High Street Water Main Replacement

The Ipswich Water Department plans to upgrade approximately 6,800 feet (or 1.3 miles) of existing 12” diameter cast iron water main on High Street, between the Ipswich Utilities Complex at 272 High Street and the intersection with Kimball Avenue. This existing 12” diameter cast iron water main was originally installed in 1895 and has been serving as a backbone of the water distribution system for over 120 years. 

Over the past two years, several water main breaks have occurred on High Street and caused disruption to the Town’s residents, businesses, and commuters. Replacement of the affected portion of water main is being expedited to improve the level of service along this section of the water distribution system. Final design and permitting are underway. Funding for this project was authorized at Annual Town Meeting. Bidding and construction are expected to begin in late summer 2019.

For project details and updates, refer to the information below or contact our office at (978) 356-6635. Thank you for your patience and cooperation during this important project.

High Street at Town Farm Road c1900

High Street at Town Farm Road c. 1900, about five years after the existing 12" cast iron water main was installed

Photo by Edward Lee Darling (1874-1962), Courtesy of Bill Barton and Gordon Harris, Ipswich Town Historian

Project Scope

  • Replace approximately 6,800 feet of 124-year old 12” diameter cast iron (CI) water main with new 12” diameter ductile iron (DI) water main on High Street between Ipswich Utilities Complex at 272 High Street and the intersection with Kimball Avenue
  • Map of Project Limits

Project Updates

  • Limited work will begin December 12, 2019 on side streets intersecting with High Street.
  • Construction on High Street is expected to start in 2019.
  • May 14, 2019: Annual Town Meeting vote on Article 10 authorized funding for the High Street water main replacement project.
  • April 8 - May 17, 2019: Prior to construction on High Street, the Water Department will undertake related work on Mile Lane that is expected to improve customer water quality. (Resident Notice)

Other Related Documents

  1. High Street Water Main Replacement Project Notification 12-9-19
  2. High Street MassDOT Access Permit Application Response to Comments 6-12-19
  3. High Street Determination of Applicability 5-2-19
  4. High Street RDA Package 4-8-19
  5. High Street MassDOT Access Permit Application 3-21-19