3-24-2026 6:38am

TRAFFIC DELAYS: PARTIAL CLOSURE OF RTE. 140 -- Updates

Alan Earls Editor

FROM THE FRANKLIN DPW:

UPDATE FROM 6:30 AM TUESDAY:

Crews have been working throughout the night on the repair. As mentioned in last night’s update, this has been the toughest break we’ve seen in many years. We are getting close, but once the repair is complete, the water quality will still need to be tested before bringing it back online— Public safety is most important!! There is still no promised timeline as to when the water will be back online, but we are hoping shortly. Updates will be posted as they come in. Again thank you for your patience as we work to get everything back in working order. Please avoid the area if possible.

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From MONDAY:

Water Main Break RT 140 near Garelick Farms

Water main break on Route 140 in front of Garelick Farms.

The Crew is on-site working to excavate the area and expose the break. The area on RT. 140 (West Central Street) from Garelick Farms towards the Bellingham Town Line and Forge Park from National Drive towards RT. 140 will likely be without water until the break is fixed. This includes the Halsted Apartments, Milford Regional, and nearby businesses around Garelick Farms.

RT. 140 is CLOSED coming into Franklin. RT. 140 is open to traffic going out of Franklin ONLY!

As of 3:30 PM

March 24, 2026

Update 3:30 PM: Water Main Break RT 140 near Garelick Farms

Update 3:30 PM:
Water main break on Route 140 in front of Garelick Farms

This is the deepest water main break we have seen in at least the past 22 years! Normally a break occurs at approximately 4 ft. This one is at least 16 ft underground and is located under a concrete box culvert. It is extremely difficult to reach. Due to safety concerns, we hired a private contractor to work alongside us. This contractor has the proper larger excavating equipment and the necessary safety/shoring equipment to work at this depth. For your information, "Shoring" is a temporary construction technique used to stabilize trenches and excavations, preventing collapse and ensuring worker safety—our biggest concern.Thank you again for your patience, as of right now, we do not have a timeline for when the break will be repaired. Please follow the Town and Public Works Facebook pages for more updates as they come in.