Middlesex Water Company to Invest $10.2 Million in Metuchen Water Infrastructure in 2021

Rhea-AI Summary

Middlesex Water Company (NASDAQ:MSEX) announced a $10.2 million investment to modernize drinking water infrastructure in Metuchen, NJ, beginning April 2021. This project, part of the RENEW 2021 initiative, will replace 24,800 linear feet of water mains, service lines, valves, and fire hydrants to enhance fire flows and service quality. The project is part of the larger Water for Tomorrow® Program, which allocates approximately $295 million for similar infrastructure projects through 2022. Completion is expected within 6-9 months, including necessary traffic management and service interruptions.

Positive

• Investment of $10.2 million in infrastructure modernization.
• Replacement of 24,800 linear feet of water mains to improve service quality.
• Part of a broader $295 million Water for Tomorrow® Program, enhancing long-term water distribution reliability.

Negative

• Temporary water service interruptions expected for affected customers during the project.

ISELIN, N.J., March 19, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Middlesex Water Company (NASDAQ:MSEX) has announced that beginning in April 2021, it will be investing $10.2 million to further modernize drinking water infrastructure in the Borough of Metuchen, NJ. Under this infrastructure replacement activity known as RENEW 2021, Middlesex Water Company intends to replace 24,800 linear feet of water main, as well as service lines, valves and fire hydrants. This work is being performed to improve fire flows and overall service quality.

Metuchen streets expected to be included in the project work area are: Applewood Court, Aylin Street, Bell Avenue, Central Avenue, Christol Street, Cummings Court, East Chestnut Avenue, Forrest Street, Leonard Street, Liberty Street, Linden Avenue, Maple Avenue, Miller Drive, Mulberry Lane, Norcross Avenue, Oak Avenue, Turner Court, Van Buren Avenue, Victory Court, Victory Street, Willow Road, Woodwild Terrace. More specific details related to the project scope can be found at www.waterfortomorrowmwc.com/renew. 

As part of the project, MWC will also be installing exterior below ground meter pits to eventually house water meters at each customer’s premise. The company’s long term plan is to relocate meters from inside the home to exterior meter pits for greater customer convenience and safety. The actual relocation of the meter will occur when the customer’s meter is regularly scheduled for testing.

RENEW is part of Middlesex Water’s overall Water for Tomorrow® Program, which consists of approximately $295 million in various projects planned through 2022 which are designed to strengthen the Company’s water distribution infrastructure in New Jersey for continued service reliability, resiliency and water quality. Other Water for Tomorrow projects include a large diameter transmission main through parts of Edison and Metuchen, New Jersey, which was completed in 2020, and the conversion to ozone disinfection at the Company’s largest New Jersey treatment plant, which is expected to begin operations in the second quarter of 2021.

Customers affected by RENEW can expect to be without water service for a period of 2-3 hours as their water service line is transferred from the old water main to the new main. Middlesex Water will always strive to minimize any inconvenience on residents. MWC and its contractors continue to follow state and local COVID-19 related precautions in its operations. For the safety of our crews and customers, entrance to customer’s premises will not be required to perform these upgrades at this time.

RENEW 2021 in Metuchen is expected to take 6-9 months to complete for base work with road restoration to follow at a later date. While the Company makes every effort to minimize the impact of our work on traffic, residents may observe some traffic disruption as the roadway is trenched to accommodate the installation of a new water main. There will also be excavations when the service lines are connected to the new mains. This will impact traffic flow, but on a smaller scale. Affected customers will receive additional details about the project in advance of the temporary service interruption. Residents can expect unimpeded access to their homes as crews work to replace and install the new mains, water service lines and meter pits.

Customers can find out more about the RENEW 2021 Program by visiting www.waterfortomorrowmwc.com/renew and reviewing the Frequently Asked Questions and Contact Info area or by calling Middlesex Water at 800-549-3802.

Media Contact:

Bernadette Sohler, Vice President – Corporate Affairs
Middlesex Water Company
485C Route 1 South
Iselin, NJ 08830
(732) 638-7549
bsohler@middlesexwater.com

FAQ

What is the RENEW 2021 project by Middlesex Water Company?

RENEW 2021 is a $10.2 million initiative to modernize drinking water infrastructure in Metuchen, NJ.

When will the RENEW 2021 project start and finish?

The project begins in April 2021 and is expected to take 6-9 months to complete.

What are the expected impacts of the RENEW 2021 project on residents?

Residents may experience temporary water service interruptions and some traffic disruptions during the construction.

How much is Middlesex Water investing in the Water for Tomorrow® Program?

Middlesex Water is investing approximately $295 million in various infrastructure projects through 2022.

What specific improvements will be made in the RENEW 2021 project?

Improvements include replacing water mains, service lines, valves, and fire hydrants to enhance service quality.