Hertford delays Phase II waterline; contractors hit main, tree removals set for July 6

Town Manager Doris Walton updated the Hertford council on utility and public-works matters at the May 26 meeting, reporting a delay to Phase II of the town's waterline replacement, an accidental water-main shutoff by contractors, and scheduled tree removals.

Walton said the state entity identified in the minutes as DWI informed the town that the remaining Phase II funds (reported as $2.9 million) are too large to be processed as a change order and the work must be rebid as a separate contract. As a result, Phase II waterline replacement will not proceed this year and is expected to occur in 2027–2028; Walton said the town will not incur additional administrative costs during the re-bid.

Walton also reported that contractors struck a water main while closing a valve left open in connection with Phase II work. She said water was shut off and that crews would work on the affected area (Charles Street to Meads and to the trail) beginning at 8:30 a.m. on Thursday and on Monday until the issue is corrected; the Utility Director notified potentially affected residents.

On stormwater and right-of-way work, Walton said tree removal is scheduled for July 6 for three town trees (one each on Market, King and Front streets) and that sidewalks impacted by the removals will be repaired.

Why it matters: The rebid delays push planned waterline improvements into future fiscal years, affecting project timing and residents who may be awaiting system upgrades. The accidental main break produced immediate service interruptions that the town is addressing.

Attribution: Information in this piece is drawn from Manager Doris Walton's report to council as recorded in the May 26 meeting minutes.