Whole Lot of Hole
Many fellow bloggers have posted great photos of walks in their towns or along scenic byways. We live in a city, the second largest in NH, and this is not one of those posts.
But, this post does show what's been going on here in recent days. Despite the shutdown in Nashua, NH, road work and street maintenance has been an ongoing project in many parts of the city. Some of this roadwork activity included digging a very big and very deep hole just outside our mill apt complex.
This was the scene last week as seen from the back hall window on our floor.
This street appropriately named Factory Street runs directly in front of the former textile mill we now live in. It's not the first time major roadwork has been done here and, most likely, not the last.
However, a striking difference this time was seeing that most of the workers were wearing face masks.
Why the hole? It's to replace cast iron pipe, an older type of sewer piping which may be close to 100 years old. Prior to 1980, cast iron or clay pipes were an economical way for builders and sewer workers to create a main sewer line prior with an estimated life space of 75-100 years. One notable feature of cast iron is that it's incredibly strong and non-flammable; this second feature isn't an issue for below-ground installations.
The new replacement sewer pipes are made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and also quite colorful. In use since 1980, they can last for more than 100 years. This pipe has replaced the old version of cast iron/clay pipes as the “go to” piping for sewer lines in many cities.
The whole hole was covered up at the end of the day's work. Work is expected to continue on this street for the next couple of weeks.
Even on overcast days, there's always something to look in this city even if it's from an indoor viewpoint.
This hasn't been the first, or most likely, the last time this street has been dug up and repaved. Maybe, one day, it will receive a complete. If, and when, that happens, photos will be posted.
23 comments:
Do you know what's ironic about this post? Today, (and I kid you not), they started doing some street maintenance on the street directly below my apartment building. So this morning at 7 AM, I was woken up but jackhammers. Oy vey!
I am so lovin' those turquoise PVC pipes!
As you already know, Philadelphia is a very old city; therefore, a lot of our underground pipes are being replaced.
Hey, I noticed from your photographs that you still have telephone poles in Nashua, which you don't see much anymore. We have them here as well. Especially in South Philly.
Have a great rest of your week, my friend!
I can't believe they dug the hole thing.
Very interesting! That was a good job done. Now does seem a good time to do these projects. I don't think I realized that you live in a former textile mill. Now that is interesting!
Excellent photos of the street work! We had one of these big diggers just like this one in our front yard for several days. I did a post on it but my pictures were not nearly as good as yours are taken from afar. Ours was doing the same thing replacing the old cast iron
That sure is a big hole! And those pipes look like they have seen better days. The new ones are so colorful though. Too bad they are hiding, but they would have to be. Looks like they got it fixed however and they is good. Or fixed until the next repair? Happy Wednesday. Enjoy this beautiful weather. hugs-Erika
Those new pipes certainly cleaned things up. I can only imagine the sounds of all the machines. Our old town gets a water main break every once in a while and they have to dig it out and put in a new section.
Interesting watching all this work being done. That is a mighty big hole they dug!
A wonderful record of photos covering the road work. The last village we lived in did some road work replacing old pipe too. They replaced it with PVC. That must be the new standard these days. Have a nice day.
Very interesting photos. I agree, they did a very good job. As for the telephone poles, we still have them too. You have a wonderful day, hugs, Edna B.
This was one of the biggest construction projects I covered, took me the best part of two years, I took the photos every time I went to Newbury. Must admit I find it interesting seeing them doing work like that.
https://spuduka.blogspot.com/2012/05/newbury-parkway.html
Interesting photos, especially as you have a high viewpoint so we can see just what's going on. They've been doing extra road maintenance here while streets are quiet.
All new conduits! And they are such a pretty blue.
Beatrice, Living out here in a quiet wooded community, we just don't have much action like the sewer replacement you photographed. If a major repair does happen here, its big news. There will be a new house being built just down the street in the next month or so and that will furnish a little excitement. Stay Safe and Take Care, Big Daddy Dave
Nice work, will they get rid of the patched look or leave it as it is?
This is really interesting. Here in Michigan our roads are pretty darned grim. The gov ran on fixing the roads and the legislature has blocked her every step of the way. Then Covid came along. And more.... I'm glad they are back on it where you are.
Judging by the pictures of the old pipes - it's replacement at the last minute . I suppose these pipes could not function any more.
Doing that whole section in one day is pretty good! Perfect time to do street repairs while there is little traffic. I'm impressed they were wearing masks. :)
Once upon a time in my part of the UK it seemed that every day was a digging day but all work must have been completed because not a sign of a shovel or a digger can be seen. At one time digging was only done on hot sunny days but I think the allegiance has shifted to winter.
Those old pipes were well rusted, the new ones look good. A lot of repair work is taking place in my home town, it makes sense to do as much as possible while it's quiet, although as Valerie said here in the UK you can't travel far without encountering some kind of digging!
I should imagine that the reduced traffic flow during the Covid19 period was very welcomed for major infrastructure work such as this. No doubt aging installations in cities across the continent - around the world for that matter - are in serious need of repair and replacement. Let's hope the tax revenues, which must have dwindled appreciably of late can support the necessary work.
Nothing like a bit of action in the street below to keep you entertained at this time.
What a mess, but it's surprising how much they can accomplish in a short amount of time.
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