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Council green-lights Post Road water-main replacement; staff to time work with planned sidewalk project
Summary
The council approved moving forward with engineering to replace aging water main on Post Road and directed staff to coordinate timing with a planned sidewalk project and RIDOT to reduce repeated disruption to businesses.
The council voted to authorize engineering and to prioritize the Post Road water-main replacement between West Sandpike Lane and Hopedale neighborhoods. Alan Austin (public works/engineering) told the council the water-main corridor has experienced repeated breaks since 2014 and staff plan an inline replacement to minimize water service disruption to businesses.
Town Manager Ralph said the project was elevated on the priority list after staff realized the town would otherwise tear up a newly built sidewalk if the water main were not replaced ahead of or coordinated with the sidewalk work. Ralph said staff met with the Rhode Island Department of Transportation to align schedules; the engineering firm will proceed with designs intended to be timed with DOT's sidewalk project to reduce cost and rework.
Public commenters and business representatives asked for early and clear communication to affected merchants. A resident who is an electrician suggested the town appoint a staff person to compare competitive-supplier rates; similarly, business owners asked for advance notice of construction windows so they can plan.
Ending
Public Works will engage engineers, coordinate scheduling with RIDOT and provide businesses with detailed advance notice. The council asked staff to return with implementation details and a construction schedule.
