Londonderry public works director explains state-funded waterline project and phased road repaving

Dave Wallally, director of public works for the town of Londonderry, led a site briefing on Old Dair Road to explain a recently installed waterline connector and why the roadway currently shows temporary trench patches.

“This provides a secondary municipal services connection which is important and vital to this area providing safe clean drinking water,” Wallally said, explaining the connector ties Manchester Waterworks and Dair Waterworks to serve the Hamstead area. He added that the project was funded by the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services and not by local property taxes.

Wallally pointed out a temporary trench patch where winter frost heave and differing backfill materials have produced a visible sag. “We have a fairly good sag in this one particular spot of approximately about 3 to 4 in,” he said, noting that the current surface is not the final pavement.

He outlined the town’s phased restoration plan: contractors first install a temporary trench patch to keep travel safe while work continues; after all pipe installations, pressure testing and fire-hydrant work, crews will mill the surface and install an improved temporary patch. A leveling course will then be applied to remove ripples and depressions caused by winter settlement. When the entire project is complete, Wallally said, the road will be reshaped, crowned edge to edge, and given final paving.

Wallally framed the staged approach as an investment-protection measure: placing final pavement immediately after excavation risks early failure and repeat repairs. He thanked residents for their patience during the construction work and asked for continued cooperation while crews complete testing and final resurfacing.

No formal votes or town actions were recorded in the briefing; Wallally described the schedule and procedures the public can expect as the contractor finishes work and the town moves to punch‑list and final paving.