Officials report progress on Abbey Road sewer project; laterals to serve homes on septic

Wastewater Superintendent Ed Haller told the Utilities Committee on July 1 that crews have finished installing the sewer pipe and manholes on Abbey Road and are now installing laterals. ‘‘They finished the installation of the sewer pipe and the man holes along Abbey Rd yesterday,’’ Haller said, adding that the crew was installing roughly two laterals per day until the seven required laterals are complete.

Haller said the project will open lateral connections for five homes currently on septic; those homeowners will not be required to connect until the project is finished, but connection will be mandatory thereafter. ‘‘These are homes that are on septic. There are 5 homes that are on septic. They are doing lateral connections,’’ Haller said.

He said crews will maintain local access so residents can enter and exit driveways, and staff are coordinating with residents who face potential short-term access issues. Haller described a case of a resident moving who was advised to call staff for a scheduling update before departing for a storage facility; staff said they would provide the best estimate the morning of the move.

The committee did not take additional formal action on Abbey Road at the meeting. Haller said the city is working with property owners as the crew completes laterals and transitions the project to final restoration work.