Eversource Energy Project in Northbridge, Massachusetts
Eversource Energy selected Weston & Sampson to prepare construction plans for a natural gas system improvement project to provide an additional supply into their intermediate-pressure gas distribution system in Northbridge, Massachusetts. The goal of the project was to reinforce the town’s gas supply to allow for future growth, alleviate sporadic low-pressure issues, and ensure sufficient gas supply to an industrial park in the town.
The project consists of installing approximately 2.5 miles of 12-inch high density polyethylene plastic gas main. We developed construction plans using GIS information and aerial mapping as the base maps, supplemented with existing gas system information from Eversource Energy and from other utility companies in the area as well as a field reconnaissance utilizing GPS to locate other obstructions along the route. We prepared comprehensive tie-in details with the construction plans along with associated bills of materials. A portion of the project on Main Street in Northbridge crosses under two overpass bridges for Route 146, a high-traffic 4-lane highway, and as such, the project required Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) approval. To support the MassDOT Utility Permit application, we prepared plan and profile view details in the areas of the bridges along with traffic control plans for the project.
Installation of the new gas service lines is expected to begin in the near future.