Hopkinton's Elm Street Closed Until Late August

Starting tomorrow, (Monday, June 27) and lasting at least until late-August, the Hopkinton Department of Public Works and private contractors hired by the town will  replace the Elm Street sewer main and rebuild the road.

Elm Street will be closed to through traffic during construction.

The construction will continue through August but will end before school starts on Tuesday, Aug. 30, DPW Director John Westerling said in a statement on the town's website.

The project will undoubtedly back up eastbound traffic on West Main Street, which is already heavy at certain times of day, especially the morning commute.

Give yourself extra time if you have to use West Main during peak traffic hours.

Traffic will also back up eastbound nearing town on Wood Street, as vehicles attempt the sharp U-turn onto West Main headed west.

Main Street headed east will also certainly be affected.

For those familiar with ways around West Main Street or Wood Street, remember, these shortcuts are narrow residential roads. Children are out of school for the summer and may be playing outdoors at any time of day.

Drive on these streets like you would like people to drive on the street where you live.

Residents and other drivers: If you see someone driving dangerously while using a narrow, residential road as a cut-through, call Hopkinton Police 508.497.3401.

Please also be aware that backups in one part of town inevitably lead to backups elsewhere as traffic patterns adjust.

Drivers' best bet is to leave early for trips involving travel in any part of Hopkinton early this week, and adjust your schedule as it becomes clear when traffic volumes will be lightest.

Stay calm. Use your cellphone to tell friends, business appointments or employers if traffic is affecting your plans.

Importantly, remember that safety officials - police and firefighters - will also have difficulties getting through traffic to respond to emergencies.

If you hear a siren, pull over. Again, think of yourself or your loved ones as needing these emergency services, and how you would be thankful to other motorists for clearing the way for an ambulance, fire truck or police car.

The Elm Street project will improve existing sewer flows through an undersized pipe and will replace the deteriorated road surface, Westerling said.