$1.1M Middlesex Water Upgrade To Replace 1960s Pipes

MIDDLESEX BOROUGH – New Jersey American Water is beginning a $1.1 million infrastructure upgrade in Middlesex aimed at improving water service reliability and boosting fire protection.

The project will replace about 2,500 feet of aging water main originally installed in the 1960s along George Avenue, from Lincoln Boulevard to Ashland Road. Crews will install new 8-inch ductile iron pipe, add two fire hydrants and renew 34 customer service lines connected to the main.

As work progresses, crews will also inspect service lines for every property along the route by digging small holes near curbs to identify pipe materials. If lead or galvanized steel is found, the utility said it will work with property owners to replace those lines as part of a statewide effort to eliminate them by 2031.

“As we upgrade the water main, we’re also checking service lines at each property to understand what materials are in the ground,” stated Mike A. Rinaldo, a construction inspector with New Jersey American Water. “This helps us identify and replace lead and galvanized service lines while strengthening the system long term.”

Work was expected to begin on or about June 17 and continue through mid-October, weather permitting. Crews will typically work weekdays from 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Weekend work is not expected unless needed to stay on schedule.

The project will be completed by contractor CRJ, with traffic control coordinated with local officials. Access to homes and driveways will be maintained, and construction areas will receive daily cleanup. Temporary restoration will follow excavation, with permanent restoration planned after soil settles, usually about 90 days after completion.

Residents can receive updates by logging into their MyWater account or signing up for alerts at AWCodeRed.com or by texting WATER to 24639. New Jersey American Water serves about 3 million people statewide and is the state’s largest regulated water utility.