DPW updates on Water Main break on RT 140

Quick recap - It has been a long day for the DPW but break has been found deep underground and fix is almost complete. No estimate on time for finish yet. Will need to test for water quality before turning on. They will continue to post updates. 

Traffic open in one lane each way on RT 140.

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Water Main Break Update - 10:30 AM (3/25/26)

Water service has been restored. Crews will remain in the area for a short time to pave the roadway. 

Thank you to residents and businesses for your patience and understanding during this repair.

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WATER MAIN BREAK UPDATE—6:30AM (3/25/26)

Crews have been working throughout the night on the repair. As mentioned in last night’s update, this has been the toughest break we’ve seen in many years. We are getting close, but once the repair is complete, the water quality will still need to be tested before bringing it back online— Public safety is most important!! There is still no promised timeline as to when the water will be back online, but we are hoping shortly. Updates will be posted as they come in.

Again thank you for your patience as we work to get everything back in working order. Please avoid the area if possible.

WATER MAIN BREAK UPDATE—7:00 PM (3/24/26)

"Break has been found, repairs have begun! There is still no timeframe for the repair completion, but things are headed in the right direction.  Updates will be posted as they come in."

WATER MAIN BREAK UPDATE ~ 3:30 PM (3/24/26)

"This is the deepest water main break we have seen in at least the past 22 years! Normally a break occurs at approximately 4 ft. This one is at least 16 ft underground and is located under a concrete box culvert. It is extremely difficult to reach. Due to safety concerns, we hired a private contractor to work alongside us. This contractor has the proper larger excavating equipment and the necessary safety/shoring equipment to work at this depth.  For your information, "Shoring" is a temporary construction technique used to stabilize trenches and excavations, preventing collapse and ensuring worker safety—our biggest concern.

Thank you again for your patience, as of right now, we do not have a timeline for when the break will be repaired. Please follow the Town and Public Works Facebook pages for more updates as they come in."

Water Main Break Rte. 140~ UPDATE 12:15 PM (3/24/26)

"DPW crews are diligently working and excavation is ongoing to locate the source of the water main break. 

Rte. 140 at Garelick Farms is open one in each direction at this time. Thank you for your patience and please continue to avoid the area if possible."

Update shared from DPW page on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/FranklinDPW

Original post -

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/03/attention-water-main-break-on-route-140.html?

DPW updates on Water Main break on RT 140

Attention: water main break on Route 140 in front of Garelick Farms

via Franklin Police Dept

Update 6:00am: Route 140 westbound into Bellingham is open. Any traffic in from coming from Bellingham remains closed

There is a water main break on Route 140 in front of Garelick Farms. Route 140 will be closed in both directions from Forge Parkway to the Bellingham town line until crews can shut off the water and ensure the roadway is safe.

What to Expect:

• Significant traffic delays

• Road closure in both directions

Detours:

• Westbound traffic into Bellingham is being turned around onto Forge Parkway

• Access to Bellingham is available via Grove Street → Washington Street → Prospect Street

• Eastbound traffic is being detoured onto South Maple Street or Maple Street (Bellingham)

The Halsted Apartments, Milford Regional, and nearby businesses before Garelick Farms will remain accessible.

Thank you for your patience. The road will reopen once it is safe to do so.

Franklin Department of Public Works

Town of Franklin

Shared from - https://www.facebook.com/franklinmapolice/posts/pfbid02BUQAJaSPL7zzNNdJyNwaVL2UkE54yvv9ccGhCfYUL1GMyMVVd1Smq3g5FDZyHkuKl

Look for leaky trouble

Take five minutes to track down leaks around your home.

Look for drips and puddles under sinks and tub spouts indoors and hose bibbs outdoors—all indicate a leak that might just need tightening at the pipe joint.

#FixALeak #fixaleakweek2026

Shared from - https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1GBX5DvAFq/

For additional leak fixes - https://www.epa.gov/watersense/fix-leak-week

Put your toilet to the leak test.

Put your toilet to the leak test.

Test your toilet for leaks by placing a few drops of food coloring in the tank and wait

five minutes. 

If color appears in the bowl, your toilet probably has a leak. 

Be sure to flush after the test to avoid staining! 

#FixALeak #fixaleakweek2026

Shared from - https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1aQnpz8hun/

DPW "Think Blue" reminder on proper handling of cleaning products

DPW "Think Blue" reminder on
proper handling of cleaning products

"Please keep Cleaners Out of the Stream

What goes down the drain doesn’t just disappear, it heads straight for your nearby streams or rivers in Franklin, untreated.

Paint thinner, cleaners, oils, and other household chemicals can pollute waterways when dumped or rinsed into storm drains.

A few smart steps can go a long way:

• Store products sealed and out of the rain

• Never dump chemicals outside

• Know what’s safe for septic systems

No treatment means no second chances. Protect your pipes, your property, and your watershed."

Learn more at https://franklinma.gov/530/Stormwater-Division

Shared from - https://www.facebook.com/share/1KVLWswyP3/

The Franklin DPW is picking up the trash WasteMgt was unable to. Yes, that's right. Go DPW !!!

The Franklin DPW is picking up the trash
WasteMgt was unable to. Yes, that's right. Go DPW !!!

Trash Update 3/7/26 5:00 PM - Friday Trash Route

Today (Saturday 3/7/26) the Franklin DPW crew made progress emptying trash-totes from the streets that were not collected on Friday.

The DPW crew will be back out tomorrow to collect the carts that have not yet been emptied this week. 

Streets to be collected tomorrow (Sunday 3/8/26): 

- Maple Street (even numbers)

- Partridge Street (odd numbers between Pond Street and Maple Street)

- Main Street (#298, #304, #314) 

Please leave your trash cart at the curb, if you reside at one of these addresses.

Shared from - https://www.facebook.com/share/1CTNMfh2ii/

*Note: as discussed in the Town Council meeting March 4, 2026, WasteMgt does have limitations per the contract for the time that their drivers can work. It is good to see the Town stepping up to cover for this. 

Beaver St. Interceptor Project: Construction Updates ~ Monday (3/9) Through Friday (3/13)

RT. 140 (West Central Street) Lane Closure Alert

--Monday Night (3/9) thru Thursday Morning (3/12) 7pm to 5am, Friday (3/13) 7am-3pm

Beaver St. Interceptor Project

The Contractor will continue with the installation of the sewer force main within RT. 140 (West Central Street). The work will be contained within the southbound lane from Burger King to Beaver Street. During this time there will be evening lane closures on RT. 140. Please use caution when traveling in this area and follow all posted signs.

Beaver Street Pump Station

At the Franklin Recreation Center, the construction of the new Beaver Street Interceptor Pump Station will continue with construction of the internal building component installation and testing of the pumps.  Bypass piping equipment will be onsite and protected by barriers.  Access to the recreation center will NOT be affected during this time.

For additional details on the project - https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/557/Beaver-Street-Interceptor-BSI-Project

In this "Talk Franklin" episode Jamie & I welcome Liz, get updates, and dive into MMA (audio)

A new episode of the Talk Franklin podcast with Town Administrator Jamie Hellen is now available! 

In this "Talk Franklin" episode Jamie & I
welcome Liz, get updates, and dive into MMA (audio)

Produced in collaboration with Franklin TV and Franklin Public Radio, this conversation covers Town updates and community topics.

🎧 Listen here: https://buff.ly/0eTqtVi

This session of the radio show shares our “Talk Franklin” discussion with Town Administrator Jamie Hellen and Liz Kalaijian, the new Director of Communications and Community Engagement for the Town of Franklin. We recorded our conversation in the Franklin TV & Radio Studio on Monday, March 2, 2026.

Key topics

• Welcome Liz
• Quick updates on Town business
• Deep dive on Mass Municipal Association (MMA)
• Close with some musical fun (songs about communications)

The recording runs about  59 minutes. Let’s listen to our conversation.

Reminder: Regular curbside schedule for this week; Beaver St Recycling Ctr hours added

From DPW On Saturday

"Good morning!  Working with the Town Administrator and members of the Town Council, the following is planned to help folks that have been affected or will be affected by a trash and recycling missed pick-up or cancelled pick-up last week or this upcoming week caused by the Blizzard of 2026.

Free overflow bags (2) will be provided to residents who live in affected areas.  The affected areas are the Friday trash and recycling route and certain areas of the Monday route that could not be serviced.

To get these free overflow bags, come to the Franklin Public Works Administration Building at 257 Fisher Street with an ID.

Additionally, the Beaver Street Recycling Center will be open the following hours next week:

• Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 9AM to 2:30PM
• Wednesday from 9AM to 6PM

This will allow the affected residents mentioned above to drop off trash or recycling if needed.  A sticker is not required, but please bring an ID."

Trash & Recycling Update - 2/28/2026 for Franklin, MA

From DPW On Saturday

"Good morning!  Working with the Town Administrator and members of the Town Council, the following is planned to help folks that have been affected or will be affected by a trash and recycling missed pick-up or cancelled pick-up last week or this upcoming week caused by the Blizzard of 2026.

Free overflow bags (2) will be provided to residents who live in affected areas.  The affected areas are the Friday trash and recycling route and certain areas of the Monday route that could not be serviced.

To get these free overflow bags, come to the Franklin Public Works Administration Building at 257 Fisher Street with an ID.

Additionally, the Beaver Street Recycling Center will be open the following hours next week:

Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 9AM to 2:30PM

Wednesday from 9AM to 6PM

This will allow the affected residents mentioned above to drop off trash or recycling if needed.  A sticker is not required, but please bring an ID."

Updated by Waste Management on Saturday:

Update from Waste Management, Saturday February 28th @ 8:30 pm: 

"Due to increased volume, there was approximately 30 minutes of Trash that remained uncollected on today’s route. Affected areas are highlighted in BLUE on the attached map. These areas will be serviced on Monday, March 2nd. Thank you for your continued patience during this challenging week."

Affected areas are highlighted in BLUE on the attached
map. These areas will be serviced on Monday, March 2

DPW with a curbside schedule change for next week; back to normal schedule (audio)

Per the 5 PM  (2/27/2026) all-call from the Department of Public Works: 

"Good evening Franklin, this is Brutus Cantoreggi, your Public Works Director. 

I have important information regarding trash and recycling pickup. Working with the Town Administrator, the Town Council, resident ideas, and Waste Management, this is the plan going forward. 

We will continue with the plan for tomorrow, Saturday, to pick up Thursday trash and recycling. 

Next week, starting Monday, we will resume the regularly scheduled trash and recycling pickup plan. Monday will be on Monday, Tuesday on Tuesday, etc. 

There will be a dumpster available for those who really have a trash surplus issue.  Just go to the recycling center on Beaver St. for instructions. 

Once again we are just resuming normal trash and recycling pickup next week.

Have a great weekend and enjoy the 40-degree days coming our way!"

If you're interested in signing up all-calls from the Town of Franklin, please visit this link to sign up:  https://embeds.regroupcloud.com/orgs/franklintown/channels/residents-channel/signup_embed

Audio link - https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1676-franklin-ma-dpw-curbside-schedule-change-02-27-26/

Shared from - https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1LfHr6vr3q/

Spill Smarts Start Here

From leaky drums to mystery puddles, even small spills can pollute local waterways when rain carries them into storm drains.

Spill Smarts Start Here

Avoid the oops:

• Label materials clearly and keep SDS sheets handy

• Use secondary containment and spill kits

• Train your team to respond fast and smart

Staying spill-ready helps protect your crew, your site, and your local rivers and lakes. Clean water starts with cleaner habits.

Learn more at https://franklinma.gov/530/Stormwater-Division

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DPW Director provides a storm cleanup Update as Thursday ends (audio)

via robocall from Town of Franklin DPW Director Robert "Brutus" Cantoreggi

"As you are aware, we are continuing our work cleaning up after the Blizzard 0f 2026.  We are making improvements to roadways, intersections and have also started clearing sidewalks, but this will take some time.

I have some important information regarding trash and recycling pick up, this continues to be a problem.

All of yesterday's rescheduled Monday’s  trash and recycling pick was not completed.  Waste Management is attempting to catch up today. This was due to the additional snow that fell yesterday, delays caused by the narrow roadways and equipment break downs.

So the new plan is:

• Wednesday's trash and recycling will be picked up tomorrow, i.e. Friday if you are confused of what day is right now because of lack of sleep over the last couple of days.. like us here at public works
• Thursday’s trash and recycling will be picked up on Saturday. 
• And Friday’s trash and recycling will be picked up on Monday, not Sunday.

Here is the big change, because Friday's Trash and recycling  is going to be picked on Monday, there will be no Monday trash and recycling pick up.  

Once again, because Friday's Trash and recycling  pick is now on Monday, there will be no Monday pick up on Monday!  

This will get us back on track, so the rest of the week will be regularly scheduled.

Tuesday will be on Tuesday, Wednesday will be on Wednesday, Thursday will be on Thursday and Friday will be on Friday.

I understand that some folks on the Monday schedule will not be happy, as I am not happy, but this is the best course of action for the Town overall.

If Monday folks feel that they will have too much trash and recycling, I have arranged for a dumpster to be placed at the Beaver Street recycling center that they can bring their trash to.  You will not have to have a recycling sticker to use the dumpster this weekend or next.

I am once again sorry for the inconvenience, but want to thank you for your understanding!"

Audio link -  https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1671-dpw-storm-cleanup-update-02-26-26/

DPW Director Cantoreggi provides an update for Tuesday, Feb 24

Town of Franklin DPW Director Robert "Brutus" Cantoreggi with an update at the end of Monday, 2/23/26.

Town and Schools closed Tuesday, 2/24

parking ban extends to noon on Tuesday, 2/24

Curbside pickup delayed again:

• Monday will now be picked up on Weds
• Tuesday on Thursday
• Wednesday on Friday
• Thursday on Saturday
• Friday, next Monday

This is subject to change due to other weather events possible this week

Audio link - https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1667-franklin-ma-dpw-storm-updates-02-23-26/

DPW update in advance of the storm, parking ban announced

Good afternoon Franklin, looks like we got a “Big old Nor’ Easter” coming our way!

Weather forecasters are talking like 2-3 inches of heavy snow an hour, wind gusts up to 60 plus miles per hour, and even "thunder snow”!

Here are highlights of what is going on.

First and foremost, working with the Franklin Police, a full parking ban will be instituted tonight, Feb 22nd at 9PM and going through noon time Tuesday Feb 24th.

What does this mean to you? Please remove your vehicles from the roadways.

Leaving your vehicle in the public right of way makes our job of clearing snow much more difficult, costs more money and potentially causes safety issues for not only us, but also your fellow residents. So please remove your cars from the public right of way!

If you do not, your vehicle will be ticketed and towed if necessary.

Secondly, all non- emergency town offices will be closed tomorrow Feb 22nd due to the storm. Don’t worry, fire, police and most importantly public works will be working for you!

If you have not heard, The Franklin Public Schools will be closed tomorrow Feb 22nd.

Also, scheduled trash and recycling pick up will be delayed one day. I think most folks know the deal. Your Monday trash and recycling will be picked up on Tuesday, Tuesday trash and recycling will be picked up on Wednesday, etc., etc. Don’t worry Public Works and be ready and prepared, but we need your help to have the roads cleared in a timely and safe manner.

If you don’t have to go out, stay home, especially while it is snowing.

After the storm don’t put snow in the roadways, this includes cleaning off your in the street. cleaning them in the roadway potentially causes a safety problem for your neighbors but also takes more time and money for us to clean up.

If you lose power, contact the provider directly. Please do not call 911.

Most importantly have patience and understanding as this storm has the potential to be a long one!

Don't forget to check on your neighbors…

Have an excellent public works day!!!

Audio version - https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1663-franklin-ma-dpw-snow-storm-update-02-22-26/ (audio added 4:15 PM)

https://www.facebook.com/share/185Xb7SAsC/

No Trash pickup on Monday, Feb 23; 1 Day delay for remainder of the week

Important Update regarding curbside trash/recycling collection:

No Trash pickup on Monday, Feb 23

There will be NOT BE A COLLECTION ON MONDAY due to the incoming snow event.

There will be a one-day delay for the remainder of the week. Monday's route will be collected on Tuesday, Tuesday's route will be collected on Wednesday; this pattern will continue and conclude with Friday's route (2/27/26) being collected on Saturday (2/28/26). 

Shared from - https://franklinma.gov/m/newsflash/Home/Detail/97

Townhall Highlights on MYFM 101.3 features Franklin DPW Director "Brutus" Cantoreggi (audio)

Did you miss Robert “Brutus” Cantoreggi, Director of the Franklin Department of Public Works, on Town Hall Highlights?

No worries — catch the full conversation here:

https://soundcloud.com/myfm1013/town-hall-highlights-robert

We talked about the unsung heroes of Franklin — the DPW crew — and what goes into their tireless efforts to keep streets clear and the community safe during snowstorms. It’s a great behind-the-scenes look at the work that often goes unnoticed.

Give it a listen — and the next time you see a DPW worker, offer a high five and a thank you.  Franklin Department of Public Works 

Shared from - https://www.facebook.com/share/p/18Af3TeK1e/

MyFM1013 · Town Hall Highlights - Robert 'Brutus' Cantoreggi for the Franklin Department of Public Works

Voices of Franklin: Rich McNeil - Thanking Franklin DPW for Snow Safety

I am deeply grateful to Franklin DPW for their tireless efforts in snow removal and maintaining safe roadways.

As a longtime Franklin resident and MSW graduate student at Bridgewater State University, I want to sincerely thank the Franklin DPW for their tireless, around-the-clock snow removal efforts during recent storms; their work is often underappreciated. My purpose in writing is to express appreciation for their commitment to public safety work and highlight its equity impact.

On February 2, around 3:00 PM, at the new construction site on Alpine Place and Alpine Row, I observed a worker using a snowblower to clear snow from the new construction. I assumed the snow would stay on-site. At 5:00 PM, I headed out to do an errand. As it was getting dark, I was driving slowly. I unexpectedly encountered a 1–2-foot-high snowbank about 20 feet long and nearly got stuck. As this was creating a hazard at the intersection, I reported it to Franklin Police and DPW (after hours). By 8:00 AM the next day, I saw the DPW on its way to clear this hazard.

From a social work perspective, the DPW's efforts ensure public safety and equity for older adults, disabled residents, and low-income families who rely on clear roads for work, school, and medical care. Franklin's Town Bylaws (Chapter 155-21) prohibit snow deposits on roadways and support our community's perseverance.

Construction firms and residents must comply with bylaws prohibiting snow deposits in streets (up to $300/day fine) to ease DPW burden. I urge readers to contact the Franklin Town Council to strengthen enforcement—this promotes social justice by safeguarding vulnerable groups most affected by hazards, regardless of income or ability.

Sincerely, 

Rich McNeill

If you have something to say, you can find the guidelines here
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2011/03/introducing-voices-of-franklin.html

Voices of Franklin: Thanking Franklin DPW for Snow Safety

Town Council spends 2 hours to ultimately & unanimously approve appointments of 2 to the ZBA (audio)

FM #1647-48-49 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, numbers 1647-48-49 in the series. 

This session shares part of the Franklin (MA) Town Council meeting held on Wednesday, January 21, 2026. The Council held this session as scheduled beginning at 6 PM. All 9 Councilors participated for this 4 hour plus session. 

 

• 1647 - covers the opening, Citizen comments, and 2 appointments to the Zoning Board of Appeals  (approx. 2 hour 16 mins) 

• 1648 - segment from the meeting covering the full discussion on the DPW infrastructure update & discussion  (approx. 1 hr. 40 mins)  

• 1634 - segment from the meeting covers remainder of the meeting  (approx. 52 mins)

  

Audio 1647 https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1647-franklin-ma-town-council-mtg-20260121-p1-of-3/

Audio 1648 https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1648-franklin-ma-town-council-mtg-01-21-26-p2-of-3/

Audio 1649 https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1649-franklin-ma-town-council-mtg-01-21-26/

Town Council spends 2 hours to ultimately & unanimously approve appointments of 2 to the ZBA (audio)

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Additional notes on the meeting recap can be found (including link to Franklin TV video) ->

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/01/town-council-spends-almost-2-hours-to.html 

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We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) or 102.9 on the Franklin area radio dial. 

This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but we can't do it alone. We can always use your help.

How can you help?

• If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors

• If you don't like something here, please let me know

• And if you have interest in reporting on meetings or events, please reach out. We’ll share and show you what and how we do what we do

Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.

For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/  or www.franklin.news 

If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com

The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana"  c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.

I hope you enjoy!

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You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"