20.173 DPW RecommendationCITY OF NORTHAMPTON, MASSACHUSETTS
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS
125 Locust Street
Northampton, MA 01060
413-587-1570
Fax 413-587-1576
Donna LaScaleia
Director
Memorandum
To: Donna LaScaleia, Director, Department of Public Works t t3
From: Greg Newman, Senior Engineer, Department of Public Works
Date: January 27, 2021
Re: 20.173 National Grid Petition (#16315676) - Underground Wire & Conduit in
Hockanum Road
National Grid is proposing to install two 4-inch diameter conduits and two handholes in
Hockanum Road as part of MassDOT project No. 606552. This work is in the section of the road
that passes under Route 91. The following reference plan is provided, "Northampton 1-91 Over
US S, B&M Railroad and Hockanum Road; Sheet 26 of 302; Construction Plan - Hockanum
Road, Sheet I of I". The work for this petition is identified on the plan as "Proposed Utility
Relocation (Electric) (By Others)". The petition also includes the following details:
• Detail A - showing two 4-inch diameter conduits encased in concrete and installed in a
trench approximately 1.5 feet wide by about 3.7 feet deep (from the road surface).
• Detail of handholes located in the paved way; one on the west side of the underpass and
one on the east side of the underpass.
The proposed work extends from Pole 16 (on south side of Hockanum Road west of Route 91) to
Pole 20 (on the south side of Hockanum Road east of Route 91). The total length of trenching on
road and off -road will be about 400 feet.
A site visit and plan review indicate the following:
• The locations of the two proposed handholes do not conflict with City utilities. Be aware
that there is a 4-inch cast iron (Cl) watermain located on south side of Hockanum Road.
• The proposed conduit trench will cross this Cl waterline at two locations west and east of the
underpass.
• The proposed conduit trench will also cross a 24-inch reinforced concrete pipe (RCP) drain
located east of the underpass and west of Nook Road.
In order to ensure protection of existing City utilities and uninterrupted service to residents, the
Department of Public Works (DPW) issues the following requirements:
1. Test pits are required at the proposed utility crossings prior to installing conduits and
handholes. The Contractor shall excavate test pits at the two proposed locations where the
conduit trench will cross the Cl waterline and at the one location where the conduit
trench will cross the existing RCP drain.
2. The Contractor shall coordinate with the DPW so that a DPW Engineer will be present
when these test pits are excavated. 24 hours notice is required, and the DPW shall be
notified at 413-587-1570.
3. The Contractor shall carefully execute the test pits to protect the existing utilities and
shall confirm the location, depth and condition of the exposed utilities. This information
should be provided in writing, with supporting photographs, to the DPW, attn. Donna
LaScaleia.
4. Where the proposed conduit trench will be less than six inches above the top of the
waterline and/or drain line, the Contractor shall propose modifications to the proposed
conduit trench in writing to the DPW, attn. Donna LaScaleia.
5. Work shall not proceed until the DPW Engineer has reviewed the test pits and any
proposed modifications to conduit trench AND has determined the proposed work will
provide adequate separation from and protection of existing utilities.
National Grid must obtain an "Excavation/Trench Permit" issued by the City of
Northampton prior to test pit excavation.
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