Press Release
For
Immediate Release
April
6, 2026
Contact:
Jennifer
Rose
Press
Secretary, Office of Mayor Paul K. Pernerewski, Jr.
Email:
Jrose@waterburyct.org
City of Waterbury Announces Proactive
Water Infrastructure Upgrade on Huntingdon Avenue
The City of Waterbury Bureau of Water will
begin critical infrastructure improvements on Monday, April 13, with the
installation of a 30-inch butterfly valve on a high-pressure transmission main
located on Huntingdon Avenue.
Work is expected to take approximately one
week to complete, including roadway restoration.
During construction, Huntingdon Avenue
will be closed to traffic between Kaynor Technical High School and the
Department of Public Works. Motorists are advised to seek alternate routes.
This project was originally scheduled for
later this year as part of Mayor Paul Pernerewski Jr. s broader initiative to
modernize and strengthen the city s water infrastructure. However, due to the
critical role this valve plays in the overall system, the timeline has been
accelerated to proactively address potential vulnerabilities ahead of the
summer season.
This is about getting ahead of problems
before they happen, said Mayor Pernerewski. After the devastating water main
breaks we experienced late last year, it became clear that we must act with
urgency to upgrade key components of our system. This project reflects our
commitment to protecting residents and minimizing future disruptions.
In October and December of 2025, Waterbury
experienced two significant and catastrophic water main breaks that caused
widespread service interruptions and underscored the need for targeted
infrastructure improvements.
Water Superintendent Bradley Malay has
since led efforts to identify and prioritize critical upgrades throughout the
system.
This valve is a vital component of our
transmission network, said Superintendent Malay. By installing this new
equipment, we significantly improve our ability to isolate sections of the
system during a main break. That means smaller impacted areas, faster response
times, and less disruption for our residents.
The new valve will enhance system
resiliency by allowing crews to isolate transmission main breaks more
effectively, reducing the scope and impact of emergency repairs.
To further minimize risk during
construction, the project location was strategically moved from Jarrett Avenue
to Huntingdon Avenue, where existing infrastructure allows for system bypass if
needed. As a result, there are no anticipated water service interruptions for
residents or businesses during the project.
The city has also taken additional
precautions by ensuring redundant equipment and systems are available onsite
throughout the installation process.
Residents are encouraged to remain aware
of posted detours and construction activity in the area.