NSTAR Eyes 850 Feet of Conduit Under University Avenue

There could be some new road work in the near future on University Avenue. 

NSTAR is looking to install a series of conduit under University Avenue near Marymount Avenue. 

More specifically, the company requested a grant of location for approximately 850 feet of conduit within Marymount Avenue and 3,075 feet of conduit with seven new manholes within University Avenue.

"It's providing utility services to that area, and specifically to the building they're in," Westwood Department of Public Works Director Vicki Quiram said. "As soon as they get all the permits, they're ready to go. They want to do it in the spring or summer."

In a short public hearing Monday night, the Westwood Board of Selectmen gave their approval for the project. But how the project will be approached is still up in the air, as the selectmen encouraged the company to consider acquiring a duct bank that currently exists under the roadway in the area, as opposed to creating a new one, which could prove to be much more costly.

"We've indicated to them that even though they have the approval of the duct bank, we encourage to look at this other option, seriously consider it," said Town Administrator Mike Jaillet. "It may have financial benefits."

That duct bank was installed at the hands of a now-bankrupt company that, years ago, looked to insert a series of high-speed internet lines, according to Jaillet. After the company went bankrupt, the duct bank went unused. 

"Now that NSTAR is looking to put in a line, I know there's a duct bank in University Avenue, virtually right along side of where they're looking to put in their duct bank," Jaillet said. 

Acquiring the duct bank would be an ideal option for NSTAR, he added, as it would be less costly than creating a new one. Moreover, if the company choses to go that route, it would need to seek a permit from CSX Railroad, which has tracks that lay over a portion of the duck bank area.

Likewise, if they choose to acquire the current duct bank, NSTAR will need to get more approval from the selectmen, Jaillet said. 

"Now they've got to come back when they're literally going to do the job," he said. "The'll have to come back and get a street opening permit from the DPW, and go to the Police Department and work out the details."

Either way, the project would be of no cost to the town.

"They do all the labor for themselves, they pay for traffic details, and officers get assigned and then they have to repave the roadway a year later," Jaillet said.