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 (June/July timeframe)

1. Black Oak Road
2. Nobscot Road
3. Middle Way
4. Bittersweet Road
5. Stillmeadow Road 
6. Route 30 (Natick Town Line to MassDOT Layout by Cutters Bluff) – MassDOT (mid-July per MassDOt

2.) Round 2 (August/September timeframe)

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

3.) Round 3 (September timeframe)

1. Hickory Road
2. Briar Road

4.) 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

Candidates for Rubber Chipstone:

1. Hobbs Brook Road
2. Forest Ridge Road
3. Drabbington Way
4. Sunset Road
5. Crescent Street
6. Hillcrest Road
7. Colonial Way
8. Beech Street

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.

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; 

• 
  

  Under a Transportation Bond bill signed into law by the Governor in 2021, The Municipal Pavement Program seeks to improve the condition of municipally owned state numbered routes, with an emphasis on National Highway System (NHS) roadways, and to find opportunities to improve safety and accessibility for all modes. Projects are selected by MassDOT each fiscal year based on pavement condition data, the proportion of state numbered routes in poor condition in a municipality, and geographic equity. MassDOT works closely with selected communities to develop a scope of work for each roadway segment. All work is conducted by MassDOT contractors in coordination with the municipality. As such, no funds are provided directly to the municipality. See the following link to said Program:  https://www.mass.gov/municipal-pavement-program

  Working with our partners at MassDOT and their consultant, OUR Route 30 (South Avenue) was chosen as a candidate eligible under this program and the Town is advancing a Mill and Overlay Project that if all goes well will be completed by the Fall of 2023. 

  This work also ties in nicely with our Proposed Transportation Improvement Project (TIP) for the Route 30 Roadway Reconstruction.  The Municipal Paving Program address the roadway pavement portion of the Route 30 Project, it does not address the other features of that Proposed Project such as the Shared Use Path, new pedestrian and pre-emptive signal at Route 30/Ash Street/Fire Station, drainage extensions, wall work, tree removals and/or replacements, etc. that is still currently programmed on the TIP for Fiscal Year 2026.  With this pavement work scheduled this year (Calendar Year 2023…currently MassDOT has indicated mid-July 2023 for a start date) and based on current proposed schedule for the TIP Project to start puts the project completion approximately 6 plus years from now which would result in the TIP project conducting some form of surface pavement preservation project at that time.  

  • 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.  We are envisioning a 75% Submission Plan set to be provided to the Town some time June/July of 2023.  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.  Anticipate a draft report and a Traffic and Sidewalk Committee evaluation of said report over the next several weeks.

Sidewalk

• Ash Street Sidewalk Project – Engineering working on the design to advance to the Special Town Meeting 2023.
• 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. Meter Upgrades at DPW completed and operating on new system – Approximately 85% operational (3133 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.  Next steps will be field meeting with stakeholders scheduled for May 31^st and June 7^th, completing MEPA process, starting design process…..Field Meetings at Doublet Hill Water Tank and Paines Hill Water Tank held on May 31^st .
  • 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 
  • Route 30 over I-95/Route 128 Bridge Deck Replacement – The State outreached to the Town and was invited to a scoping session between the State and their selected consultant, HSH.  More to come at a future update once we know more.

Water Division

• Completed approximately 25 DigSafes;
• Performed weekly samples (3), monthly water samples at tanks, and station/tank inspections;
• Conducted 4 final read(s);
• Continued to upgrade meters and work on high water bill complaints;
• Continued hydrant flushing program;
• Dug test pits at water shutoffs to confirm pipe materials on both sides of the shutoff
• Installed 1 temporary meter
• Witnessed 1 water meter test at customer’s request
• Assisted and inspected water main repair on private property by contractor
• Responded to 0 low (no water call) pressure call(s);
• Responded to 0 water quality call(s).

Solid Waste and Recycling Division

• Processed 1 - 100-yard solid waste dumpster(s) totaling 11.25 tons;
• Picked up municipal office recycling – 880 lbs;
• Picked up Town office and select town park solid waste – 1560 lbs;
• Processed 1 cardboard container – 4.54 tons;
• Processed 0 glass container – 0 lbs;
• Processed 0 container of plastic – 0 tons;
• Processed 0 bulky plastic container – 0 lbs;
• Processed 0 newspaper container – 0 tons;
• Ran 0 shuttles for grass/leaves – 0 tons;
• Ran 0 shuttles for brush /logs – 0 tons;
• Processed 1 metal container – 4.68 tons;
• Process 1 container of scrap wood – 3.53 tons;
• Assisted with the pickup of various donations including clothing, electronics, books and bikes – 2.37 tons;
• Assisted with pickup of Weston textiles – 1160 lbs;
• Electronics and appliances w/Freon – 0 lbs;
• Processed the pickup of CRT electronics – 2040 lbs;
• Processed 5 cent deposit bottles and cans – 0 tons;
• Processed 1 rechargeable battery pickup – 40 lbs;
• Processed pickup of medical sharps – 0 lbs; 
• Processed pickup of light bulbs – 880 lbs;
• Assisted with the pick-up of propane 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 – 2240 lbs.

 Vehicle Maintenance Division

• Performed routine maintenance (fluid services, tires and brakes, exhaust, steering and suspension, exterior trim work and electrical repairs) on
  1. 9 school buses
  2. 0 police vehicle
  3. 6 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 3 major repair(s) on vehicles with Major/Significant maintenance activity:  H-24 Drive belt, Bus #28 DEF issue, H-22 front diff.; 
  • 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: H-23, Bus 11;
  • Recalls:   None;
  • Division Assistance:  None;
  • Wash Bay Maintenance:  None;
  • Performed 0 repairs on sanders and plows:  None

Upcoming Projects

There is a significant number of projects contemplated in the southeast corner of the Town of Weston that will impact the community for the next 10-20 years:

1. MassDOT – The I-95 / I-90 Bridge Replacements (several bridges);
2. MassDOT – The Route 30 over the Charles River Bridge Rehabilitation (+/-) with a shared use path proposed (SUP);
3. MassDOT – The Route 30 over I-95/Route 128 Bridge Rehabilitation;
4. MassDOT – The Route 30 / I-95 Interchange Project with a proposed SUP connection from Weston to Newton;
5. Town of Weston – Route 30 Roadway Reconstruction with SUP from Town of Natick to the MassDOT Route 30/I-95 Interchange Project that may involve the mill and overlay of Route 30 from the Natick Town Line to just east of Cutters Bluff this construction season (2023);
6. Town of Newton – Commonwealth Avenue Roadway Reconstruction with a proposed SUP;
7. Town of Weston – Redevelopment Riverside Road Property (new biotech campus) including offsite mitigation on Park Road (Town of Weston and MassDOT layouts);
8. Town of Newton / Mark Development / MassDOT – Riverside Station / Grove Street Interchange Reconstruction including Recreation Road impacts;
9. DCR – Bridge Rehabilitation of bridge connection Riverside Park to Newton;  
10. MWRA – The MWRA Metropolitan Water Tunnel Program in which the DEIR Impact Report has been filed and subsurface exploration is ongoing;