National Grid begins phased conduit work on Jerusalem Road; committee weighs adding sidewalks and oversight

National Grid has begun phased replacement of a 1928 underground electrical conduit along Jerusalem Road, town staff told the Sidewalk and Safety Committee. Brian said the work is being done by vacuum excavation in multiple phases, with the initial phase from Rocky Beach to just past Lynen, and that the overall limits extend from Rocky Beach at Forest and Jerusalem to the Atlantic/Jerusalem intersection.

Members asked whether the town could use National Grid's curb‑to‑curb paving to add sidewalks at lower incremental cost. Brian cautioned that the first phase has tight geometry and rock outcrops at Rocky Beach/Lynen that would require significant ledge removal and permitting to add sidewalks. "This first section is...really tight. So it would require...some engineering, some permitting and a lot of ledge removal," he said, noting such work would be expensive.

A member expressed concern about trench backfill being rushed and later settling; the member noted a lack of visible Proctor testing in the field. Brian replied that the town's street‑opening permit requires 8‑inch lifts and roughly 95% Proctor compaction and that the town performs spot checks. He added that if settlement occurs after paving, the town can address it with a grind and inlay or other restoration during subsequent paving operations.

Members asked about oversight during backfill and requested staff to continue spot checks and ensure coordination between DPW, Morse (for surveys) and utility work so that opportunities for pedestrian improvements can be assessed before final paving.