Providing accurate and timely information about what matters in Franklin, MA since 2007. * Working in collaboration with Franklin TV and Radio (wfpr.fm) since October 2019 *
Monday, September 15, 2025
Beaver Street Interceptor (BSI) Project Construction Updates ~ Sunday Night (9/14) through Friday Morning (9/19)
Saturday, September 6, 2025
Beaver Street Interceptor (BSI) Project: Construction Updates ~ Monday (9/8) through Friday (9/12)
Sunday, August 24, 2025
Beaver Street Interceptor (BSI) Project: Construction Updates ~ Monday (8/25) through Friday (8/29)
Continuing on Monday (8/25) thru Wednesday (8/27), Beaver Street will be closed at the MBTA train tracks between 7am to 4pm. Those needing to access 242-290 Beaver Street will be able to do so using Rt. 140 only. This includes access to Franklin Glass, Panera Fresh Dough Facility and Franklin Recreation.
Access to all other locations on Beaver Street, including the Town of Franklin Recycling Center, Beaver Street Recreation Area, and the businesses on Master Drive will be accessed from Grove St. Beaver Street Interceptor (BSI) Project
Starting Thursday (8/28) thru Friday (8/29) the Construction crew will be working off the road on Fisher Street. Limited to no traffic impacts are expected.
At the Franklin Recreation Center, the construction of the new Beaver Street Interceptor Pump Station will continue with construction of the exterior building structure and internal building component installation.
UPCOMING LANE CLOSURE ON RT 140 (West Central Street)
Starting Tuesday, September 2nd, the Contractor will start 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 lane closures on RT. 140. Please use caution when traveling in this area and follow all posted signs.
Saturday, August 2, 2025
Beaver St. Interceptor Project: Construction Updates ~ Monday (8/4) through Friday (8/8) -> Beaver Street will be closed at the MBTA train tracks
Saturday, July 26, 2025
Beaver St. Interceptor Project: Construction Updates ~ Monday (7/28) through Friday (8/1)
Monday, May 19, 2025
Franklin Glass is Open via RT 140 this week due to sewer construction
Saturday, February 22, 2025
Update to Beaver St. Interceptor Project for week of Feb 24 to Feb 28, 2025
Monday (2/24) through Friday (2/28): The construction crew will be conducting the jack and bore trenchless installation of the new sewer under Rte. 140. The work will be occurring off the road at 38 Pond St. and within the Franklin Village Mall area. No traffic impacts are expected.
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Update for week of Feb 24 to Feb 28, 2025 |
Please reference the interactive map and posted signs for details and updates.
Shared from -> https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/557/Beaver-Street-Interceptor-BSI-Project
Friday, June 7, 2024
This Town Council Quarterbacking session recaps the 4 hour Council meeting in about 25 minutes (audio)
FM #1229 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1229 in the series.
This session shares my conversation with Town Council Chair Tom Mercer. The Council met on Wednesday, June 5, 2024 for the first of their 2 normal meetings for June. Our schedules coordinated to talk on Thursday morning to recap the long 4 hour session the night before..
We look to focus on
ok, what just happened?
What does it mean for Franklin residents and taxpayers?
Topics for this session:
Electric Youth high point of session
Verizon cable contract renewal
Farmers Market licenses for La Cantina, Blisspoint Meadery
Public Hearing on King St business zoning proposal
Moved to second reading by 5-4 vote
Final approval requires 6 Yes votes
Friendly 40b approved by 5-4 vote
Still needs to work through the permit process, etc.
Zoning bylaws referral to Planning Board
3 measures regarding MBTA compliance
Mixed use zoning definition
EDC recommendation changed on parking minimums
Still to come back to Council for discussion & vote
TA Emergency shelter update
No town funds spent for anything
Schools reimbursed from State for their additional support costs
The recording runs about 26 minutes, so let’s listen to my conversation with Tom.
Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1230-town-council-quarterbacking-06-06-24--------------
The Franklin TV broadcast 06/05/24 -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ps1PnsDuPwE
Agenda and supporting documents ->
My notes for this meeting captured via Twitter can be found in one PDF file -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/190oyby8h5rC5ivDqN4lKAOV5PBP2UCM4/view?usp=drive_link
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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
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"
Friday, April 12, 2024
Town Council approves 2 license transactions, listens to friendly 40b proposal & postpones vote to enable further work on proposal (video)
- Approved license transaction for Table & Vine, mostly paperwork and ownership changes due to the family estate planning with no impact on the daily operations of the beer & wine license in operation at the Big Y
- Approved the all alcohol license transfer for Dacey's Market with restrictions to maintain current operation.
- Long discussion on the proposed friendly 40b to be built in the land currently held by the Stobbart's Nursery. Multiple issues and questions were raised, many were not yet answered so in light of that the Council chose to have the administration and departments work with the developer and neighbors to work on the items in question before coming back to the Council
- As this is the second friendly 40b, and there are multiple issues raised, the process could be revised to better address some of the process issues (notification to abutters, clarification on what the Council vote really means, etc.)
- Resolution 24-17: Local Acceptance of GL Chapter 166 Section 32A was approved. Apparently this resolves a potential conflict where a part-time inspector is also prohibited from doing work in the Town. Whatever electrical work would be performed would still require inspection by another individual to avoid conflict of interest
- Another happy occasion for the Council to thank the individuals/businesses for their contribution to Resolution 24-18: Gift Acceptance - Veterans’ Services Department ($2,250), Senior Center ($1,500), Franklin Historical Museum (~$600)
- During the Town Administrator's report, Jamie revealed he was reinstating suspended Director Robert "Brutus" Cantoreggi effective Thursday, April 11. A web page would be published with all the information involved in reaching this decision
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listens to friendly 40b proposal & postpones vote to enable further work on proposal |
Saturday, November 4, 2023
Beaver Street Interceptor Construction begins 11/6, ground breaking ceremony 11/9
Beaver Street Interceptor (BSI) |
Construction activities will begin Monday, November 6, 2023. For more information, please use the interactive map below.
JOIN US!
Groundbreaking Ceremony - 11:00 am on Thursday, 11/9/23 at Franklin Recreation Office (275 Beaver Street Franklin).
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Beaver Street Interceptor Construction begins 11/6, ground breaking ceremony 11/9 |
This site and map will be updated on a weekly basis to convey upcoming construction activities for the Beaver Street Interceptor (BSI) Construction project.
Interested in receiving email updates regarding the
Beaver Street Interceptor Rehabilitation/Replacement Project?
Please subscribe here (select Beaver Street Interceptor from the list).
History
The Beaver Street Interceptor (BSI) was originally constructed in 1914 and discharged to the former Franklin Wastewater Treatment Plant on Pond Street (aka, the sewer beds). Currently, the BSI conveys over 70% of the Town's sewage with an average daily flow (ADF) of approximately 1.5 million gallons per day (MGD) of sewage flow through the pipeline. The interceptor includes 59 manholes and approximately 2.3 miles (11,932 LF) of 16-inch to 24-inch cast iron (CI) pipe, reinforced concrete (RC) pipe, and vitrified clay (VC) pipe. The BSI extends from the intersection of Cottage Street and Union Street to the easement behind Pond Street, near the Interstate 495/Route 140 interchange, where it discharges to the Mine Brook Interceptor. Due to its age, the risk and consequence of failure, and the percentage of the Town's sewer flows conveyed by the interceptor, the BSI is considered Franklin's most critical sewer asset.
The BSI, constructed in 1914, has been in continuous service for 108 years. Other than routine maintenance, no improvements to the interceptor have been made since its construction. Since 2003, the Town has contracted for cleaning, internal investigation, and condition assessment of the BSI on a recurring 5-year basis. Extensive manhole inspections and cleaning and closed-circuit television (CCTV) inspection of the pipes were last completed in 2013 and 2014, respectively. Results of these investigations have shown signs of increasing deterioration and worsening conditions of the pipes and manholes, most notably increased tuberculation, cracks, manhole and pipeline infiltration, and root intrusion.
Rehabilitation/Repair Project Description
The Project is located in the Town of Franklin, MA in Norfolk County. The current interceptor is in need of replacement. Therefore, the Town proposes rehabilitation, replacement, and general improvements to the interceptor as well as a new pump station on the property at 275 Beaver Street, Franklin, MA. The proposed project provides the most cost-effective, long-term solution to the BSI's capacity and structural deficiencies, human health and environmental risks, accessibility and operation and maintenance challenges, by abandoning and rerouting sewers in the most risk-prone and problematic, inaccessible areas. The work of the Project to reroute sewers is being undertaken, in part, to move sewers out of wetland resource areas at the same time as making other improvements.
The Project includes the following key components:
- New 6 MGD Beaver Street Pump Station and 4,000 LF of 18-inch Force Main from the pump station to discharge at Pond Street.
- Rehabilitation of 6,100 LF of BSI using Cured in Place Pipe Lining (CIPPL)
- Installation of 6,000 LF of new gravity sewers
- The work will take place at 5 MBTA/Keolis Railroad Crossings including 3 pipe replacements using jack and bore technique and 2 pipe rehabilitation locations using CIPPL.
- Abandonment of BSI from Panther Way to Franklin Village Plaza and Route 495 crossing
For additional information see links below:
Alternative Analysis:
Beaver St Interceptor Alternatives Analysis
Appendix A-Manhole Inspection Logs-May 2013
Appendix B-CCTV Inspection Logs-August 2014 to September 2014
Appendix C-Hydraulic Model Technical Memorandum
Appendix D-BSI Replacement-Franklin Town Council Meeting Presentation-10/21/20
Appendix E Project Cost Estimates
Presentations:
Interceptor Town Council Presentation Update June 2022
Interceptor Alternatives Analysis Town Council Presentation 10/21/20
Notice of Intent-Conservation Commission:
Notice of Intent Packet-Franklin Conservation Commission Submittal
Project Site Overview Figure
Media Coverage:
What is the Beaver St Interceptor? Why does it need to be replaced? -TUESDAY, JULY 26, 2022 (https://www.franklinma.gov/water-sewer-division/pages/beaver-street-interceptor )
Schedule:
December 21, 2022 - Advertise for Bids
https://www.franklinma.gov/purchasing/bids/beaver-st-interceptor-rehabilitationreplacement-and-new-beaver-st-pump-station)
(https://www.milforddailynews.com/public-notices/notice/12/21/2022/bids-beaver-street-pump-station-legal-2022-12-21-the-milford-daily-news-massachusetts-0cc175)
March 8, 2023 - Bid Opening
June 15, 2023 - Anticipated Contact Award
Fall/Winter 2023 - Anticipated Construction Start
Summer 2026 - Anticipated Construction Completion
Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/water-sewer-division/pages/beaver-street-interceptor
Tuesday, August 9, 2022
DPW Notice - Paving Schedule for August 9, 2022 (East Central, Ruggles, Lewis, corner of Chestnut & RT 140)
DPW Notice - Paving Schedule for August 9, 2022
Will impact East Central Street, Ruggles Street and Lewis Street.
Notice from the Franklin Department of Public Works
Paving will begin on Tuesday, August 9, 2022 and will impact the areas from East Central Street to Ruggles Street and Lewis Street.
Delays are anticipated. Please seek alternate routes and proceed with caution in construction areas.
Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/home/news/dpw-notice-paving-schedule-august-9th-2022
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DPW Notice - Paving Schedule for August 9, 2022 (East Central, Ruggles, Lewis, corner of Chestnut & RT 140) |
Wednesday, August 3, 2022
DPW Notice - Mill & Overlay Project to continue Wednesday, August 3, 2022
DPW Notice - Mill & Overlay Project to continue August 3, 2022
- Sections of Beaver Street near the recycling center,
- Union Street near the Common
- the intersection of King / Chestnut/ East Central (Route 140) will be impacted.
Notice from the Franklin Department of Public Works
Our road improvement program continues tomorrow. Areas that will be "Milled & Overlaid" (i.e. remove top inch and half of asphalt fix manholes and drains structures then repave with new asphalt) are sections of Beaver Street near the recycling center, Union Street near the Common and the intersection of King / Chestnut/ East Central (Route 140).
This work is expected to cause significant traffic delays especially at the intersection of King / Chestnut/ East Central (Route 140)!
As always, please seek alternate routes and proceed with caution in construction areas.
Shared from Town of Franklin DPW -> https://www.franklinma.gov/home/news/dpw-notice-mill-overlay-project-continue-tomorrow-august-3rd-2022
DPW Notice - Mill & Overlay Project to continue Wednesday, August 3, 2022 |
Tuesday, July 28, 2020
Franklin Residents: Road construction alert for work on 140/Main St in Norfolk
"The Town of Norfolk will begin roadwork on Main Street (beginning at the Franklin town line), which will impact traffic for Franklin. This work is projected to begin Monday, August 10th. Please see the attached map for detour information."
Franklin Residents: Road construction alert for work on 140/Main St in Norfolk |
https://twitter.com/TOFranklinMA/status/1287827718621614081?s=09
Thursday, June 11, 2020
What does 103 teachers look like?
The Boston 25 video brief on the article:
https://www.boston25news.com/news/local/hundreds-march-support-103-franklin-teachers-who-were-laid-off-last-week/SY2JL7QSDJHW5EMGGI46BMBISA/
Note: there is a difference between "notification" and "cuts". The School Committee has not yet voted to approve either the 25 or 50 cuts that would be required to balance the budget (depending upon the planning scenario used). These notifications were made in advance of the date required per contract.
The details on the budget will be figured out over the next several months due to the fluid situation. This is not like prior years where once the budget was set, it was rarely changed. Town Administrator Jamie Hellen expects to make several revisions to the budget for FY 2021.
The discussion at the School Committee meeting did not reveal when the budget vote would be scheduled, only that there was still work to do.
The FY 2021 school budget page
https://www.franklinps.net/district/school-district-budget/pages/fy-2021-budget
The FY 2021 budget collection for the Town of Franklin
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/06/fy-2021-budget-collection.html
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What does 103 teachers look like? - 1 |
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What does 103 teachers look like? - 2 |
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What does 103 teachers look like? - 3 |
Monday, April 6, 2020
Road Construction Alerts
1 - State paving work on RT 140
From Lewis St to the Wrentham line RT 140 is being repaved via "mill and overlay". The top surface has been ground up during overnight work the past week and should be paved this week. The work is scheduled for overnight.
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State paving work on RT 140 - 1 |
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State paving work on RT 140 - 2 |
From Maple St to Brook St, the water line will be replaced by a contractor for Franklin DPW using the funding plan for water line replacements.
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Franklin waterline replacement work on Lincoln St - 1 |
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Franklin waterline replacement work on Lincoln St - 2 |
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Franklin waterline replacement work on Lincoln St - 3 |
To listen to the interview with DPW Director "Brutus" Cantoreggi
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/03/fm-231-franklin-ma-dpw-director-robert.html
Thursday, March 26, 2020
Franklin Residents: Road work scheduled on Rt 140 - overnight on 3/30 and 3/31
Mass DOT will be milling and paving a section of Rt 140 in Franklin between Lewis Street and the Wrentham line. This is scheduled to occur on Monday, March 30 and Tuesday, March 31 at night.
Shared from Twitter:
https://twitter.com/TOFranklinMA/status/1242876106379857921
The section would run from about CVS on one end to the Franklin Country Club on the other end |
Wednesday, September 25, 2019
MassDOT: Rt 140 Road Construction Status Update
9/24/19
The Town had received many inquiries as to when the road work will be completed on State Highway Route 140 at the Exit 17 off ramp intersection. The Town has contacted the state to receive this update.
The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) is anticipating completion of paving Rt 140 by the end of this week or early next week, weather dependent.
The pavement will need to cure for 3 days before painting and striping. Once the pavement has been striped, paving of Apron/Entrances will commence.
The state is looking at completing the entire project within roughly two weeks.
This was shared from the Town of Franklin page
https://www.franklinma.gov/home/news/rt-140-road-construction-status-update
Tuesday, March 26, 2019
In the News: Franklin curbside pickup fees to rise; Fall construction alert - Rtes. 16 and 140 near Milford Regional Medical
Franklin curbside pickup fees to rise
"Trash and recycling fees are going up due to international struggles with plastic disposal.
Town councilors approved a rate hike of $32 on March 20, raising the average annual cost for curbside trash and recycle pickup to $240. The council also voted to raise the price of stickers in 2020 from $25 to $35 for the transfer station on Beaver Street.
Franklin recycles about 3,600 tons of waste a year. The cost will rise to $55 a ton in 2020, $20 more a ton than the town currently pays. The town sold around 240 stickers last year, but is considering either eliminating the option or increasing the 10-day fee to $25.
In the last year, China has been sent massive amounts of plastic waste for recycling purposes. According to NPR, about 106 million metric tons, or roughly 45 percent of the world’s plastic ready for recycling, was exported to China. Inundated with the waste, the country decided at the start of last year to decline any more shipments."Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20190326/franklin-trash-recycling-fees-increasing
Note: The first of two votes to approve the rate increase was held on March 20. The second vote is scheduled for a future Town Council meeting before becoming effective July 1. While the fee is increasing, we are still below where the fee was in 2005.
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Due to global market issues for recycling, proposal to increase curbside fee |
Construction alert: Rtes. 16 and 140 near Milford Regional Medical Center
"The planned facelift for one of Milford’s most heavily traveled roads remains on track to begin this fall.
The half-mile stretch of Rte. 16 from just past the Milford police headquarters to the Hopedale town border will receive a long-awaited upgrade. The project will focus on the intersection of Rtes. 16 and 140 near Milford Regional Medical Center. The intersection is a regular spot for traffic backups and will be widened to make way for dedicated turning lanes, which should ease the turning radius for large trucks and tractor-trailers.
“You cannot get through that intersection if someone is taking a left turn,” said Highway Surveyor Scott Crisafulli. “It’s too small.”
New modern traffic signals with preemptive control for emergency vehicles approaching the intersection are part of the project."Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20190325/milford-rte-16140-intersection-project-includes-new-signals-bike-lanes