More Than $1M Will Be Invested For Middlesex Water System Upgrades: What To Know

MIDDLESEX, NJ — Middlesex Borough will soon be getting water infrastructure upgrades after a New Jersey water utility company pledged to commit over $1 million.

New Jersey American Water will spend $1.1 million to improve service reliability and increase water flow for customers and firefighting needs.

The project includes the replacement of approximately 2,500 feet of aging water main, originally installed in the 1960s, along George Avenue from Lincoln Boulevard to Ashland Road. The existing pipe will be replaced with new 8-inch ductile iron pipe.

"As we upgrade the water main, we’re also checking service lines at each property to understand what materials are in the ground,” Mike A Rinaldo, construction inspector for New Jersey American Water said. “This gives us a clearer picture of our system and helps us take the next steps in identifying and replacing lead and galvanized service lines, while strengthening the system long term.”

Additional work includes the installation of two new fire hydrants and the renewal of 34 customer service lines, which will be connected to the upgraded main.

New Jersey American Water will coordinate with property owners to replace the service lines from the curb to the home.

This effort is part of a statewide initiative to remove all lead and galvanized service lines by 2031.

Construction is expected to begin on June 17 and continue through mid-October, weather permitting. Work will take place Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with weekend work not expected unless needed to maintain the schedule.

The project will be completed by contractor CRJ, with traffic control coordinated with local officials to ensure safe travel around work zones. Access to homes and driveways will be maintained throughout construction.

Daily cleanup will be performed, and temporary restoration will be installed where excavation occurs, followed by permanent restoration approximately 90 days after project completion.