Newcastle Road Projects & Updates

April 28, 2026 updates from the Road Commissioner: 

North Dyer Neck Road:

Gravel and Grading work is continuing on our gravel roads in Newcastle. The gravel material is a 50/50 mix of 1 1/2 inch and 3/4 inch which is spread with a grater and later followed with a roller to compact the aggregate into the dirt. This effort is being done to help firm up our unpaved roads.

River Rd Sidewalk:

To date, we have removed the existing asphalt sidewalk and curb and replaced them with new granite. We have also completed tree work along the sidewalk, including the removal of stumps and debris.

During the excavation, we discovered an abandoned catch basin and drain. We are re-establishing these, which will significantly improve drainage and help resolve the washout issues on Liberty Street. Additionally, we located a buried sewer manhole that was previously unknown to the Great Salt Bay Sanitary District (GSBSD); we will be raising the top to ensure future access.

I expect to have the sidewalk structure built and the base pavement installed by next week. If all goes well, our goal is to have the project fully completed within two weeks.

Hopkins Hill:

Reclaiming is being performed today, which will allow us to grade the area and install the base pavement. To date, all sub-surface drainage and catch basins have been installed. We have also removed ledge from the ditch lines and reconstructed the end of the road to provide a turnaround for emergency vehicles and snowplows.

I expect to install the base pavement next week. We will then move forward with curbing, though there may be a short delay as the installer is currently booked for a few weeks. Once the curb is installed, we will raise the basin tops and apply the surface pavement. I anticipate all work will be completed within a month.

Please note that the road remains 100% passable and usable while we wait for the curbing to be installed.

Road Grading:

We have begun the process of grading the town's dirt roads. To date, work has been completed on both Hassan Avenues and Happy Valley Road.

Regarding North Dyer Neck Road, we have installed gravel and pulled in the edges. However, the road is currently too wet to finish. We prioritized adding gravel while the road was soft to ensure it could be pressed into the soft spots. Our grader operator, who has over 40 years of experience, is monitoring the conditions; as soon as the road is dry enough, we will return to complete the shaping.

Work has also commenced on South Dyer Neck Road. We expect to be back on that road next week, along with East Old County Road.