Town approves $650K for critical water main bridge repairs

The Annual Town Meeting for Northborough, Massachusetts, held on May 1, 2025, focused on critical infrastructure needs, particularly concerning the town's water supply system. Two significant articles were discussed and voted on during the meeting.

The first item, Article 26, proposed the appropriation of $95,000 for the purchase of a one-ton pickup truck with a plow. This vehicle will replace an existing truck from February 2015. The funding will come from the Water Enterprise Fund and Sewer Enterprise free cash, with $57,000 allocated from the former and $38,000 from the latter. The article passed with a majority vote.

The more pressing issue was addressed in Article 27, which sought $650,000 for the repair and replacement of two utility bridges that are essential for the town's drinking water supply. The bridges, located at Otis Street over Hopbrook and School Street over the Assabet River, were reported to be in poor to failing condition. The loss of either bridge could leave numerous residents without access to safe drinking water.

The Department of Public Works (DPW) director emphasized the urgency of the repairs, noting that the School Street bridge is the sole water source for the Juniper Hill neighborhood. The DPW has already engaged engineers to design the necessary construction, which is expected to be funded entirely through borrowing from the Water Enterprise Fund.

Support for Article 27 was unanimous among the Water and Sewer Commission, the Appropriations Committee, and the Financial Planning Committee, all of whom urged the town to approve the funding. The article was ultimately passed, reflecting the community's commitment to maintaining safe and reliable drinking water infrastructure.

These discussions highlight the town's proactive approach to addressing critical infrastructure needs, ensuring that residents have access to essential services.