Melrose Water Main Projects Expected To Affect Two Neighborhoods

Residents of certain areas may deal with both roadway and tap water disruptions while the work is conducted.

By Benjamin Pierce, Patch Staff

Aug 26, 2026 4:48 PM EDT

MELROSE, MA — Residents in two neighborhoods should prepare for temporary water shutoffs and traffic disruptions as the city moves forward with a pair of water main improvement projects.

The Department of Public Works and its contractor, R&D Site Development, will replace the water main on Grove Street from Lebanon Street to Argyle Street. Crews will conduct similar work on Ash Street from Gibbons Street to the dead end, according to notices released by the city.

"During the course of this work, Grove Street area residents will experience brief periods of interruption of water service," the DPW said in its notice. The city issued the same warning to Ash Street residents.

According to the DPW, residents may also face traffic disruptions, parking restrictions, and other inconveniences associated with heavy roadway and utility construction. The city, however, said residents will be notified before any planned water shutoffs take place.

The affected sections of roadway and sidewalk will receive temporary pavement once the initial construction is complete. The contractor will return in 2027 to conduct final curb-to-curb paving and sidewalk restoration.

A water service line carries water from the public main beneath the street toward an individual property. As part of these projects, crews will replace those lines from the city's main to each new curb stop, which is the shut-off valve typically located beneath the sidewalk or near the property line.

A full-time DPW inspector will be stationed at the project sites while construction is underway. Residents with questions can speak with the city representative at the work site or contact the Melrose Engineering Division at 781-979-4172.