The Islington Street Corridor Project in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, continues to advance, marking a significant step in the revitalization of the city’s West End neighborhood. A public pre-construction meeting was held on March 19, 2024, to discuss the ongoing work. For those interested in a detailed overview, the meeting presentation is available online.
This phase of construction encompasses the completion of Phase 2A, focusing on Islington Street from Dover Street to Cornwall Street. Furthermore, it signals the commencement of Phase 2B, which will extend from Cornwall Street to Middle Street, further transforming this vital Portsmouth thoroughfare.
Phase 2B Construction Breakdown
Phase 2B of the Islington Street project is divided into sections to manage the construction process effectively and minimize disruption. Here’s a breakdown of the anticipated work in each section:
Section 1: Cornwall Street to Brewster Street
Currently, no significant construction work is anticipated in this section. The area is undergoing cleanup in preparation for winter conditions, ensuring the site is safe and orderly during the colder months.
Section 2: Brewster Street to Summer Street
This section is expected to see more activity. Installation of a new water main is underway on Brewster Street. Simultaneously, drainage main installation is in progress on Summer Street. Following these utility installations, grading and paving are scheduled for Thursday, December 19th. Temporary paving of sidewalks will follow, along with general winter cleanup efforts to ensure pedestrian access and site safety.
Section 3: Summer Street to Maplewood Avenue
Work in this section may include the installation of a brick sidewalk inlay, adding a distinctive aesthetic element to the streetscape. Additionally, a granite bench is planned for installation, providing a public amenity for residents and visitors. Similar to other sections, winter cleanup will be conducted as needed. The final underground utility connections at the intersections of Summer Street and Brewster Street will also be completed in this phase.
Image: Map of Phase 2B work area on Islington Street in Portsmouth NH, highlighting sections from Cornwall to Brewster, Brewster to Summer, and Summer to Maplewood.
Important Information for Residents and Businesses
Water Service Interruptions
Residents and businesses along Islington Street should be aware that brief water service interruptions may occur. These temporary disruptions are necessary to connect properties to a temporary water main system, ensuring continuous water service throughout the construction. Affected property owners and residents will receive a 48-hour advance notification prior to any scheduled water main shutdowns, allowing them to prepare accordingly.
Traffic Management
To accommodate contractor operations and ensure worker safety, one-lane alternating traffic patterns are currently in effect on Islington Street during work hours. Flaggers and project personnel will be present on-site to manage traffic flow and guide vehicles safely through the construction zone. Motorists are advised to exercise caution and allow for potential delays when traveling through the area.
Contact Information and Project Goals
For any questions or concerns regarding the Islington Street project, residents and businesses are encouraged to contact Dave Desfosses, the Construction Project Manager, directly at (603) 766-1411 or via email at [email protected].
The Islington Street Corridor Project is a comprehensive initiative aimed at significantly improving the streetscape and infrastructure of this important Portsmouth corridor. The project includes the replacement of aging underground utilities, such as water, sewer, and storm drain systems. Beyond utility upgrades, the project encompasses complete roadway reconstruction, the installation of new curbing and sidewalks, and various landscaping enhancements. These enhancements include ornamental lighting, street trees, and benches, all contributing to a more attractive and pedestrian-friendly environment.
This project is being executed in carefully planned discrete sections to minimize disruption to both residents and businesses along Islington Street. It represents a major investment in the West End neighborhood, with the overarching goal of creating a “complete street.” This “complete street” concept prioritizes improvements for all users, including pedestrians, cyclists, transit users, and vehicles. The project encompasses upgrades to the streetscape, traffic signals, utilities, pedestrian facilities, and the vehicular roadway itself.
The design of the Islington Street project is grounded in the recommendations of several key planning documents, including the 2009 Islington Street Improvement Action Plan, the 2014 Bicycle/Pedestrian Plan, and insights gathered from the “character-based” zoning public charrette. Utility design incorporates upgrades to drinking water, sanitary sewer, and storm drainage systems. Coordination with utility companies ensures seamless integration of natural gas, communications, and electrical infrastructure relocations. Furthermore, the design process carefully considered parking and the needs of both vehicular and pedestrian traffic, optimizing lane widths, sidewalk widths, intersection designs, and selecting appropriate roadbed and pavement types and thicknesses.
Project Timeline and Funding
The City of Portsmouth awarded the construction contract to Severino Construction of Candia, NH. Due to cost increases affecting various sectors, the project was strategically divided into two phases: Phase 2A in Fiscal Year 2024 and Phase 2B in Fiscal Year 2025. Phase 2B is currently anticipated to be completed in Fall 2024. Funding for Phase 2B costs that exceed the current project budget are included in the Fiscal Year 2024 Capital Improvement Program (CIP). Underwood Engineers, Inc. serves as the designer and contractor for this important infrastructure project.
