Town Officials Address Urgent Replacement of Oxbow Road Vault Hatch During Paving Project

The Water and Sewer Commissioners meeting held on May 14, 2025, in Charlton, Worcester County, focused on urgent infrastructure issues related to ongoing road construction. A significant discussion centered on the condition of a concrete vault located on Oxbow Road, which has been affected by the Route 20 reconstruction project.

During the meeting, it was reported that the vault's access hatch had deteriorated over the years and was damaged beyond repair during the current pavement reclamation efforts. This issue has prompted immediate action, as the damaged hatch is not covered under the Massachusetts Department of Transportation's roadway improvement project, leaving the town responsible for its replacement.

Commission members emphasized the need to quickly procure a new hatch to avoid delays in the ongoing construction work. The urgency was underscored by the timeline of the paving schedule, with final pavement expected to be laid within the next 30 days. The commissioners are actively seeking manufacturers to expedite the replacement process.

This situation highlights the challenges local governments face in maintaining infrastructure while coordinating with larger state projects. The commissioners' prompt response aims to ensure that the necessary repairs are made swiftly to minimize disruption to the ongoing construction and maintain public safety.