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Image courtesy of Town of Dover. The outlet for the culvert on Claybrook Road in Dover was photographed during a field assessment.
10-24-2026 7:56pm
Dover Receives $150,000 State Grant to Plan Culvert Replacements in "High Risk" Flood Zones
Darlene Cancell
Editor
The Town of Dover has received a $150,000 state grant for data gathering and design aimed at addressing the problem of significant flooding at three sites in the town, Dover Town Administrator Michael Blanchard announced on Friday, October 23.
The grant is from the Massachusetts Department of Fish and Game’s Division of Ecological Restoration, and will be applied to data gathering and design work over the coming year to support the planned replacement of three culverts on Trout Brook at Springdale Avenue, Haven Street, and Claybrook Road.
“This will go a long way toward improving conditions on the roads around Trout Brook,” said Dover Department of Public Works Director Kevin McCabe. “It will also provide significant ecological benefits, reconnecting this critical waterway in our community to the Charles River and supporting fish, wildlife and vegetation.”
According to the Town of Dover, all three culverts are within federally designated high-risk, noncoastal riverside flood zones. Flooding in the area of the culverts can limit access to municipal and emergency services.
Springdale Avenue connects two schools, Dover’s community center and post office while also providing a direct route between the Dover Fire Department and many residences.
The town calls Claybrook Road a “critical east-west route through Dover.”
Replacing the culverts to meet Massachusetts Stream Crossing Standards would reduce flooding, improve public safety, and restore access to over six miles of Charles River habitat while supporting fish passage and habitat restoration, noted town officials.
Planned work includes wetland and stream assessments, geotechnical investigations, topographic surveying, hydrologic and hydraulic analysis, and a feasibility study.
The town says the project will include public engagement and coordination with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers on climate resilience and cold-water fisheries.
Thanks to the Town of Dover for sharing this news with Westwood Minute.
