Good morning, Hopkinton! Welcome to the daily update we call Hopkinton Today — a quick recap of yesterday’s news, highlights of what’s on tap, and a photo of the day.

Improvements on Ash Street address drainage, icing concerns

Large concrete pipes that are part of the Ash Street drainage project sit next to the Town Common. PHOTO/JERRY SPAR

Weather and site conditions have delayed the Ash Street drainage project about a week, but work otherwise is going well, according to town officials.

The Department of Public Works initiated what was anticipated to be a three-week construction project on Ash Street on July 27. It includes the installation of new underground drainage lines and drainage structures. As well, the existing water main had to be lowered in order to make room for a new drain line.

The Water-Sewer Department additionally had to adjust three water services in preparation for the new drain pipe after “unforeseen circumstances” arose during the first week of work.

According to the town’s construction manager, Nicole Bratsos, 700 linear feet of drain line is being installed in an area that previously did not have “adequate drainage.” Other improvements include multiple drainage structures, including a catch basin in an area Bratsos explained historically collects water.

“Temporary paving will be done at the end of the work,” she noted in an email response to questions from the Independent. “The road will be milled and repaved next year following a freeze-thaw cycle.”

Bratsos and Department of Public Works director Kerry Reed shared that the project aims to improve drainage on one section of Ash Street, and its $500,000 budget for design and construction was approved by Annual Town Meeting in 2024.

“The project was initiated by complaints from abutters about poor drainage,” Reed stated. Residents complained about icing concerns in the winter as well.

Added Reed: “The drainage issues were also deteriorating the pavement, and the roadway was prioritized in the town’s pavement management plan.”

Reed explained that the original project scope included drainage improvements to Fenton Street, but due to a lack of funds the scope was narrowed to Ash Street. “The additional work may be requested at a future Town Meeting,” she noted.

The director stated that the DPW tries to do one or two drainage improvement projects a year, “prioritizing safety and cost-benefit to the community.”

— NICK SCHOFIELD

Latest News

Award-winning singer, songwriter and choreographer Kymberlee O’Brien will play the next Concerts on the Common event this Sunday.

The Hopkinton Center for the Arts will present its sixth annual A Play, A Pint & A Pie one-act play festival on Aug. 21-22.

Town meetings tonight include the Board of Appeals (7).

Photo of the Day

Wildflowers bloom on the meadow trail at Pratt Farm on a recent day.

PHOTO/LINDA CHUSS