About this Project
MWRA’s Weston Aqueduct Supply Main 3 consists of approximately 10 miles of steel pipe installed in the 1920s and 30s. The pipe is a critical supply to over 250,000 customers in the Northern High, Northern Extra High and Intermediate High supply systems serving Waltham, Watertown, Belmont, Lexington, Bedford, Arlington, Somerville and Medford. It also can provide emergency supply to the Gillis Pump Station serving communities of the North Shore and Northern Intermediate High communities. Figure 1 shows the full extent of the WASM 3 pipeline and the work limits for the current construction contract.
This first construction contract includes rehabilitation of approximately 13,800 feet of 56-inch and 60-inch diameter water main starting in Medford in December 2020, and continuing in Somerville and Arlington from Fall of 2021 to Spring of 2024. The rehabilitation will consist of cleaning and internal cement mortar lining of the pipe and adding valves for better operational flexibility. Figure 2 shows the segments to be completed under this contract.
The work is restricted to low water demand months from September 15 to May 15, which necessitates three construction phases during the duration of the contract. This work restriction is necessary to ensure the main is operational during high summer demand periods. MWRA has awarded this $19.5 million contract to Albanese D&S, Inc. with a contract term of 912 calendar days from the Notice to Proceed.
Updates
March 29, 2023
- Starting next week, begin filling portions of WASM 3 for testing
- Disinfection entire pipeline scheduled for late April
March 2, 2023
February 2, 2023
December 23, 2022
November 7, 2022
August 9, 2022
June 29, 2022
Work Update:
- Work over 3 year duration
- Rehabilitation of WASM 3- work only allowed from September 15th to May 15th due to demand.
April 28, 2022
Upcoming work:
- Complete installation of new water main piping at Meter 171
- Activation of Meter 90 - new flow meter in Somerville
- Filing of segment 2 in Arlington in preparation for activation of WASM 3
- Restoration of Arlington plaza
March 31, 2022
Upcoming work:
- Continue closure of access pits along route
- Complete installation of new water main piping and backfill at Arlington Center
- Commence surface upgrade of Arlington Plaza area
February 3, 2022
Work Timeline: Work to be done between May 15th to September 15th due to demand
Overview: The rehab of WASM pipeline will increase the flow capacity. This is a critical line and redundant for the tunnel. The pipeline is structurally sound bu some tuberculation has occurred and that will be cleaned.
January 5, 2022
Upcoming Items:
- Excavation and construction of access pit in Arlington Center Plaza
- Subcontractor will continue cleaning and cement lining of 60 inch steel WASM 3
- Coordinate with Verizon to complete fiber optic duct bank relocation in Arlington center
- Begun closure of access pits in Somerville
November 3, 2021
Upcoming Items:
- Excavation and construction of cement lining access pits in Arlington
- Subcontractor will commence cementlining of 60-inch steel WASM
- Coordination with Verizon to complete fiber optic duct bank relocation in Arlington Center
- Somerville Housing Authority plans to demo old MWRA metering on Capen Court
September 28, 2021
Upcoming Items:
- Dewatering of the WASM3 pipeline through Arlington and Somerville
- Coordination with Somerville Housing Authority - access during construction and new building
- Coordination with Arlington: Broadway Plaza businesses, Verizon duct bank relocation
- Removing 3 trees in Somerville
- Preconstruction photos and TV inspection of adjacent utilities in Arlington
September 7, 2021
Upcoming Items:
- Coordination with Somerville Housing Authority - access during construction and new building
- Coordination with Arlington - Broadway Plaza businesses (making banners)
- Removing some trees in Somerville
- MWRA Ops - Reviewing Dewatering Plan for next segment
August 6, 2021
Upcoming Items:
- Coordination with Somerville Housing Authority
- Coordination with Arlington
- Removing some trees in Somerville
April 27, 2021
March 31, 2021
Work Done To Date:
- Complete access pits with new steel pipe
- Restoration of construction areas
- Disposal of contaminated soil off site
- WASM3 planning for disinfection/activation
March 2, 2021
February 3, 2021
Work Done To Date:
- Rehab of WASM 3 – Work will be conducted from Sept 15 to May 15th due to demand
- Cleaning and cement mortar lining of approximately 4,870 feet of 56-inch steel water main
- Cleaning and cement mortar lining of approximately 8,310 feet of 60-inch steel water main
- Furnishing and installing (4) butterfly valves and appurtenances.
