School Street Area Utilities Improvement Project
The School Street Area Reconstruction project includes water, sewer, and drainage infrastructure improvements and the full-depth reconstruction of roadways and sidewalks along Garfield, Kossuth, School, and Union Streets (including former Garfield Ct). The existing water mains in this area are comprised of 4-inch and 6-inch cast iron (CI) pipe that have insufficient capacity for fire flows and were identified in the 2015 Water System Asset Management Plan as a high priority for replacement. The sewer mains are 8-inch and 10-inch vitrified clay pipe (VCP) in poor condition and the drainage system has been identified as being in poor condition with the potential for flooding. As part of the project, the roads and sidewalks in the neighborhood will be upgraded to comply with current accessibility standards.
Status Updates
9/16/2026: Jamco will be working this evening at the intersection of Front Street and Kossuth Street to disconnect the Kossuth Street water main from the Front Street supply. Excavation is scheduled to begin at approximately 5:00 PM. Water service will be temporarily shut off at 8:45 PM for properties on Front Street between School Street and Kossuth Street and is expected to be interrupted for approximately four hours.
On Thursday, September 17th Jamco will continue water main work on Kossuth Street near Garfield Street. Water service will be temporarily shut off for residents on School Street and Garfield Street between School Street and Kossuth Street. The interruption is expected to last approximately four hours.
Notices have been hand-delivered to all residents who will be affected. We appreciate your patience and understanding as this important water infrastructure work is completed.
9/4/2026: Due to the Monday holiday and voting on Tuesday, construction will begin with the sewer bypass on Kossuth St on Wednesday, September 9th. Construction of the Kossuth Street sewer main and manholes is expected to take approximately 12 business days from the start of work. Work schedules remain weather dependent and are subject to change.
8/18/2026: Jamco reached out to notify of a delay in preconstruction activities. Mobilization of equipment will begin on August 24th. Residents of Kossuth and School Street will be notified via hand delivered notices of the upcoming utility inspections that are required within their homes. A copy of the letter can be found in the documents below.
8/14/26: The contractors have informed us that due to other projects, the timeline has shifted slightly. Work is now scheduled to begin the week of August 24th.
7/30/2026: Preseis Inc. will be on-site next week to record a pre-construction video for all streets. They will be badged and easily identifiable when on site.
The presentation from the Public Info. Meeting has been added below.
7/9/2026: PUBLIC INFORMATION MEETING #4 -- PREPARING FOR CONSTRUCTION – What Residents Can Expect
Date: Tuesday, July 28, 2026
Time: 6:00 PM
Location: Exeter Public Library
4 Chestnut Street, Exeter, NH
The Town of Exeter invites residents, business owners, and community members to attend the fourth public information meeting for the School Street Area Improvement Project. The meeting will focus on the upcoming construction phase of the School Street Area Improvement Project and continue the Town's efforts to keep residents informed. It will be held in person only to allow project staff to answer questions directly. A recording of the presentation will be posted below.
5/11/2026: Beginning the week of May 18, Unitil will begin working on School Street and Kossuth Street to replace and relocate gas mains in preparation for the School Street Area Improvement Project. Once work on School Street and Kossuth Street is finished, gas main work on Garfield Street will begin. This work is expected to take approximately three to four weeks to complete.
3/16/2026: The presentation for tonight's Public Information meeting has been added to the files section below.
2/20/2026: PUBLIC INFORMATION & INPUT MEETING #3 - FINAL DESIGN REVIEW
Date: Monday, March 16, 2026
Time: 6:00 PM
Location: Exeter Town Hall
The project team will present the final design, review the anticipated project schedule, and outline the next steps for bidding and construction. Community members will have the opportunity to ask questions and provide input.
5/29/2025: Beginning June 3, 2025, Eastern Pipe will be performing CCTV inspection of the sanitary sewer system as part of the project design effort. This work is expected to take 2-3 days to complete.
4/7/2025: The presentation from the Public Informational Meeting held on 4/3/2025 has been added below.
3/24/2025: A Neighborhood Input Meeting has been scheduled for the School Street Area Improvement Project. The Town of Exeter, along with CMA will present an overview of the proposed project, which includes municipal infrastructure improvements in the School Street area. Planned improvements include upgrades to water, sewer, stormwater drainage, roadways, and sidewalks. (See figure below for project area.)
The purpose of this meeting is to gather public input, ideas, and concerns regarding the proposed improvements. Feedback collected will help inform the development of design alternatives, which will be shared at a future public meeting.
Thursday, April 3, 2025, at 6:00 PM
Exeter Public Library Meeting Room
12/3/24: Surveying activities will occur in the School Street neighborhood during the week of December 9th. Please be cautious as surveyors complete their tasks. Roadway interruptions are not expected.
School St Plans 7/2/2026 (22 MB)