Andover schedules June 2 public hearing for Lake Road culvert, DOT grant to cover half the project

The Andover Conservation Commission voted May 5 to hold a public hearing June 2 on an application to replace a deteriorated culvert on Lake Road that feeds Cheney Brook and Andover Lake.

Harma of Nathan Jacobson Associates, the consultant presenting the town project, said the existing corrugated metal pipe is badly deteriorated at the downstream headwall and parapets. She said the town proposes to install a 28‑foot‑span, three‑sided precast concrete rigid frame on cast‑in‑place concrete footings to replace the barrel and eliminate a perched outlet "so aquatic organisms can make their way through." Harma added the permanent structure is being designed to meet DOT 100‑year storm standards and that the project has a DOT grant covering 50% of total costs.

The nut graf: The replacement aims to restore stream continuity, reduce downstream erosion and bring roadside barriers and bridge rails up to current DOT standards. Harma also said riparian shelves would be built inside the new structure to provide terrestrial passage beneath the road and that inflow/outflow piping and erosion controls (hay bales, sediment fencing, rip‑wrap in corners) are planned to protect water quality during construction.

Commission members pressed the presenter on sediment control, aquatic impacts and staging. Harma said the contractor would use temporary cofferdams and two bypass pipes sized for conveyance during construction; the bypass system follows DOT drain sizing for the work window, and the permanent barrel is sized for the 100‑year event. She said the team is coordinating federal permits and tribal and agency consultations, including the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and state fisheries, which asked for a natural streambed material and for the instream work to avoid April–June under the Corps' nationwide permit guidance.

Members also asked whether the design allows adding pedestrian access; Harma said the roadway width will remain about 30 feet and that adding a sidewalk would require substantial modification of parapets and rails. Commissioners urged the town to secure utility relocations before bidding; Harma said discussions with utilities have begun and recommended getting wires moved prior to issuance of a bid package to avoid contractor non‑responsiveness.

The commission discussed where excavated material would be staged and whether temporary easements are needed; Harma said staging would use approach areas and the town will pursue required temporary and permanent easements. On timing, Harma estimated mobilization in June with a five‑month construction window (June–October) assuming permits and precast procurement proceed as planned.

The commission voted to set a public hearing on the application for June 2 and instructed staff to publish required notices. No final permit was issued at the meeting; the hearing will be the next opportunity for public comment and for the commission to take any formal action.