Peterborough will receive $277,804 in federal funds for its water main relocation project, which fully reimburses the town for the project.
The project combines the replacement of a broken main with construction on the Route 101 bridge by the New Hampshire Department of Transportation, and the funding comes through the federal omnibus spending package that was signed into law last week. Town DPW Director Seth MacLean said Peterborough worked with U.S. Rep. Annie Kuster to get this project included in the package.
“Obtaining a quarter-million-dollar offset for the 101 water main project will go a long way to helping us remain consistent with our strategic initiatives for water distribution, while doing everything we can to help water rates remain affordable,” said MacLean.
The relocation became necessary when a main break that MacLean called “substantial” occurred a decade ago near the Route 101 bridge. It crossed through the Contoocook River riverbed.
“The main was 20 feet below grade, resulting in an incredibly problematic operation to excavate and attempt to repair it,” MacLean said.
The town decided not to use the main any longer, as maintenance was nearly impossible and river-crossing mains present extra difficulties. The new main will be suspended on the new Route 101 bridge, allowing for easier maintenance.
“River crossings were common years ago when pipe was being laid, but by today’s standards are to be avoided whenever possible,” MacLean said. “The reasons are fairly intuitive; if a break occurs within the riverbed, not only will it be nearly impossible to detect, but also can result in river water infiltrating the pipe and mixing with public potable water.”
At this time, MacLean said, construction on the water main is expected in the fall.
“Timing will depend, as with any construction project, on the project’s larger timeline, which is impacted by site considerations, weather and so on,” MacLean said.