Council approves $2.75 million loan order for five local street reconstructions

Watertown City Council voted Nov. 26 to approve the Public Works committee’s recommendation and a $2,750,000 loan order to fund full reconstruction work on a group of city streets planned for fiscal 2025.

Councilor Piccerelli, reading the committee report, said DPW and the city engineer anticipate completing water-main and sewer-main replacements and other utility work in the upcoming construction season, and recommended full reconstruction on Poplar Street, Partridge Street, North and South Irving Park, Royal Street and Green Street. The committee noted the pavement condition index on average declined from 65 to 60 this year amid heavy utility activity.

The report and council discussion flagged coordination issues with utility companies (including National Grid and MWRA), inconsistent patching after utility work and timing risks tied to procurement and staffing. "There was considerable discussion about issues related to road maintenance and construction in the city," the committee report said, noting specific concerns about poor patchwork after National Grid work.

Council approved the loan order by roll call and unanimously supported the committee recommendation to proceed with the roads identified for reconstruction; DPW staff were asked to provide a step-by-step process and timing for street projects so the council can track procurement milestones and completion dates.

The approved loan order sets funding into motion for the 2025 local road construction program, with DPW anticipating most construction to occur between April and November 2025.