Meadow Street project faces railroad crossing costs, commissioners weigh 2-inch option and last-resort wells

Engineers told the Northfield Sewer Commission that bringing water and sewer across the Meadow Street railroad presents significant cost and permitting challenges, with initial estimates ranging from $400,000 to $450,000, a commission member said.

Bill Storti of Weston & Sampson provided the estimate that running sewer and a water line under the railroad could be in the $400,000–$450,000 range; the commission also noted an estimated $300,000 to install roughly 1,000 feet of sewer pipe along Pentecost. Commissioners discussed additional costs including clearing, annual permitting if four lines are required instead of two, easements and legal fees.

Commissioners asked Weston & Sampson for a cost to run a 2-inch water line under the railroad at Meadow Street as a lower-cost option; Chair Karen Boudreau said she would prepare a cost-benefit spreadsheet. Commissioner Bernard Boudreau suggested well drilling as a potential alternative if the railroad option proved infeasible; Isaac Golding characterized wells as an emergency or last-resort option consistent with DEP feedback. Mitch Damon said he would follow up with Bill Storti for more detail and consider changing specifications from a 6-inch to a 2-inch line under the railroad.

Ending: The commission directed staff to seek more precise cost estimates from Weston & Sampson and to refine options for crossing the railroad, including a potential 2-inch line and contingency plans if that route is denied.