Weymouth Approves $9.5 Million Sewer Improvement Project
Critical infrastructure upgrade to replace deteriorated pipe, increase capacity
WEYMOUTH - April 7 - The Weymouth Town Council has approved a $9.5 million borrowing request to fund the Lower Central Sewer Improvement Project, a critical upgrade to the town's aging sewer infrastructure.
The project will replace approximately 1,200 linear feet of deteriorated 30-inch concrete pipe with a new, higher-capacity 42-inch PVC pipe, including a crossing under the MBTA railroad tracks.
"It's a currently a pinch point," explains Braydon Marot, Weymouth's water and sewer superintendent. "We've upgraded both sides, the upstream and the downstream side. This is kind of the final piece of the puzzle that was identified in 2010."
The project addresses a long-standing issue with the town's sewer system. According to Matthew Tallon, a resident who spoke during the public hearing, the original consent decree from the state of Massachusetts to clean up this pipeline dates back to 1998.
"The concrete is so deteriorated that my kids could crawl in it if they got in the marsh, that's how open these sewer holes were," Tallon told the council. "Anytime you have a flood or high tide, we're getting water infiltration into our sewer system, and we've got raw sewage going out into the Tide Mill Brook and the Fore River proper."
Marot indicates construction is expected to begin this fall, with completion anticipated in early 2026. The project hinges on obtaining a permit from the MBTA.
The sewer line serves as a major thoroughfare for the town's sewage system. Tallon described it as "the Route 3 of sewer lines," noting that it carries sewage from as far away as Union Point down through the Idlewell neighborhood before transferring into an MWRA line for treatment.
Councilor Arthur Mathews questioned whether any funding for the project would come from the master developer at Union Point, but Marot indicated he wasn't aware of any such contribution.
Access for construction was raised as a concern during the public hearing. The current design plans call for access through Savannah Drive, a new road being created as part of a 10-lot subdivision approved in 2022.
"Our ask is that there's a push to ensure that there's a demolition permit pulled and that that house is coming down between now and the start date this fall," Tallon said, referring to a property at 65 Narragansett Avenue that needs to be removed to create access for the project.
Marot confirmed that "all of our construction drawings and the way this project will be presented will be accessed through Savannah Drive."
The measure was unanimously approved following a public hearing and recommendation from the Budget Management Committee.
In addition to the sewer project, the Town Council took action on several other matters:
- Referred a proposed amendment to allow dogs on beaches during the off-season to the Ordinance Committee. Resident Lisa Nolette presented the request, noting that many other South Shore communities permit this activity.
- Approved the appointment of Anthony Delmonaco as the town's new Chief Financial Officer. Delmonico previously served as the director of finance and administration for the Somerville Police Department.
- Accepted a monetary gift of $106,388 from Paul and Crystal Murray in memory of their son Jack Murray. The donation will benefit the Maria Chapman Middle School band program for at least the next 11 years.
- Authorized a five-year contract for ELA curriculum with Great Minds Wit and Wisdom, which will save the town approximately $75,000 compared to a shorter-term agreement.
- Approved the appointment of Christian Bragdon to the Waterfront Committee for a three-year term.
- Referred two free cash transfer requests to the Budget Management Committee: $500,000 for modular classrooms at Wessagusset School and $2.47 million for the Wessagusset Beach Walk project.
The next regularly scheduled Town Council meeting will be held on Tuesday, April 22, due to the Patriot's Day holiday.