New Jersey American Water to Begin $6.88 Million Infrastructure Upgrade in Summit

A 2.4-mile water main replacement project will launch in April, targeting century-old pipes and lead service lines across multiple streets.

New Jersey American Water will invest approximately $6.88 million in a comprehensive water infrastructure upgrade in the City of Summit, with construction scheduled to begin in early April and conclude by late August. The project will replace roughly 2.4 miles of aging water mains, some of which date back to the 1920s, with new 8-inch and 12-inch ductile iron pipelines.

The infrastructure work will span several Summit streets, including Madison Avenue, Lincoln Avenue, Lafayette Avenue, Lowell Avenue, Webster Avenue, Gates Avenue, Montrose Avenue, Aubrey Street, Lewis Avenue, Plain Street, and Weaver Street. In addition to replacing aging pipes, the project will include the installation of new fire hydrants and the replacement of both utility-owned and customer-owned service lines identified as lead or galvanized.

This initiative aligns with a statewide mandate requiring the removal of all lead and galvanized service lines by 2031, aiming to improve water quality and long-term public health outcomes. The infrastructure improvements are expected to enhance water service reliability and increase water flow for both residential use and fire protection.

CRJ Construction, a locally-based and qualified contractor, will perform the work under New Jersey American Water’s supervision. Work hours are scheduled for 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. While after-hours construction is not anticipated, it may occur if necessary to maintain the project timeline. Final road restorations will take place in the fall of 2025.

This effort is part of New Jersey American Water’s broader multimillion-dollar initiative to replace aging infrastructure across more than 100 municipalities statewide. The company cites findings from the American Society of Civil Engineers’ 2025 Report Card for America’s Infrastructure, which estimates a $24 billion need for water infrastructure investment in New Jersey alone over the next 20 years.

During construction, traffic restrictions and alternating traffic patterns may be in effect. Emergency vehicles and local traffic will retain access throughout the project. New Jersey American Water urges drivers and pedestrians to use caution near work zones.

To stay informed, customers are encouraged to update their contact preferences in their MyWater accounts and opt-in for general alerts. Non-account holders can also receive notifications by signing up at awcodered.com or by texting WATER to 99411.