Beaver Street Interceptor (BSI) Project: Construction Updates ~ Monday (1/26) Through Friday (1/30)

RT. 140 (West Central Street) Lane Closure Alert  

-  Monday Night (1/26) thru Thursday Morning (1/29) 7pm to 5am, Friday (1/30) 7AM-3PM

Beaver Street Interceptor (BSI) 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.

Fisher Street Easement  - Monday (1/26) thru Friday (1/30) - 7AM to 4PM

The contractor will be working off the road along Fisher Street.  There are no anticipated traffic impacts at this location.

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 complete project info -> https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/557/Beaver-Street-Interceptor-BSI-Project

Department of Public Works | Infrastructure & Costs

The Franklin Dept of Public Works (DPW) is scheduled to present on their operations which cover a bunch of our infrastructure.

The presentation PDF can be previewed here

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/8133/Town-Council-Presentation---January-21-2026

or viewed here

Department of Public Works | Infrastructure & Costs

Town Council Meeting

Wednesday, January 21 Time: 6:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_01212026-2101

Sewer Lining Project work continues this week; Dec 8 to Dec 12

Sewer Lining Project work continues this week; Dec 8 to Dec 12

Phase 9 - Sewer Lining Project Continues on Monday December 8th thru Friday December 12th.

Below is the anticipated schedule for the Sewer Lining work that National Watermain will be conducting:

• Monday, 12/8 - Partridge Easement & Stanwood to Beech Mainline Lining Work
• Tuesday 12/9 - Stanwood to Beech Easement Mainline Lining Work
• Wednesday, 12/10 thru Friday 12/12 - Lateral lining

Please follow posted detour signs and use caution when driving in these areas.

During this part of the lining residents that will be directly affected will be notified. If you experience any issues please call the DPW at 508-553-5500.

This work will help to improve the structural integrity of our sewer system and reduce groundwater intrusion which reduces our bill from the Charles River Pollution Control District.

#keepfranklinflowing #franklinma

https://www.facebook.com/share/1D7cSE1TqQ/

Beaver St. Interceptor Project: Construction Updates ~ Monday (12/1) through Friday (12/5)

Grove Street Closed Notice - Monday 12/1 thru Wednesday 12/3  -  7AM to 4PM

Beaver St. Interceptor Project

Grove Street will be closed at the MBTA train tracks on 12/1 to 12/3 between the hours of 7AMto 4PM.

Traffic turning onto Grove St from Rt. 140 will be detoured over to Beaver Street via Rt. 140. Please follow posted detour signs for directions. The area will be open to Local Traffic only to access the businesses and properties on Grove Street between Forge Hill Road and Rt. 140.

RT. 140 (West Central Street) Lane Closure Alert  -  Wednesday (12/3) thru Friday (12/5) during the day 8AM to 3PM

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 exterior building structure, internal building component installation, and final site work. Final Paving of the parking lot is anticipated to occur on Monday 12/1.

Additional info on the project -> https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/557/Beaver-Street-Interceptor-BSI-Project

Franklin Public Radio - wfpr.fm Schedule for Wednesday, November 19, 2025

Yes, Franklin has it's own radio station -> wfpr.fm. Franklin Public Radio introduced a brand new schedule early in 2025 for the locally produced shows that fill our air waves. 

It is available anywhere, anytime at wfpr.fm or in the local Franklin, MA area at 102.9 on the FM dial.

Tune in to listen to the following:

 

Franklin Public Radio - wfpr.fm Schedule for Wednesday

8:00 AM, 1:00 PM and 6:00 PM   Franklin Matters Radio – Steve Sherlock 

Franklin and its local government, services and events  (repeats Saturday at 2 PM)  

• This segment shares my conversation with Town of Franklin’s Water/Sewer Superintendent, Doug Martin, and Assistant Superintendent, Jake Standley to get an update on DPW Water & Sewer projects  ->   https://www.franklinmatters.org/2025/10/doug-jake-provide-updates-on-sewer.html

9:00 AM, 2:00 PM and 7:00 PM  The Wonderful World of Wine – Mark Lenzi, Kim Simone  All about wine, its culture, lore and finer points.    (repeats Saturday at 1 PM)  

• This segment features Kim & Mark in Episode 302 talking with "The Umami King Tim Hanni MW"  ->   https://www.franklinmatters.org/2025/11/the-wonderful-world-of-wine-www-episode.html

Get this week's program guide for Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) online  http://franklin.tv/programguide.pdf 

Beaver Street Interceptor (BSI) Project: Construction Updates ~ Monday (11/17) through Friday (11/21)

RT. 140 (West Central Street) Lane Closure Alert 7PM to 5AM!

Monday night, November 17, 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 from 7PM to 5AM. Please use caution when traveling in this area and follow all posted signs.

Beaver Street Road Closed Notice - Monday 11/17  - Wednesday 11/19 7AM to 4PM

Starting Monday (11/17) through Wednesday (11/19) Beaver Street  at the MBTA train tracks will be closed. The road closure will be from 7am to 4pm Monday thru Wednesday.   

Those needing to access 242 to 290 Beaver Street will be able to use 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. 

Grove Street Closed Notice - Wednesday 11/19 - Friday 11/21 - 7AM to 4PM

Starting either Wednesday (11/19) or Thursday (11/20) Grove Street will be closed at the MBTA train tracks between the hours of 7am and 4pm.  The work on Grove Street will continue into the week of 11/24, stay tuned for further updates next week.

Beaver Street Interceptor (BSI) Project

Traffic turning onto Grove St from Rt. 140 will be detoured over to Beaver Street via Rt. 140. Please follow posted detour signs for directions. The area will be open to Local Traffic only to access the businesses and properties on Grove Street between Forge Hill Road and Rt. 140.

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 exterior building structure, internal building component installation, and final site work.

For more details on the project:

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/557/Beaver-Street-Interceptor-BSI-Project

Beaver Street Interceptor (BSI) Project: Construction Updates ~ Monday Night (11/3) through Friday Morning (11/7)

RT. 140 (West Central Street) Lane Closure Alert 7PM to 5AM!

Beaver Street Interceptor (BSI) Project

Monday night, November 3, 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 from 7PM to 5AM. Please use caution when traveling in this area and follow all posted signs.

Also, on  Wednesday between the hours of 9AM to 3PM the contractor will be within the sidewalk on RT. 140 to connect sewer pipe sections together.  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 exterior building structure and internal building component installation. In addition, the contractor will be performing final site work

Shared from -> https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/557/Beaver-Street-Interceptor-BSI-Project

Franklin Public Radio - wfpr.fm schedule for Friday, October 31, 2025

Yes, Franklin has it's own radio station -> wfpr.fm. Franklin Public Radio has a brand new schedule for the locally produced shows that fill our air waves. 

It is available anywhere, anytime at wfpr.fm or in the local Franklin, MA area at 102.9 on the FM dial.

Tune in to listen to the following:

Franklin Public Radio - wfpr.fm schedule for Friday

8:00 AM, 1:00 PM, and 6:00 PM - Franklin Matters Radio – Steve Sherlock covering Franklin, its local government, services, and events 

• This segment shares my conversation my conversation with Doug Martin, Franklin’s Water and Sewer Superintendent and Jake Standly, the Assistant Water/Sewer Superintendent. We get an update on the sewer & water projects underway or planned ->  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2025/10/doug-jake-provide-updates-on-sewer.html

9:00 AM, 2:00 PM, and 7:00 PM

10:00 AM, 3:00 PM, and 8:00 PM - Talkin’ the Blues – Jim Derick & Nick Remissong. 2 hours of awesome blues music, info, interviews  Showcasing the "Blues" as a basis for and influence of Country, Jazz and Rock and Roll, here and worldwide.

11:00 AM, 4:00 PM, and 9:00 PM - “The Vibe” show plays music for everyone searching for some enjoyment, some dance, a happy or thinking mood, and most importantly, having fun.  Tune in to wfpr.fm and listen to “DJ Vibe” spin music across many genres and join this new vibing experience

Get this week's program guide for Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) online  http://franklin.tv/programguide.pdf 

Doug & Jake provide updates on the sewer & water projects underway (audio)

FM #1557 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, numbers 1557 in the series

This session of the radio show shares my conversation with Doug Martin, Franklin’s Water and Sewer Superintendent and Jake Standly, the Assistant Water/Sewer Superintendent. 

We had our conversation in the Franklin Public Radio studios on Hutchinson St on Tuesday, October 21, 2025. Our conversation covered updates on Water & Sewer projects previously discussed in each their own three-part series. 

The show notes include links to the Franklin water & sewer division page 

Let’s listen to this part of my conversation with Doug and Jake and learn about the updates to Franklin’s sewer and water projects. 

Audio link ->  https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1557-dpw-water-sewer-project-updates-10-21-25/

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monitor your water usage

Water Sewer Division - https://www.franklinma.gov/water-sewer-division

The main page contains links to the both of the 3-part series on water and sewer.

Beaver Street interceptor project -> https://www.franklinma.gov/557/Beaver-Street-Interceptor-BSI-Project

Charles River Pollution Control (sewerage processor) https://www.franklinma.gov/charles-river-pollution-control   and https://www.charlesriverpcd.org/ 

Leak or Blockage diagram of lines of responsibility between Town and property owners for water and sewer service  https://www.franklinma.gov/water-sewer-division/pages/have-leak-or-blockage

Water service line inventory page (looking for lead pipes and connections) -> https://www.franklinma.gov/637/Water-Service-Line-Inventory 

Water Smart program ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/1221/WaterSmart

Consumer Confidence Reports (on water quality)  ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/water-sewer-division/pages/consumer-confidence-reports

The Energy and Environmental Affairs Drinking Water Data Portal.

https://eeaonline.eea.state.ma.us/portal#!/search/drinking-water/results?PWSId=2101000

We did forget to cover the wholesale water program. It was suspended once the drought alerts from the State were issued. When not in drought, it does generate some additional revenue (more per gallon than residents pay)  https://www.franklinma.gov/1109/Wholesale-Water 

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We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm). 

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"

Beaver St. Interceptor Project: BEAVER STREET 24/7 ROAD CLOSURE NOTICE!!

Starting Monday (6/16) at 7 AM, Beaver Street will be closed at the MBTA train tracks.  The area will be closed 24 hours a day until Friday (6/20) at 4 PM.  

 BEAVER STREET 24/7 ROAD
CLOSURE NOTICE!!

Those needing to access 242 to 290 Beaver Street will be able to use 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.

The work on Beaver Street will continue into the week of June 23rd as well.

Monday (6/16) through Friday (6/20): The construction crew will also be working off the road within the Franklin Village Mall area to connect the new sewer main. 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.

Please reference the interactive map and posted signs for details and updates.

We appreciate the public's continued support and understanding and will continue to communicate regularly via social media, our dedicated email list, and the construction map as work progresses.

Franklin Glass is Open via RT 140 this week due to sewer construction

Please note: the week of May 19th - May 23rd, our showroom and shop will only be accessible from Route 140. ⁠

⁠

We apologize for any inconvenience and appreciate your patience during construction in the area.

Shared from -> https://www.instagram.com/p/DJzzXWTTy7-/

Additional info on the Beaver St construction updates ->    https://www.franklinma.gov/557/Beaver-Street-Interceptor-BSI-Project

Franklin Glass is Open via RT 140 this week due to sewer construction

ZBA listens, Town Administrator attempts to clarify points, on the 444 East Central project (video)

The Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) met as scheduled Thursday night, May 8, 2025. The 444 East Central portion of the meeting begins at 19 minutes into the recording and such is set for the replay here. (You can easily go to the beginning of the video and view the earlier portion if you choose.)

Franklin TV video for replay -> https://www.youtube.com/live/82a99atYf0s?&t=1149

The ZBA page for this 444 East Central project is here -> https://www.franklinma.gov/815/2025-Current-Recent-ZBA-Hearings

The application as submitted on the Town page is here -> https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/4594/444-East-Central-ZBA-application-comp-permit

Meeting items of note

• Halligan recused himself
• project overview briefly recapped (slides captured below)
• a clerical problem with notice resulted in an agreement between the applicant attorney and the committee, committee not to invoke safe harbor, appplicant not to invoke a constructive grant. The constructive grant would have allowed the applicant to bypass most of the ZBA process
• The application will continue and take some number of months to do so. The next meeting is targeted for June 5, the next after that is July 17
• Due to this negotiation, the peer review process did not start. Traffic will be first up at the next meeting
• Town Administrator Jamie Hellen participating this time, and he explains why, he is participating to explain details around the process and clarify, everybody can hear the record as one
• One sore point (lack of communication from the ZBA Chair and other members after multiple email queries), it was revealed that responding to individual emails is a non-no during the time that the subject is before the Board. It could potentially violate open meeting law. All discussions, responses to questions, need to be in the open meeting.

Slides of the presentation ->  https://photos.app.goo.gl/x5N6EvhwDRUtcRps5

The waivers requested by the project are outlined in Section 8 and contained in this PDF (separated from the full project doc) -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/11lkqa0Hz1VCO_J3utf-5NynwlnPeVPQj/view?usp=drive_link

To support Town Administrator Hellen's statements on water supply, information on the water conservation page should explain ->    https://www.franklinma.gov/628/Water-Conservation 

There is a 3-part podcast series covering the water supply and operations for Franklin from well to our faucets -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2024/09/town-of-franklin-all-about-water-system.html

There is also a 3-part series on the sewer from our flushes to the Charles River Treatment -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2024/09/town-of-franklin-all-about-sewer-system.html

444 East Central project

2nd budget hearing confirms what happens if override fails for Police, Fire, DPW (video)

The Franklin, MA Finance Committee met as scheduled for their 2nd in the series of Budget hearings for the FY 2026 budget cycle. The meeting took oplace in the 3rd floor conference room and as usual was broadcast to Comcast/Verizon subscribers, as well as to Zoom & YouTube. All 8 members participated.

Franklin TV video available for replay -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PFHPuafjzDg

The agenda doc for this session ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_04292025-1699

Quick recap:

• Police Chief TJ Lynch started his update. Basically the same as last year with some minor adjustments. If the override were to fail, he would loose 2 officers. He is hiring to backfill for retirees and transfers. When as ked to elaborate on that, he provided the details on the 5 recent departures, with one being sworn in at Council meeting and one still to be hired.
• Deputy Chiefs Klich & Barberi provided the update in lieu of Chief McLaughlin out this week on vacation. 
• Similar to the police update, very little change in totals. If the override fails, they would lose the staffing for the 3rd ambulance. The 3rd ambulance responded to over 100 calls last year and resulted in over 70 hospital transports during its 40 hours of weekly coverage. The community would notice the difference in slower response times as mutual aid would be providing more coverage than they do today
• Discussion on vehicle replacement both costs increasing and lead times lengthening. A new ambulance ordered in 2022 is scheduled for delivery in August. The Tower truck ordered in 2023 is scheduled for delivery this summer. The current Tower would stay in the fleet and move to back up status, as would the older of the ambulances when the new one arrives.
• Brutus Cantoreggi, DPW director and Kathy Mooradd, Administration and Budget manager presented initially. Doug Martin, Water/Sewer Superintendent stood up along the way to cover water and sewer updates.
• Similar to the police and fire updates, a level funded budget being presented. Note, not a level service budget. The dollar remains about the same but the materials cost across the DPW departments account for 65% of the total budget (35% of the personnel cost). The same amount of money is getting less to work with. A failed override will also be noticeable but not right away. Water will still run, sewers will still operate, other maintenance and road repairs, etc. will be delayed or take longer.
• There were other budget items discussed; Building & inspection, MECC dispatch. The meeting total only runs 90 minutes so it should be easy enough to catch up to. The audio and transcript will come out also (audio Thursday, transcript on the weekend).

My notes captured during the meeting via Twitter

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ocIK4PjauaMMklMFVxkybmp4eTf5716K/view?usp=drive_link