This MWRA project seeks to interconnect the two geographically distinct and hydraulically unconnected Intermediate High pressure zones (Newton to the south and Arlington / Belmont / Watertown to the north) to provide critical water system redundancy and operational flexibility in the event of water main pipe failures. This project will also improve water quality by reducing the length of unlined cast iron water mains in the system.
The $22.5 million project was awarded to P. Gioioso & Sons, Inc. in December 2024.
Summary Scope of Work:
Section 75, consisting of a 30-inch diameter pre-stressed concrete cylinder pipe, will be extended with 3,500 linear feet of 24-inch water main (Section 75A) to connect with the Intermediate High Pressure zone water mains at the intersection of Ward Street and Waverly Avenue in the City of Newton, creating a connection between the Commonwealth Avenue and Belmont Pumping Stations. Section 75 provides water supply to the City of Newton and currently ends at the intersection of Commonwealth Avenue and Centre Streets.
This project will also include the replacement of 2,700 linear feet of the City of Newton’s 140-year-old 20-inch diameter cast iron water main, running parallel to MWRA’s Section 75 extension alignment. Additionally, work will be performed to rehabilitate Section 47, a 106-year-old 20-inch diameter cast iron water main that provides supply to the communities of Boston and Watertown. A portion of this water main was rehabilitated under a previous contract and the remaining section will be rehabilitated as part of this contract.
Contract work will also include replacement of the 80-year-old Belmont Meter 111, one of two meters that feed the Town of Belmont Intermediate High pressure zone.
Please note, property owners adjacent to the project will be offered a free pre-construction survey of their property at no cost prior to the start of construction conducted by Seismic Solutions, Inc. Notices regarding the pre-construction surveys will be mailed to property owners in early May 2025.
Project Updates:
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Project Updates
Update-
Property owners adjacent to the project will receive notifications from Seismic Solutions, Inc., which is a subcontractor hired by P. Gioioso & Sons, Inc. to conduct pre-condition surveys on properties at NO COST to the homeowner.
Pre-condition surveys are done prior to work commencing for the benefit of the homeowner to document the pre-existing conditions of a property before work starts.
MWRA recommends that homeowners who receive the notification to please consider scheduling an appointment at their convenience.
The MWRA’s contractor, P. Gioioso & Sons, Inc., is expected to commence work along the following roadways in the City of Newton starting the week of Monday, August 18, 2025, or shortly thereafter:
Ward Street between Waverly Avenue and Centre Street;
Centre Street between Ward Street and Commonwealth Avenue; and,
Grafton Street from Centre Street to Ransom Road.
During work hours, which will be from 7:00AM to 5:00PM, the roadway will remain open to motorists.
However, please use caution when nearing the work sites.
Additionally, police details and proper signage will be in place to assist motorists as they traverse through the area.
Important to note, access to properties will remain available while the work is conducted.
Furthermore, water service and other utilities will not be impacted by the work.
During off work hours (nights and weekends), roadway plates will be in place to enable vehicles to safely drive over the excavated areas.
• Contractor: P. Gioioso & Sons, Inc. - NTP on February 3, 2025 (Expires August 4, 2027)
• Submittal approval Process
• Test pits started in Boston, Newton and Belmont at the end of July.
The MWRA’s contractor, P. Gioioso & Sons, Inc., is expected to excavate test pits along Brooks Street in the City of Boston between Bigelow Street and Nonantum Road starting the week of Monday, July 28, 2025, or shortly thereafter.
During work hours, which will be from 7:00AM to 5:00PM, the roadway will remain open to motorists.
However, please use caution when nearing the work sites.
Additionally, police details and proper signage will be in place to assist motorists as they traverse through the area.
Important to note, access to properties will remain available while the work is conducted.
Furthermore, water service and other utilities will not be impacted by the work.
During off work hours (nights and weekends), roadway plates will be in place to enable vehicles to safely drive over the excavated pits.