HomeMy Public PortalAbout2020 Roadway Reconstruction FAQs2020 Roadway Reconstruction
Frequently Asked Questions
Will residents be notified before the Contractor begins work?
The town will notify residents prior to the Contractor mobilizing to begin work. The Town will provide
notices at least 48-hours prior to work beginning and updates at important milestones. Any impacts to
roadway or driveway access will be noted. Notices are provided using hang -tabs attached to front
doors.
What are work hours for the construction crew?
Typical work hours will be 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM Monday to Friday. Weekend work is not anticipated, but
you will be notified if special conditions require weekend work.
Can I park my car on the street?
Unless there is a no parking sign posted, you may park your vehicle on the street as you would under
normal circumstances.
Will I lose access to my driveway during construction?
There will be a period of time when your driveway will not be accessible (i.e. when the driveway apron is
being constructed, during paving operations, etc.). The contractor will provide advanced notification of
such times so that you will be able to exit the driveway before work is performed. Every effort will be
made to minimize the impact to the regular use of your driveway.
Will public services such as trash collection be completed during construction?
The construction project is not anticipated to impact trash and recycling collection or yard waste pick up
services.
Why did they cut into my driveway or yard?
As part of the project, grading of the roadway and sidewalk may change the elevation at the back of
sidewalk. To maintain a smooth transition between the roadway, the driveway apron, and your
driveway, a portion of the driveway may require reconstruction. This work will be constructed by the
Contractor at no cost to the property owner.
My yard has been damaged during construction. Who will repair the damage?
You can report damage to DPW at dpwdept@watertown-ma.gov. The contractor takes detailed photos
of the work area and adjacent property before construction begins. These pre -condition photos are
used to determine if the contractor is responsible for damage. We recommend that you take photos of
any areas of concern to document existing conditions as well.
Please note: Repair of damage is typically completed at the end of the project.
2020 Roadway Reconstruction
Frequently Asked Questions
I have not seen any work being completed for several days but the improvements do not appear to be
completed. Has work stopped?
No. The Contractor often is working on several streets at one time and certain tasks are performed by
specialized crews. Depending on the project schedules, resources may be allocated to another street for
a period of time.
Why is the Contractor cutting holes in the new asphalt?
After an intermediate layer is placed, the Contractor returns to raise utility valve boxes, catch basin
grates, and manhole covers prior to final paving.
have a grass strip in front of my home now. Who is responsible for cutting the grass?
The Contractor will loam and seed the grass strip as part of the project scope of work. Residents are
required to maintain the grass strip.
Are there any special requirements for care of the concrete sidewalk?
We advise that residents use de-icing salt in moderation on concrete sidewalks, particularly during the
first winter season and use a non -corrosive salt. Excessive use of de-icing salt may cause the concrete to
not cure properly causing damage to the concrete.
I have an irrigation line that runs in the grass border/planting strip. Can it be protected?
The Town will take steps necessary to protect irrigation within the planting strip if notified in advance of
the location. Please note that the planting strip is considered Town property and the Town is not held
liable for damaged irrigation lines that we are not aware of.
have special plantings in the grass border/planting strip. Can these be protected?
Due to the construction techniques involved in constructing curb and sidewalk, we cannot protect
plantings in the planting strip. We recommend you transplant any plants you cherish and replant them
upon completion of the work, if desired.
Can you plant a street tree in front of my property? Could you remove a street tree in front of my
property?
Please contact us at 617-972-6420 or dpwdept@watertown-ma.gov to discuss street trees.
Can you widen my driveway opening as part of the work?
All driveway opening requests must be reviewed and approved by the Zoning Enforcement Officer.
Please contact Mike Mena at 617-972-6427 or mmena@watertown-ma.gov to discuss any requests. If
approved, DPW is generally able to incorporate these requests into the work, provided enough notice to
us is given.
2020 Roadway Reconstruction
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you provide a landing/apron in front of my walkway?
In general, we do not provide landings/aprons in front of walkways. Exceptions are made for persons
with disabilities with handicapped placards.
have a reception/moving day/special event scheduled for a certain day. Can you stop work?
We cannot stop work, but we do try to accommodate special needs, depending on work schedule and
advanced notice provided.
Who do I contact if I have questions or concerns?
Contact Department of Public Works at 617-972-6420.