front of the dpw building

February 19, 2023 - February 25, 2023

The Weston Department of Public Works continued to fulfill its mission to construct and maintain the physical infrastructure that provides for the public's health and safety, to protect the environment, and to enhance the quality of life and ensure that Weston continues to be a desirable place in which to live and conduct business. The following is the weekly report, by division:

 
dpw seal

2023 Roadway Reconstruction Program

Utility work needs to be appropriately coordinated and completed, the following roads are expected to be worked on this construction season.   Also note the gas main work being completed by National Grid in the utility work section below:


1.) Round 1 (April/May/June timeframe)

  1. Ridgeway Road (portion)
  2. Chiltern Road
  3. Old Colony Road
  4. Ferndale Road
  5. Columbine Road
  6. Dean Road

2.) Round 2 (July/August/September timeframe)

  1. Bittersweet Road;
  2. Stillmeadow Road
  3. Black Oak Road
  4. Nobscot Road
  5. Hickory Road
  6. Briar Road

3.) On the radar depending on how the season goes:

  1. Willard Road – drainage work;
  2. Bemis Road – drainage work;
  3. Walnut Road (public section);
  4. Linwood Avenue
  5. Elliston Road

Road Cutting after Paving Moratorium
Once paving is completed on any roadway in Weston, a five-year moratorium on pavement cutting is placed on that road. This is done to protect the investment made by taxpayers. A five-year schedule of anticipated roadway reconstruction is available on the DPW's web page under Capital Improvement Projects.
Town Center Improvement Project Ongoing Work

Outstanding work – Remaining punchlist items ongoing.

1
underground gas main installation

State/Utility Project Work

  • Continuing to coordinate with Eversource on a number of outstanding issues in Town including double poles (North Avenue & Winter Street by Rivers School), poles guyed into trees, leaning poles and poles guyed with rope, Hazard trees at/near power lines, etc.;
  • National Grid has submitted several permits for repairing long-standing gas leak locations;

National Grid Gas Relay Projects:

  • Church Street – (at/about Pigeon Hill Road) Work completed with the exception of the crossing over the MBTA/Rail Trail – Draft of revised proposal of bridge crossing provided to DPW for review and comments
  • Winter Street (Brown to Radcliffe Road) – Select Board grant of location held on 3/8/22 and GOL approved that evening with conditions.  NGrid is indicating will be pushed to next construction season.
  • Wellesley Street (649 to Glen Road) – Gas main and service work completed…..Final Trench Paving work will occur next Spring (2023);
  • Whitney Tavern – Gas main replacement ongoing….anticipate work lasting until the end of March;
  • Overlook Drive – Gas Main Replacement ongoing…..anticipate work lasting until the end of March;
  • Stillmeadow Road – Work completed.
  • Irving Road – The crew from Westcliff Road will ultimately mobilize to this area;
  • Westcliff Road – Ongoing……anticipate work lasting until the end of March;
  • Gas Main Replacements next up on the NGrid Capital Plan are:  Bakers Hill Road, Shady Hill Road, Autumn Road, Woodridge Circle, Legion Road, and Audubon Road (FY 2025 noting that we are attempting to have the gas main replacement at least one year ahead of any Roadway Reconstruction work).  Note that we have not had a planning meeting which typically takes place in February of each year.

Merriam Street Bridge over the MBTA (owned and maintained by MassDOT)

Town is attempting to work with MassDOT on more permanent solution to bridge carrying capacity.  MassDOT has requested that the Town be invited to a bridge consultant scoping session.  The MassDOT expeditors were aware of the comments from the DPW (Cullen) to the State Bridge Engineer.  Additional items discussed were potential detour routes, hours of operations including nightwork during critical bridge erection tasks, Water/Other Utilities including lighting fixtures, guardrail at the approaches and bridge railings, lighting, etc.  We also encouraged the State about holding a pre-25% discussion with the Town prior to the design public hearing, a “neighborhood meeting”.   Anticipate seeing the consultant’s survey crews mobilizing over the next several weeks as they gather existing information to begin the preliminary design.

Eversource Utility Pole and Infrastructure Upgrades on 117/North Ave & Winter Street (from Natick Town line to just north of Bogle Street)

Eversource crew indicated that all their overhead infrastructure is completed and the remaining work is the transfers for others (Crown Castle, Verizon, Comcast and Town Fiber).  The remaining double poles can be removed.  Transfer of overhead lines NOT completed despite consistent pushing by DPW Director to the various utilities.

MassDOT Newton-Weston bridge replacements and rehabilitations at I-90/I-95 –  Visit MassDOT website for project information.

 
DPW employees installing a drainage pipe

Ongoing DPW Projects & Consultant Work
 
Drainage and Culvert

  • Southside Drainage – Phase III – design and permitting work completed.  Neighborhood meeting occurred with one (1) participant.  Next action items are affirming easement rights.  Anticipate project startup Spring 2023 assuming Engineering can finalize all necessary easements;
  • Overseeing consultant design and permitting for Concord Road Culvert replacement, which has impacts on the Warren Avenue and Merriam Street culverts - decision matrix tabling being evaluated.  Engineering presented findings to Select Board and the Conservation Commission.
  • Sherburn Circle Culvert replacement – Construction substantially complete.  Final planting work to occur next construction season.  

State TIP (Overseeing Consultant Work On)

    • Proposed Route 30 Roadway Reconstruction TIP Project (roadway, sidewalk, drainage improvements, intersection improvements, etc.) - approval of 25% plan submission was approved by the Board at a September 24, 2020 meeting.  Formal 25% Submission to MassDOT October 2020.  MassDOT 25% Design Public Hearing which was held on September 22, 2022 at 6:30 pm (Virtual).  Town and consultant working with MassDOT to advance to a 75% Design including responding to comments and/or concerns heard at the 25% design public hearing. Town working towards getting this project included in the TIP which is programed for FY 2026 in the MPO plan; Project info at https://www.westonma.gov/1274/Route-30-Reconstruction;
    • Proposed Route 20 Intersection Improvement TIP Project - (signal at Boston Post Road/Wellesley Street/Boston Post Road By-Pass) - Project info at weston.org.  Next action item:  addressing comments received at the Public Hearing and then submission of 75% Highway Submission.  Town will continue to work towards getting this project included in the TIP which is programed for FY 2026 in the MPO plan.  Project info at https://www.westonma.gov/727/Route-20-Intersection-Improvement Talking with the State about a Sidewalk Extension project on Wellesley Street that connects to this proposed project but without sacrificing project schedules or funding. 
      • Proposed Intersection Improvements at Highland Street and Route 20 (potential TIP Project) – Town Engineer and Traffic and Sidewalk Committee working with consultant on data gather aspect of this proposed project. 

Sidewalk

  • Ash Street Sidewalk Project – Engineering working on the design to advance to the May 2023 Town Meeting.
  • Warren Avenue – Funding secured for the work; culvert replacement and drainage work needs to take place; sidewalk project needs to be coordinated with roadway work.   Warren Avenue sidewalk project has been shelved due to varying opinions on the design of the sidewalk and placement.
  • Conant Road (from Church Street to 155 Conant Road) – This is the proposed FY 2023 Sidewalk Resurfacing project.  Activity with Engineering Division to determine accessibility related issues before resurfacing will be undertaken.

Additional

      • Wireless Meter Reading- See Weston.org/WaterMeters for more project information.
        1. Resident Notices for Meter Upgrades:  June 18th.  First letters send out to Cycle #1 (north section of town);
        2. GPS coordinates collected on all current infrastructure installations;
        3. Three remaining Collector Antenna sites prepped for installations – work completed;
        4. Meter Upgrades at DPW completed and operating on new system – Approximately 80% operational (2955 customers).  Meter supply shortage the issue…currently taking in excess of 4 months to get an order of water meters.
      • Paines Hill Tank Replacement Design – Zoning By-Law change did not pass at May 2022 Town Meeting.  Preliminary work started for Article 97 process including survey, deed research, etc.  Project Info. and other information concerning water distribution system:   https://www.westonma.gov/1743/Water-System-Master-Plan-Upgrades-Replac 

    • Anticipate three meetings to take place to address the Explaining Hydraulics (February 2023), Siting and Article 97 Process (March 2023), and Monies/Funding/Wrap Up (April 2023).   Consultant has completed preliminary consult with MEPA and deed research.

      • Coordinating with Developer on Park Road and Riverside Road Development – Including but not limited to roadway modifications on Park Road which is in the permitting phase, water main replacement/upgrade which is completed (but not internal to the site).  There is also electrical work and gas main replacement work apparently needed on Riverside Road.  
      • Coordinating with Public Tree RFP – Participate in process relating to public tree RFP thru the Town Planner’s office.   Contract is being managed by the Town Planner.
      • MWRA Metropolitan Water Tunnel Program – Participating in update meetings with the MWRA and its consultant as they work towards the Draft Environmental Impact Report (DEIR) which is anticipated in the October / November 2022 timeframe.  DPW Director has provided some preliminary comments and/or concerns.   Anticipate that after the DEIR is published that the MWRA will provide a presentation to the Select Board. Visit the MWRA website for more information:  https://www.mwra.com/mwtp/program.html  An MWRA presentation on January 10, 2023 at the Select Board.
      • I-90 / I -95 (Route 128) Bridge Replacement projects – Scheduled Design Public Hearing (virtual) on 8/18/22.  Visit MassDOT website for hearing information: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/about-the-newton-weston-bridge-replacement-and-rehabilitation-at-i-90i-95 
      • Route 128/I-95 Land Use & Transportation Study – Visit MassDOT website for information: https://www.mass.gov/route-128i-95-study 

Some pictures by DPW Director Tom Cullen of  work being done:

 
water stream trees rocks
Sherburn Circle Culvert looking downstream Photo By Tom Cullen
water stream rocks trees
Sherburn Circle Culvert looking upstream photo by Tom Cullen
road with cones and construction vehicle
Stillmeadow Road..Gas Main replacement photo by Tom Cullen
engineering drawings for stormwater drainage

Engineering Division

  • Currently reviewing 13 Stormwater Permits;
  • Approved 59 projects currently under construction;
  • MS4 Stormwater Permit Annual Report – 
    1. The latest public educational and outreach messages prepared for the Spring season are being sent out in the tax bills that are mailed out.  These messages will be credited on the MS4 Annual Report for Year-5 for the Town.   The message for the spring season include information about proper disposal of grass clipping, spring yard landscape practices, composting, etc.  The maintenance of septic systems will also be included and proper pet waste cleanup and disposal.
    2. A proposal to provide support services for Year-5 (Fiscal Year 2023) of the MS4 Permit to the Town from consultant has been submitted.   The scope of services provided will focus on the MCM-3, Illicit Discharge Detection and Elimination (IDDE) for Year-5 of the MS4 Permit.
  • Working with the Town’s Traffic and Sidewalk Committee on several items:  Chestnut Street, Sunset Road, stop sign requests, sidewalk requests, crosswalk requests, etc.;
  • Engineering Drainage Designs Ongoing / Construction Bid Documents advertised:
    1. Hickory Road Drainage – The first phase of the drainage construction included the replacement of the older drainage pipes and drainage structures have been completed.  A subdrain was installed.  The second phase is under design.
    2. 520 Glen Road – Drainage construction anticipated for 2022;
    3. Brook Road – Survey has been conducted and a preliminary drainage design for 2-3 roadway sections.
    4. Ash Street – drainage design in progress;
    5. Winter Street – Culverts and drainage conditions investigated;
    6. Hickory Road / Briar Lane – Work ongoing. 
1
grass trees mountains with snow caps clouds with percipitation

Stormwater Education 

Snowmelt, just like rain runoff, is a component of the water cycle. It can carry pollutants from roads, highways, and parking lots to local waterways. This winter, use deicers smartly and sparingly. Follow product instructions and only use as much deicer as you need. More is not better. Or use a safe de-icing alternative, such as calcium magnesium acetate (CMA)
round water meter face

Water Division

  • Completed approximately 12 DigSafes;
  • Performed weekly samples (3), monthly water samples at tanks, and station/tank inspections;
  • Conducted 0 final read(s);
  • Continued to upgrade meters and water billing;
  • Investigated 1 leaking water meter;
  • 1 water service line investigation;
  • Assisted Highway with snow plowing operations;
  • Responded to 0 low (no water call) pressure call(s);
  • Responded to 0 water quality call(s).
 
hedge trimmer

Park and Cemetery Division 

  • 0 cremation interments;
  • 1 grave dug with casket interments;
  • Set 0 flush markers;
  • Dug and poured foundation for 0 monument(s);
  • Seasonal cleanup in Linwood Cemetery;
  • Serviced equipment;
  • Assisted Highway with snow plowing 2/23/23;
  • Covered shifts at the Transfer Station;
 
recycle more banner

Solid Waste and Recycling Division

  • Processed 0 - 100-yard solid waste dumpster(s) totaling 0 tons;
  • Picked up municipal office recycling – 600 lbs;
  • Picked up Town office and select town park solid waste – 1080 lbs;
  • Processed 1 cardboard container – 2.15 tons;
  • Processed 0 glass container – 0 lbs;
  • Processed 1 container of plastic – 3.22 tons;
  • Processed 1 bulky plastic container – 1.19 lbs;
  • Processed 0 newspaper container – 0 tons;
  • Ran 0 shuttles for grass/leaves – 0 tons;
  • Ran 0 shuttles for brush /logs – 0 tons;
  • Processed 0 metal container – 0 tons;
  • Process 0 container of scrap wood – 0 tons;
  • Assisted with the pickup of various donations including clothing, electronics, books and bikes – 580 lbs;
  • Assisted with pickup of Weston textiles – 440 lbs;
  • Electronics and appliances w/Freon – 0 lbs;
  • Processed the pickup of CRT electronics – 0 lbs;
  • Processed 5 cent deposit bottles and cans – 0 tons;
  • Processed 1 rechargeable battery pickup – 0 lbs;
  • Processed pickup of medical sharps – 0 lbs; 
  • Processed pickup of light bulbs – 0 lbs;
  • Assisted with the pick-up of propane tanks – 0 tanks (0 lbs);
  • Processed pickup of mattresses – 0 lbs;
  • Pickup auto batteries and wire recycling – 0 lbs;
  • Swap Shed open on a volunteer basis;
  • Cleaned the trailer pit as needed;
  • Pick up litter and cleaned up around the site as needed;
  • Packed containers as needed to maximize loads;
  • Disinfected Solid Waste and Recycling areas daily;
  • Seasonal cleanup around the Transfer Station;
  • Food Composting – 2180 lbs.
2
orange traffic cones

Highway/Stormwater Divisions


General:

  • COVID-19:   Personnel and Equipment SOPs;
  • Respond to Misc. calls for Service – 10;
  • Traffic Detours Setup & Removals:  2/22 Conant Road for Police;
  • Inspect Roadway/Driveway Conditions: None;
  • Employee In/Out of House Training: None;
  • Cooks Pond Pump Station (drainage): Pump operating normally, 2/21. 
  • DIGSafe Markouts & Permits Requested: None;
  • Message Board: DPW;
  • Deer Removal / Dead Animal Removal:  None;
  • Cleaning and Servicing Equipment:  As needed;

 

Outside of Division:

  • Assist Water Division:  None;
  • Assist Park/Cemetery/Transfer Station Division:  None;
  • Assist Fleet Maintenance: None;
  • Assist Engineering: Guardrail Inventory List;
  • Assist Police Department: Detour set up and removal at Conant Road;
  • Assist Fire Department – None;
  • Assist Tree Contractor with Removals – None;
  • Assist Paving Contractor (Lazaro) – None;
  • Assist Hydroseeding Contractor:  None;
  • Assist Loaming Crew:  None;
  • Assist with/or Applying Pavement Markings:  None;
  • Assist Drainage & Video /Jet Cleaning Contractor: None;
  • Assist Grounds/Facilities:  None;
  • Assist Conservation Commission – None;
  • Assist Recreation Department – None;
  • Assist MassDOT:  None;
  • Assist Rubber Chip Stone Contractor:  None
  • Assist VMP Contractor:  None;
  • Assist Crack Sealing Contractor:  None. 

  

Highway:

  • Inspect Roadway Conditions:  Various
  • Screen and Remove waste gravel material from Upper Yard:   None
  • Sign and Mailbox Repairs and Installations and fence repairs: Sign repairs Pigeon and Conant and maintenance all sections;   
  • Assist Stormwater Division – Clear waterways;
  • Pavement Markings (temp) applied and/or removed:  None;
  • Remove debris from roadway:  tree debris;
  • Skin Overlay:   None;
  • Pothole Patching and Trench Patching:  Patching 2/22;
  • Wall Inspections and/or Repairs:  None;
  • Sidewalk & Island Leaf Cleanup: None; 
  • Street Sweeping:  None;
  • Repair Shoulder Erosion and/or Surface Degradation:  None; 
  • Mowing and trimming Islands and Grass Strips:  None;
  • Flail Mowing:   None;
  • Inspect Tree Locations:  None; 
  • Tree and/or Branch Removals and Debris Cleanup: 2/24 Various; 
  • Tree Canopy Raising and Trimming:  None;
  • Cleanup Stump Grindings, backfill with Loam and grade:  None;
  • Loam and Seed:   None;

Stormwater:

  • Drain Line/Pipe Repairs:  None;
  • DMH/CB Inspections & Roadway ID Markings:  Inspections 2/22; 
  • Catch Basin Cleaning:  None;
  • Assist Highway Division:  Pothole patching; Prep. for S&I;
  • Street Sweeping: None;
  • Check and Clear Waterways:  None;
  • Respond flooding calls:  None;
  • Jet Cleaning Drainage (DPW):  None;
  • Catch Basin Inspection, DMH rebuild:  None;
  • Install/remove Erosion Controls:  None. 

Winter Operations (winter is coming!)

  • Sand Barrels:   None;
  • Yard Loader for Material Storage:  None;
  • Deicing Operations:  2/23-25;
  • General Plowing:  2/23;
  • Sidewalk Plowing:  2/23;
  • Install and Prep Plow and/or Deicing Equipment: 2/21-23;
  • Remove Plows: 2/24; 
  • Snow Removal:    2/23.
 
maintenance of a DPW truck

 Vehicle Maintenance Division

      • Performed routine maintenance (fluid services, tires and brakes, exhaust, steering and suspension, exterior trim work and electrical repairs) on
        1. 6 school buses
        2. 0 police vehicle
        3. 9 DPW trucks and other equipment
        4. 0 recreation vehicles
        5. 0 school grounds vehicles

    • noting that the DPW Vehicle Maintenance Division is responsible for over 133 pieces of rolling stock for the Town;

      • Performed 1 major repair(s) on vehicles with Major/Significant maintenance activity:  H-24 No start condition;
      • Fuel island, weekly inspection performed;
      • Fuel tanks (0) gallons gasoline delivered; (0) diesel delivered;
      • Facility tanks (0) gallons pumped, waste oil (0) gallons, Waste antifreeze (0) gallons; tight tanks (0) gallons;
      • Inspections: None; 
      • Road Call: Bus #12 dead battery;
      • Recalls:   None;
      • Division Assistance:  Highway sanding and mount all plows;
      • Wash Bay Maintenance:  None;
      • Performed 0 repairs on sanders and plows:  H-10, S-12, H-11
 

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