ROWLEY — Residents of Dodge Road can expect company from now until mid-October as work begins on a new water main project.

The new installation will stretch from Haverhill Street to Daniels Road, covering the length of Dodge Road.

A statement from the water department reads, “The project intends to extend the water supply in anticipation of future growth and to connect to fire hydrants that will be installed.”

The project was initially slated to start in September, when the necessary materials would have become available.

“Pig iron,” as it is colloquially known, is imported from Russia and was the original material designated to be used for the water main project. Since the Russian invasion of Ukraine, materials such as pig iron have become scarce and more expensive, forcing many to consider new materials for construction.

The Rowley Water Department was able to pivot and select a different material that has allowed the project to move forward. Instead of the aforementioned pig iron, the town will be using a protected PVC material to construct the water main.

Funds for the project had already been appropriated but were offset with aid from the American Rescue Plan. The financial buffer provided by the ARP funds will allow for future infrastructure projects in Rowley to move forward unincumbered by budgetary red tape.

Water superintendent Bob Gray said of the project, “It will add fire protection and quality water. It’s a great opportunity to improve our infrastructure.”

Construction is now slated to begin sometime in the coming weeks and conclude in late October.

A statement from the Water Department reads, “Contractor N. Granese and Sons, Inc., of Salem will work Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., through about Oct. 19.”

Residents and emergency vehicles will continue to have full access to Dodge and Daniels Road, and Emily Lane should be unaffected.

For information regarding the project, please visit rowleywater.com or call 978-948-2640.