HomeMy Public PortalAboutGertrude Street Neighborhood Informational LetterTOWN OF WATERTOWN
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS (P) 617-972-6420
124 ORCHARD STREET (F) 617-972-6402
WATERTOWN MA 02472
Gregory M. St. Louis, PE
Superintendent
January 14, 2021
RE: Gertrude Street Reconstruction
Dear Property Owner:
The Honorable Town Council approved a list of streets to be reconstructed as part of our 2021 Road Reconstruction
Program, including Gertrude Street. As a courtesy, we are sending you this letter to provide some additional
background and information related to the upcoming work.
What is the scone of work?
The work includes roadway reclamation, a process by which the surface and sub -surface of the road is ground up
and recycled to create a new "base" for the road. The base is then shaped, graded and compacted to accept the new
roadway surface.
In addition to a new roadway surface, new granite curbing and concrete sidewalk/aprons will be installed. As part
of the work, a new grass planting strip will be provided that can also accommodate tree plantings. All sidewalk
work will comply with Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements. In general, the proposed road and
sidewalk widths will match the existing widths. A conceptual plan of the work is attached.
TYPICAL SECTION
lqh, PW
2 FOOT MIN. rt
GRASS STRIP `a
GRANITE WIRING • -
/ � (TYPE VA-0)
AD COMPLIANT
SIDEWALKS
FULL DEPTH PAVEMENT RECLAMATION AND NEW
PAVEMENT -{ROADWAY WIDTH VARIES)
TOWN LAYOUT
What is the schedule for work?
The Town is in the process of selecting a contractor to perform the work, in accordance with public bidding laws.
Work is anticipated to be performed during the 2021 construction season (spring through fall 2021) and may also
be completed in spring 2022.
How will I be notified of the work?
The Town will provide door flyers at least 48-hours prior to the work beginning and at important milestones. Any
impacts to roadway or driveway access will be noted. Due to the nature of the various phases of work and
scheduling of crews, there may be periods where work is not being performed.
What if I want to replace my water or sewer service or install a ,gas line?
This fall, the Town upgrades all sub -standard water services (iron or undersized copper pipe) from the water main
to the shut-off box in the sidewalk. You may wish to take this opportunity to upgrade your service from the shut-
off box to the building.
After the road is reconstructed, there is a five year moratorium on new excavations/digging in the road. We
strongly recommend that individuals make any desired utility improvements prior to our work. If you have a
question regarding your water or sewer service, please call the Water Department at 617-972-6420. Questions
regarding gas services should be directed to National Grid, at 1-800-732-3400.
What about street trees?
The Town Tree Warden will evaluate the condition of existing street trees and identify potential locations for new
plantings. Any removal of a non -hazardous street tree will require a tree hearing, in accordance with the Public
Shade Tree law, M.G.L. Chapter 87.
Please consider requesting a street tree in front of your property. To report a concern about a street tree or request a
new one, please contact us at 617-972-6420 or e-mail dpwdept(kwatertown-ma.gov.
Will my driveway, b�pacted?
Driveways within the work area have been inspected by the Zoning Enforcement Officer (ZEO) for compliance
with the Town's Zoning Ordinance. Door hangers were left at properties that require curb opening modifications in
November, 2020 and you will be notified by mail under separate cover. A brochure summarizing residential
driveway requirements is also attached with this letter.
If you wish to relocate, widen, or add a driveway, you must receive approval from the ZEO. Public Works will not
alter driveway openings without an approved plan from the ZEO. Public Works will coordinate work to the
maximum extent practicable, however we cannot change driveway openings once curbing is installed.
If you have any questions regarding driveway openings, please contact the ZEO at 617-972-6427.
For additional information about the Town's annual road reconstruction program, please visit the DPW web -site at:
http://www.watertowndpw.org/191/Annual-Road-Program. If you have any questions in regards to this notice, feel
free to contact us at 617-972-6420 or e-mail dpwdept(awatertown-ma.gov.
Sincerely,
Gregory M. St. Louis, PE, Superintendent