Athol street upgrades to be done by summer

The Intersection of Canal and Lumber streets. An extensive project will begin later this month with work on the water mains, followed by street repaving.

The Intersection of Canal and Lumber streets. An extensive project will begin later this month with work on the water mains, followed by street repaving. PHOTO BY GREG VINE

By GREG VINE

For the Athol Daily News

Published: 02-26-2025 3:01 PM

ATHOL – Planning and Development Director Eric Smith and John O’Leary of the Central Mass Regional Planning Commission updated the Selectboard on infrastructure improvements along Lumber and Canal streets.

In August 2023, Athol received a $1.35 million Community Development Block Grant for the project, which got underway late last year. The funding came to the town from the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development via the state Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities.

O’Leary provided the board with details of what has been accomplished thus far on the Canal and Lumber Streets Improvement Project. The purpose, he said, “Was intended to replace aging water mains and services within the town’s rights-of-way, along with valves and hydrants.”

He added the project calls for rehabilitation of aging sewer mains by re-lining and upgrading them. In addition, the streets will be resurfaced and sidewalks upgraded.

The contract was awarded last June to A. Martins & Son Construction of Ludlow, which bid $1,133,000 for the work. The bid, in addition to work on Canal and Lumber streets, also included replacement of a portion of the water main on Johnson Street, according to O’Leary.

By the end of the 2024 construction season, O’Leary told the board, “The contractor had completed installing most of the water mains and services throughout the project area.

The contractor will return later this spring, O’Leary said, to complete water main work on Johnson Street, as well as wrapping up road resurfacing work and the installation of new sidewalls. In addition, a new retaining wall will be constructed at the intersection of Canal and Lumber.

“It’s anticipated that all project work will be completed by late spring or early summer,” O’Leary said.

Article continues after...

Yesterday's Most Read Articles

Mount Wachusett Community College introduces new mascot ‘Monty the Mountain Lion’
Photo: Peekaboo bear
Athol High School adds new career pathways program for students
Three-peat state award for Athol DPW’s water division
Athol board approves agreements with cannabis companies
HS Roundup: Greenfield softball closes out regular season with 5-2 win over Agawam (PHOTOS)

Greg Vine can be reached at gvineadn@gmail.com.