An old water pipe almost completely clogged with minerals (2014 photograph). The existing mains under Lincoln Road are narrowed enough that booster pumps had to be installed as part of the Lincoln School project to achieve acceptable fire protection.
The Lincoln Squirrel emailed town officials with questions about the progress of the water main replacement project and what residents can expect going forward. Here are the answers (lightly edited) from Water Department Superintendent Richard Nolli.
Q. Were the daytime road closures in fact not planned at the outset? If so, what necessitated them?
A. Initially, we planned to keep one lane open to minimize disruption. However, as a result of preconstruction meetings with the contractor and Lincoln Police Department it was determined that full closures were necessary. The nature of the work, the equipment being used, and the proximity of traffic can create hazardous conditions for the construction crews, the officers responsible for traffic control, and the traveling public.
Q. How many more days of daytime closures can we expect, and when?
A. The Bedford Road phase of the work will be completed on or about last week of August. We do not anticipate needing to fully close roadways once this phase is completed and the contractor moves on to the Lincoln Road phase of work.
Q. What is the latest project schedule?
A. The Bedford Road phase will be completed on or about last week of August. Work on the Lincoln Road phase (Five Corners to Ballfield Road) will begin around late August and be completed on or about late October/early November.
The Water Department will solicit bids to extend the main from Ballfield Road to Codman Road in the winter, but this is contingent on MBTA and wetlands permitting. We anticipate awarding a contract in the spring so that work can begin in early summer [2026]. This phase of work is expected to be completed in 2027.
Q. Will there be daytime disruptions once school starts?
A. Work will be ongoing into early November, including in the area of Ballfield Road. One travel lane will remain open at all times. We are coordinating with school administration to minimize disruption during dropoff and pickup times. Traffic detail officers will be on site at all times to ensure the safety of students, parents, and school staff commuting to and from the campus.
Q. Is the project going to require more money than budgeted?
A. Funds for the project were provided through a combination of water revenues and state grants. With any significant construction project, there is always risk of unforeseen conditions and associated costs; however, thus far, none have been encountered.
I hope the town will coordinate this future work with the anticipated work on the train bridge on Route 126. Having both 126 and Lincoln Road closed or limited at the same time would be extremely disruptive, as the alternative routes are some distance away.