Lynn officials mark completion of Phase 1 of West Lynn sewer‑separation project

City and commission officials gathered to mark the completion of the first phase of the West Lynn sewer separation project, a multi‑year infrastructure effort intended to reduce combined sewer overflows into the Saugus River and Lynn Harbor.

James Arsenal, who introduced the event and identified himself as executive director of the Lynn Water and Sewer Commission, said the phase’s completion reflects years of planning and construction and thanked neighbors, businesses and commuters for their patience. A project presenter identified only as Dave summarized technical details, saying the phase separated about 260 acres of combined sewer area and included “more than 26,000 linear feet of storm drain, including a 72‑inch diameter trunk drain” and tunneling beneath the Lynnway and commuter rail to minimize surface disruption.

The presenter also cited a roughly $120 million investment for the phase, construction of a 90 million gallon‑per‑day stormwater pump station and a new 54‑inch force main and outfall to Lynn Harbor. “The West Lynn sewer separation project represents more than 7 years of design and construction in this densely developed neighborhood,” the presenter said, noting the work improved the system’s resiliency during severe wet weather.

Mayor Jared Nicholson said the project is a major step toward waterfront revitalization and environmental stewardship. “These projects are so incredibly complex and challenging,” Nicholson said, and added that the upgrades will help Lynn better protect residents and make the waterfront more inviting. He described the work as essential to modern standards of water management and public health.

Mike Solona, chair of the Lynn Water and Sewer Commission, credited past and present commissioners for approving long‑term financing and praised staff and partners for delivering the project. An unnamed commissioner and other speakers singled out Chief Engineer Anthony Marino, engineer‑in‑training Ryan Hughes and former Executive Director Dan O’Neal for their roles in the work.

Councilor Fred Hogan (Ward 6) acknowledged the hardships businesses and residents faced during construction on Bennett Street and in his ward but said recent events have shown relief from flooding on Commercial Street. Hogan thanked Bill Russo for neighborhood outreach, said repaving work will follow construction, and said residents plan a block party on Bennett Street once repaving begins.

Officials named a range of partners and contractors involved in the project and thanked state and federal agencies and funders for support. The Lynn Water and Sewer Commission said with Phase 1 now operational it will apply lessons learned as it advances remaining phases of the city’s combined‑sewer‑overflow (CSO) program.

The ceremony concluded with a ribbon cutting and group photos. Officials said next steps include continuing planned rehabilitation phases; specific schedules for subsequent phases were not specified at the event.