the town has been proactive during his 12 years in the department replacing water lines.

Chouinard said the town will also conduct road paving in the Stratton Elementary School area near Mountain Avenue, and will do road resurfacing on about 15 streets starting near the end of July. Resurfacing involves layering asphalt over the existing road rather than having to dig up the entire street.

"If we do that at a certain deterioration level we can extend the life of the road without having to put in as much capital expense," Chouinard said.

One other ongoing project with minimal traffic disruption is the sewer-siphon replacement on Mystic Street in the median strip near the Arlington Police Department.

Arlington puts notices of upcoming projects on its website, but Chouinard notes that exacts dates are subject to change due to inspection scheduling – as is the case on Mill Street this week – weather and other factors.

There is a list of frequently asked questions (FAQs) on the website, with those needing additional information or help asked to contact Engineering Division at 781-316-3320 or engineering@town.arlington.ma.us.