~ A press release submitted by the Bedford Department of Public Works
A project to replace the water main on Page Road is underway with a detour for Page Road between Wilson Road and Crestview Road, as of May 25, 2022
Water Main Replacement General Tasks
- Mobilization and utility mark-outs: The contractor will begin storing equipment and limited materials near the work area. Catch basin sediment controls are installed. Underground utilities, such as existing water, sewer, drain, and gas, are marked out in their approximate locations.
- Install temporary water main by-pass system: During construction, the existing water mains in the work area will be shut down. The contractor will set up a temporary “by-pass” system that consists of above-ground piping along the sides of the street. The by-pass system will be connected to the water system outside of the work area. After the by-pass is chlorinated and tested to ensure it is suitable for potable water uses, the contractor will need to access each home to connect them to the by-pass system. For the duration of the project, homes will be fed off of the by-pass system. Users will not be charged for water use while connected to the by-pass system. Because the temporary water mains are above-ground, the temperature of the potable water is prone to fluctuation. If this is an issue, you can run the water to flush your line. The by-pass system also contains temporary fire hydrant connects.
- Water main installation: The new water main will be installed either in phases or throughout the work area. The work includes cutting and removing the asphalt surface, digging a trench, installing the pipe, and backfilling. The process is repeated down the street until critical connection points are reached (usually at an intersection at the ends of the project limits). Water main connections may require the water mains in the area to be temporarily shut-off for periods usually less than one day. Advanced notification will be provided prior to any planned shutdowns.
- Water main testing: During this critical stage you may see little to no construction activity for approximately two weeks. The water main is put under pressure to ensure it was installed correctly. To confirm the water main is properly disinfected and meets our water quality requirements, we conduct two rounds of testing that are performed by certified labs. Additional testing and flushing continue until passing results are achieved.
- New service lines connected: After the new water main is tested and meets water quality standards, the contractor will begin service connections. As part of the work, the Town’s portion of your water service, from the new water main to the shut-off box (usually located in the sidewalk) is replaced with 1-inch copper tubing. We will connect the new service piping to your remaining water service. The contractor will again need access to your property to disconnect from the by-pass system.
- Restoration: The contractor will periodically pave the trench during construction. As work nears completion, disturbed areas such as grass planting strips will be restored to existing condition or better. The street trenches will be left for some time to allow for settlement and then the DPW will perform a permanent road surface restoration.
Water Main Replacement Frequently Asked Questions
Project Area(s) Locations and Plans
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