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