Water Project Overview and Q&A

Quick facts

• Two related projects are happening this year: (1) Bedford Road drainage system replacement (top of Bedford Road hill to the 5-Way Intersection at the Library) and (2) water main replacement on Lincoln Road (from Ballfield Road to Route 117/South Great Road).
• Drainage project budget: $681,000, funded through the Town’s Chapter 90 roadway funds.
• Water main project replaces about 100-year-old pipe, hydrants, and service lines to improve reliability and fire flow. Total budget: $8.83M (Phase I $3.0M; Phase II $5.83M), primarily funded by a water bond, plus an MBTA Community Catalyst grant ($430k).
• Bedford Road drainage work is planned for March–May 2026.
• Water Main Phase II on Lincoln Road is planned in three major seasons: June–Nov 2026 (Ballfield Road to Todd Pond) and April–Aug 2027 (Todd Pond to Route 117), with final paving and punch list work planned for spring 2028.

Project Overview

What is the drainage problem we are fixing on Bedford Road?

During water main excavation, the Town found that portions of the Bedford Road drainage system are deteriorated and need replacement. The drainage project replaces the main drain line, side connections (“laterals”), catch basins, and manholes from the top of Bedford Road hill down to the 5-Way intersection at the library. A small segment may be repaired with an injectable liner. The drainage system on Lincoln Road from the 5-Way Intersection to Route 117 was partially inspected and is generally in good condition, with remaining inspections still underway.

What is the water main problem we are fixing on Lincoln Road?

The water main being replaced is about 100 years old, has a history of breaks, and has lost capacity. Replacing it improves reliability and increases the amount of water available for firefighting (“fire flow”) on Lincoln Road. The main is also a key connection between the Town’s treatment plant, Tower Road well, and storage tanks. This project will also repair drainage as needed when identified during excavation.

What is Phase I and Phase II?

Phase I covered Bedford Road from the top of the hill (near the reservoir) through the 5-Way Intersection and to Ballfield Road.  It is now complete, apart from final trench paving which will begin spring of 2026. Phase II is upcoming focuses on Lincoln Road from Ballfield Road to Route 117.

Phase II work will occur in three timeframes: June – November 2026 (Phase IIA) and April – August 2027 (Phase IIB) and Spring 2028 (Phase IIC).

How we will communicate during construction

• Routine updates on the Town project webpage (www.lincolnbigdig.com)  
• Use of reverse 911 calling in cases of urgent, time sensitive updates.
• Direct notices for affected properties when water service interruptions or temporary driveway restrictions are expected.
• On-street message boards, cones, and detour signs in and around active work zones. 

Q&A - Construction Impacts & What to Expect

Will Bedford Road be closed for drainage construction?

Yes. The drainage replacement work is planned for March–May 2026 and is expected to require a full roadway closure for the duration of that drainage project. Detours will be posted. Access west/north of Lincoln is expected via Sandy Pond Road and Baker Bridge Road to Route 126 and Route 2; access east of Lincoln is expected via Trapelo Road, Lexington Road, and Route 2.

Will Lincoln Road be closed during Water Main Phase II?

The plan is to keep one lane open during Phase II except when conditions require a full closure for short periods. Detours will be provided and posted around the active construction zone.

What hours will crews work?

Like in Phase 1, the workday will begin after 8:15am to accommodate school traffic, and 7am when school is out for the summer.  A typical workday would end around 4:30pm but given that the crew cannot leave until roads are temporarily restored to a safe condition, it is possible that work could run later into the evening on any given day. 

Will my water be shut off temporarily?

There may be short, temporary water shutoffs when crews connect the new water main or switch service lines. When shutoffs are necessary, the Town/contractor will provide advance notice and day-of reminders when possible. If you are medically dependent on water service, contact the Water Department so we can plan for your needs.

What are “temporary bypasses” and “temporary services,” and when will they be installed?

A temporary bypass is a temporary water pipe system used to keep water flowing while the old main is being replaced. Temporary services are temporary connections to homes/businesses during construction. The schedule shows temporary bypass/temporary services activities planned around May 2026 and additional temporary bypass and ongoing work in spring 2027 as Phase II progresses.

Will construction block access to my driveway?

Most of the time, crews will maintain driveway access. There may be short periods when a driveway must be temporarily blocked for safety (for example, while an open trench is being worked on or while new pavement is curing). When that happens, the contractor will provide direct notice (door hanger/flagger) and coordinate timing with residents.

How will emergency vehicles get through—especially to Ryan Estates?

Maintaining emergency access is a core requirement of the traffic management plan. The contractor is in constant communication with Police/Fire and will keep routes open for emergency response. If a lane closure is in place, flaggers and/or temporary steel plates are used so emergency vehicles can pass when needed.

Will the work affect the MBTA crossing or service?

Work is planned in 2027 between Wells Road and the MBTA crossing. Any work near railroad infrastructure requires coordination with the MBTA and/or railroad operators. We expect work directly under the railway to occur overnight and have no impact on service.

Where will the new water main be located on Lincoln Road (e.g., “school side?”)

The exact alignment can vary by segment due to existing utilities, trees, and roadway conditions. The project team will share a corridor map and mark the work area with paint/flags before digging. If you have a specific concern (e.g., on the school side), contact the project team and we can confirm the alignment near your property.

Is the drainage system on Lincoln Road (Phase II) being replaced too?

The drainage replacement project described for 2026 is focused on Bedford Road (top of hill to the 5-Way Intersection) because deterioration was found there. Drainage from the 5-Way Intersection to Route 117 was partially inspected and appears to be in good condition, with remaining inspections still underway. If additional drainage issues are discovered in Phase II areas, the Town anticipates repairs occurring concurrently to the water main work.

What should we expect for signage and police details in Phase II?

The Town heard feedback that early Phase I signage/detail coverage could have been stronger. For Phase II, the traffic management plan includes posted detours, lane control, and on-site flaggers. Police details are used where required for safety and traffic control. The Town will continue monitoring field conditions and can adjust signage/detail coverage if issues arise.  We will also keep residents informed of project updates online at www.lincolnbigdig.com, and use reverse 911 calling in cases of urgent, time sensitive updates.

After Phase II, can Lincoln Road be repaved curb-to-curb?

The project includes trench restoration (temporary and final paving) where work occurs, and final trench paving is planned for spring 2028. A full curb-to-curb repave is a larger roadway project and would require separate evaluation, funding, and scheduling. DPW will evaluate funds to perform additional paving when water main work is completed, but there is no guarantee.  The final repaving will be of a more “finished” quality than the temporary paving currently in place. Roadway paving projects are included in the town’s long-range capital forecast.

Why do we see temporary pavement first, and permanent paving later?

Temporary paving is used soon after trench work, so the road is safe and drivable while the ground settles and additional work continues. Permanent (final) paving happens later—often the following construction season—to allow for settling and compaction so the final surface coat is smoother and longer-lasting.

When will Todd Pond residents be affected?

The Phase II schedule shows work planned between Ballfield Road and Pierce Hill during July–August 2026, with additional work continuing through fall 2026. The segment from Todd Pond to Route 117 is planned for April–August 2027, but subject to change, depending on progress.  As the crew approaches specific neighborhoods, the Town will provide targeted notices.

Will Beaver Pond Road residents’ water supply be affected?

The water main work is on Lincoln Road. While the goal of the project is to improve reliability, short shutoffs or pressure changes can occur during tie-ins. The Town will provide advance notice for any planned shutdowns that could affect surrounding areas.

What about the lead-in-drinking-water notice—does this project address lead service lines?

This construction project is focused on replacing the main water pipe, hydrants, and service lines in the project corridor. Questions about lead in household plumbing or service lines should be directed to the Lincoln Water Department. A technician visit can be arranged to review your specific situation.

When will the Old Town Hall crosswalk be installed?

We are actively working with the vendor to finalize plans, and our intention is to perform the work this summer when traffic is lighter.  The work will require a full road closure of 1-2 weeks, so if the water main project also requires a road closure this summer, we hope to coordinate the two.  

Where can I find the latest updates during construction?

The Town plans to keep the project webpage( www.lincolnbigdig.com, or the Traffic Alert Banner on www.lincolntown.org) updated with construction impacts, detours, and weekly look-ahead information. Residents can also watch for door hangers and on-street signage in active work zones.

Who do I contact with questions or urgent concerns?

For water quality/lead questions: Lincoln Water Department. For construction impacts (driveway access, noise, detours, schedule): the Town’s project team/engineering contact listed on the project webpage. In emergencies, always call 911.

High-level schedule (subject to change)

Note: Dates are planning-level and may shift due to weather, coordination requirements, or field conditions.