[Adopted 12-17-1990]
A. 
All roadway work shall be performed by the applicant in accordance with the approved definitive plan and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Standard Specifications for Highways and Bridges (SSH&B), latest edition. All streets, catch basins and appurtenances thereto shall be installed at no cost to the Town of Groton.
B. 
The applicant shall provide fences, barriers, warning lights, police officers, signs and other safety features as may be necessary for the protection of the public when deemed necessary by the Board or its designated agent or other public safety official at no cost to the Town.
C. 
All right-of-way lines, all drain lines and all underground municipal services shall be laid out as to line and grade by a registered professional engineer or registered professional land surveyor.
D. 
The applicant shall conform to § 381-8F(2) of Part 1 of this chapter prior to the commencement of construction relative to recording and providing copies of the endorsed set of definitive plans.
E. 
The applicant shall facilitate inspection of the work by the Board or its designated agent and provide for tests of materials by independent laboratories when requested.
F. 
As each construction operation is completed, approval of it must be obtained from the Board or its designated agent before work may be started on the succeeding operation, according to the schedule of inspections in § 381-15 of Part 1 of this chapter. After each satisfactory inspection, the Inspection Form P shall be signed by the Planning Board, its agent or the appropriate authority.
G. 
An as-built plan showing location and grades of all sewer, water and drain lines, including sewer and water stub connections, shall also be prepared before the binder course of bituminous concrete is placed.
H. 
No utility work shall be backfilled until the applicant's engineer or surveyor has obtained the necessary information to properly prepare the as-built plan and has signed the Inspection Form P as verification. The quality of utility work shall be certified by the appropriate Town departments or utility companies and evidence of same shall be submitted with the as-built plan.
I. 
All utility service stubs shall be installed and capped from the main to the edge of the right-of-way for every lot with appropriate ties to enable recovery without excavation within the right-of-way.
J. 
The words "applicant" and "contractor" used throughout this appendix refers to the owner of the subdivision at the time of construction.
K. 
All open trenches must be backfilled or adequately covered at the end of the workday to ensure public safety.
[Added 7-5-2000]
A. 
The roadway shall be cleared of all obstructions of any kind for a distance equal to the sum of the specified width of the pavement plus the required shoulder and any sidewalk, swale or slope on each side of the pavement. A greater width may be required at corners and on the inside of curves for visibility. Care shall be taken by the contractor to protect all trees to be preserved, as well as trees and property of others, from runoff or other damage caused by clearing or excavations. Where individual trees in fill areas are to be saved, the contractor shall provide adequate tree wells or other protection so that no fill covers the original ground around the tree trunk.
B. 
All materials shall be removed for the full length and width of the roadway (including pavement, shoulder, sidewalk, swale and slope) to a depth of at least 15 inches below the finished surface as shown on the approved plan; provided, however, that if the soil is soft and spongy or contains undesirable material, such as clay, sand pockets, tree stumps, stones over six inches in diameter, or any other material detrimental to the subgrade, a deeper excavation below the subgrade shall be made as directed by the Board or its designated agent. Suitable material shall be placed in layers of not more than 12 inches in depth. All layers shall be compacted to not less than 95% of the maximum dry density of the material as determined by the standard AASHTO Test Designation T99 Compaction Test Method at optimum moisture content.
C. 
Ledge occurring anywhere in the full cross section of the roadway must be cleared to a minimum of 18 inches below the finished surface. Ledge occurring in pipe trenches must be cleared so as to have a gravel cushion of at least six inches below and on both sides of the pipe.
D. 
In areas to be filled, embankments shall be formed by placing successive layers of material uniformly distributed and compacted over the full width of the cross section from beginning at the toe of slope across to the opposite toe of slope (or to that point in the cross section where the fill meets the natural material) unless otherwise directed by the Board or its designated agent. Stumps, rubbish, sod and frozen or other unsuitable materials shall not be incorporated in the embankment. Dust shall be controlled by using water or other methods approved by the Board or its designated agent. Dirt and debris shall be removed from public ways at the end of the work day.
E. 
Conformance with approved plan.
(1) 
The contractor shall excavate or fill and then fine grade the subgrade to conform to the cross section on the approved plan. A tolerance of 1/2 inch above or below the finished subgrade will be allowed, provided that this 1/2 inch above and below grade is not maintained for a distance longer than 50 feet and that the required crown is maintained in the subgrade.
(2) 
The lines and grades shall be established in conformity with the approved plan and shall be maintained by means of grade stakes placed parallel to the center line of the proposed pavement, at least two feet behind the back of the curb and on both sides of the road at each fifty-foot station so that string lines may be stretched between the stakes. The grade stakes shall be clearly labeled with the station, the offset distance from the center line and the finished grade reference mark.
F. 
An inspection must be made of the subgrade by the Board or its designated agent before any foundation gravel is placed. The subgrade shall be within the allowable tolerance prior to the Board or its designated agent's arrival for inspection. If the subgrade is not acceptable and requires an additional site visit, the cost incurred for the additional inspection shall be paid by the applicant. All underground utilities, such as gas, telephone, electricity and cable television, shall be installed prior to placement of roadway foundation.
G. 
Gravel base.
(1) 
The gravel base shall be spread in two layers per SSH&B Section 401.60 — Gravel Subbase. Before the gravel is spread, the roadbed shall be shaped to a true surface conforming to the proposed cross section of the road. The bottom eight-inch layer shall be spread and rolled with a gravel meeting SSH&B M.1.03.0 Type A (no stones over six inches in diameter). The top four-inch layer shall be spread and rolled with a dense graded crushed stone meeting SSH&B M.2.01.7. Any stone with a dimension greater than that permitted for the type of gravel specified shall be removed from the subbase before the gravel is compacted. Soil compaction tests shall be taken at every one-hundred-foot station and in the location of every manhole and catch basin in the traveled way before placing the binder course of pavement. All layers shall be compacted to not less than 95% of the maximum dry density of the material as determined by the standard AASHTO Test Designation T99 Compaction Test Method at optimum moisture content. The gravel shall be fine graded to the same tolerance as specified in Subsection E above. The specified subbase shall not be prepared during freezing weather or when frozen or when it is unstable because of excessive moisture.
[Amended 5-2-1996; 7-5-2000]
(2) 
The subbase shall be within the allowable tolerance prior to the Board or its agent's arrival for inspection. If the subbase is not within the acceptable tolerance and requires an additional site visit, the cost incurred for the additional visit shall be paid by the contractor.
H. 
Preinstallation; damage.
(1) 
Prior to installation of binder course, all catch basins and watergates shall be set to binder grade. To facilitate fine grading, all manholes shall not have the castings set (rim and cover). The remaining part of the manhole shall be immediately covered with a steel plate capable of withstanding a thirty-six-and-one-half-ton truckload with impact.
(2) 
Prior to installation of the top course, all manhole frames and covers shall be set to finish grade and set in concrete. All catch basins shall be raised to finish grade and set in concrete. The concrete shall be flush with the binder course to allow the top course to be flush with the cover or rim grade.
(3) 
Equipment or machinery having crawler tracks or other treads that mar or damage pavements shall not move or operate from newly constructed or existing pavements unless precautions are taken to prevent damage to the pavements.
(4) 
Any damage to newly constructed or existing pavements which in the opinion of the Board or its designated agent was caused by the contractor's operations shall be repaired by the contractor as directed by the Board or its designated agent, at the contractor's expense.
I. 
Pavement.
(1) 
The roadway shall have a crown of 3/8 inch per foot and shall be paved with SSH&B Section 460-Class I bituminous pavement. The cul-de-sac shall have a cross slope of 1/4 inch per foot. The paving shall consist of a binder course of 2 1/2 inches compacted measure on collector streets, two inches compacted measure on minor streets and 1 1/2 inches compacted measure on lanes. All streets shall have a top course of 1 1/2 inches compacted measure. Compaction shall be performed with a minimum ten-ton roller or a vibratory roller. [When vibratory rollers are used for the compaction of base and binder material they shall be operated at a high amplitude setting and a low frequency setting in the range of 1,500 to 1,700 vibrations per minute (VPM). When used for the compaction of surface courses, they shall be operated at a low amplitude setting at a minimum frequency setting of at least 2,200 VPM or higher]. The temperature of the mix, within a tolerance of plus or minus 15° when delivered at the project site will be governed by the temperature of the base upon which the mix is placed as follows:
[Amended 5-2-1996]
Mix Temperature
Uncompacted Measure Thickness
(inches)
Base Temperature Upon Which Mix is Placed
(degrees in Fahrenheit)
1
1 1/2
2
3 or Greater
35-40
305
295
280
40-50
310
300
285
275
50-60
300
295
280
270
60-70
290
285
275
265
70-80
285
280
270
265
80-90
275
270
265
260
90+
270
265
260
255
(2) 
The installation of the bituminous concrete shall be performed with a self-propelled mechanical spreader and a ten- to fourteen-ton roller or a vibratory roller.
(3) 
The contact surface of manholes, catch basins and other appurtenant structures in pavement and abutting pavement of existing roads shall be painted thoroughly with a thin uniform coating of bitumen (Specification RS-1) just before any bituminous concrete mixture is placed against them.
(4) 
Bituminous concrete shall be placed and compacted only at such times as to permit the proper inspection and checking by the Board or its agent.
(5) 
The placement of bituminous concrete pavement shall terminate November 15 and shall not be resumed prior to April 1 except as determined and directed, in writing, by the Board or its designated agent depending upon the necessity and emergency of attendant conditions, weather conditions and location of the project.
(6) 
The binder course shall be in place and maintained for one winter season before placing the top course. The top course shall be in place and maintained for one winter season prior to street acceptance as required in § 381-8G(2)(e).
[Added 7-5-2000]
A. 
All granite curbing shall be a minimum of six-foot lengths, six inches in thickness and shall not be less than 18 inches plus or minus one inch in depth. Ten percent may be less than six feet but not less than four feet. Cracked or chipped pieces of granite will not be allowed.
B. 
Radii and arcs of all radius curbing shall be computed by the applicant's engineer or surveyor.
C. 
Granite curb inlets shall be provided for all catch basins.
D. 
The trench for the curb shall be excavated to a width of 18 inches. The trench shall be excavated to a depth below the proposed finished grade of the curb equal to six inches plus the depth of the curbstone.
E. 
The foundation for the curb shall consist of gravel spread upon the subgrade and, after being thoroughly compacted by tamping, shall be six inches in depth.
F. 
The curb shall be set with a six-inch reveal.
G. 
When granite curbing is used, driveway entrances shall have return stones set prior to the top course on the roadway being placed.
[Added 11-3-1994]
Sidewalks, when required, shall be constructed as shown on the approved definitive plans. A cross slope toward the roadway of 1/4 inch per foot shall be maintained for drainage.
A. 
Bituminous sidewalk.
(1) 
In constructing all bituminous sidewalks, the material shall be removed for the full width of the sidewalk to a subgrade of at least 11 inches below the approved finished grade. The foundation shall consist of at least eight inches of good binding gravel or crushed stone, thoroughly rolled and compacted to the satisfaction of the Board or its designated agent, and shall be brought to grade three inches below the approved finished grade. Bituminous concrete shall be laid in two courses, 1 1/2 inches of binder course and 1 1/2 inches of top course, compacted measures.
(2) 
In areas of fill, the top course shall not be placed for 90 days unless waived by the Board or its designated agent.
B. 
Concrete sidewalk.
(1) 
Cement concrete shall meet the requirements specified as M4.02.00 (Air Entrained 4000 psi, 3/4 inch, 610) in the Massachusetts Standard Specifications for Highways and Bridges.
(2) 
In constructing all concrete sidewalks, the material shall be removed for the full width of the sidewalk to a subgrade of at least 12 inches below the approved finished grade. The foundation shall consist of at least eight inches of good binding gravel or crushed stone, thoroughly rolled and compacted to the satisfaction of the Board or its designated agent, and shall be brought to grade four inches below the approved finished grade.
(3) 
The concrete sidewalk shall be four inches in depth and shall have welded steel wire fabric conforming to AASHTO M55 located at mid-depth.
(4) 
The forms shall be well staked and thoroughly graded and set to the established lines.
(5) 
The concrete shall be placed in alternate slabs 30 feet in length except as otherwise approved. The slabs shall be separated by transverse preformed expansion joint filler 1/2 inch in thickness (M9.14.0).
(6) 
The surface of all concrete sidewalks shall be uniformly scored into block units of areas not more than 36 square feet. The depth of scoring shall be at least 1/4 of the thickness of the sidewalk.
(7) 
After troweling, the surface shall be brushed to produce a nonslip surface.
(8) 
When completed, the walks shall be kept moist and protected from traffic and weather for at least three days.
A. 
Preinstallation.
(1) 
The contractor shall furnish all materials and perform all work and services necessary for the complete construction of the storm drainage system, i.e., installation or construction of all storm drains, perimeter drains, catch basins, manholes, headwalls, hoods, etc., including all related work such as excavation, backfilling and compaction.
(2) 
All detention and/or retention basins shall be excavated, loamed and seeded prior to the closed drainage system installation. This will allow the drainage system to function throughout the various construction phases. The drainage lines shall be laid with bell ends upstream, beginning at the lower end of the drainage system.
B. 
The contractor shall perform his work in accordance with the plans approved by the Planning Board.
(1) 
Materials. The type of pipe allowable for storm drains shall be limited to reinforced concrete pipe (RCP) conforming to ASTM C-76, Specifications for Reinforced Concrete Culvert, Storm Drain and Sewer Pipe. The pipe shall be Class III unless approved by the Planning Board or its designated agent.
(2) 
Structures.
(a) 
Bricks shall conform to SSH&B Specification M4.05.2. Precast structures shall conform to SSH&B Specification M4.02.14.
(b) 
Concrete for headwalls, footings and other structures shall have a minimum compressive strength of 4,000 pounds per square inch at 28 days.
(c) 
Reinforcing steel shall conform to SSH&B Specification M8.01.0 for bar reinforcement and M8.01.2 for welded steel wire fabric.
(d) 
Mortar for masonry work and pipe joints shall consist of one part of portland cement to two parts sand by volume, with sufficient water to form a workable mixture. Cement, sand and water shall conform to SSH&B Specifications M4.01.0, M4.02.02B and M4.02.04 respectively. The mortar shall be used within 30 minutes from the time the ingredients are mixed with water. Water shall be clean and free from impurities.
(e) 
Frames, covers and gratings shall be of the types shown on the typical details. All castings shall be true to pattern in form and dimensions, free from faults, sponginess, cracks, blow holes and other defects affecting their strength.
(3) 
Excavation and backfilling.
(a) 
Excavation.
[1] 
The contractor shall excavate whatever material is encountered to the depths required by the drawings. In open cut excavation, the trench width at the top of the pipe shall be no wider than the outside diameter of the pipe, plus 1 1/2 feet, unless permission is granted by the Planning Board or its designated agent. The trench above the top of the pipe shall have sufficient slope so that the banks will not slide. Sheeting of trenches will be at the contractor's discretion and as required by applicable governmental laws and regulations; the contractor shall be responsible for this determination.
[2] 
Excavation for manholes, catch basins, headwalls and other structures shall be sufficient to leave at least 12 inches in the clear between their outer surfaces and the embankment of timber which may be used to hold and protect the banks. Any over-depth excavation below the footings of such structures shall be filled with concrete, or as directed by the Planning Board or its designated agent, and will be at the contractor's expense. Care must be taken not to damage water pipes, storm drains, sanitary sewers, gas mains, electric conduits or other structures encountered in the trenches excavated for the work. In case of damage to any lines or structures, the owner of the structures and the Board shall be notified immediately by the contractor so that the proper steps may be taken to repair, at the expense of the contractor, any and all damage done.
[3] 
Earthen material shall not be removed from the site until the Select Board has issued a certificate of exemption under the provisions of Chapter 134, Earth Removal, of the Code of the Town of Groton.
[Added 11-3-1994; amended 10-1-2018 ATM by Art. 14]
(b) 
Rock excavation.
[1] 
Any required rock blasting shall be done by licensed persons only and shall be carried out in strict accordance with the existing governmental ordinances and regulations. A blasting permit must be obtained from the local Fire Chief(s) having jurisdiction over the area. Any damage to the work or property of others caused by blasting operations shall be repaired at the expense of the contractor.
[2] 
Whenever the bottom of the trench is rock or boulders, it shall be excavated six inches below grade and refilled to grade with gravel compacted in place. The sides of the trench in rock shall be excavated to such width that no rock shall be closer to the pipe barrel or other structures than six inches when the pipe is laid in the trench with a normal alignment.
(c) 
Bedding. For drain lines, trenches shall be shaped to give the pipe a continuous and even bearing. Where the bottom of the trench has been taken out to a greater depth than above specified, it shall be refilled with gravel, properly compacted and shaped. The contractor shall undercut unsuitable material and replace it with suitable material.
(d) 
Backfilling.
[1] 
For drains, all materials for backfilling the trench shall be suitable and free from organic substances, large stones and frost. No stones weighing over 50 pounds shall be backfilled anywhere into the trench.
[2] 
Compaction shall be either by puddling or by mechanical means as approved by the Planning Board and its designated agent. If compaction by the puddling method is desired, the contractor shall obtain permission from the Water Department (Company) who will install a hydrant meter. Charges for water so used shall be made by the Water Department (Company.) Care must be taken to prevent excessive runoff or silt infiltration into pipes or below the discharge end. Any materials so deposited must be removed by the contractor at no cost to the Town. While puddling is underway and afterwards, until puddle areas have sufficiently hardened, the contractor must protect the trench and the public by suitable barriers, lights, etc.
(4) 
Installation.
(a) 
Pipe laying.
[1] 
All pipe, before being lowered into the trench, shall be clean and free from defects. The contractor shall remove, by pumping or other means, any water accumulated in the trench during the pipe-laying period and keep the trench dry until the joints are properly connected.
[2] 
The pipe shall be laid with bell ends upstream, beginning at the lower end of the drainage system. The pipe line shall be laid to the grades and alignment indicated on the approved plans.
(b) 
Joints; concrete pipe (bell and spigot or tongue and groove).
[1] 
The interior surface of the bell (groove) shall be carefully cleaned with a wet brush and a layer of soft mortar shall be applied to the lower half of the bell (groove). The spigot (tongue) of the second pipe shall then be cleaned carefully with a wet brush, covered with a layer of soft mortar to its upper half and inserted in the bell (groove) end of the first pipe. Sufficient mortar shall be used to completely fill the joint and to form a bead on the outside.
[2] 
The interior surface at the joint shall be finished smooth and the mortar bead on the outside shall be protected from the air and sun until the mortar is satisfactorily cured. For a tighter joint, the contractor shall use a jute string in each joint, unless specifically waived in writing by the Planning Board or its designated agent.
(c) 
The drainage system shall be cleaned and maintained by the contractor throughout construction and until the road has been accepted by the Town. Care shall be taken to prevent silt and debris from accumulating.
A. 
Water construction shall conform to the Town of Groton Water Department or the West Groton Water District specifications.
B. 
Sewer construction shall conform to the Town of Groton, Regulations of Sewer Design, Construction and Use, dated November 8, 1989, as amended.[1]
[1]
Editor's Note: The Regulations of Sewer Design, Construction and Use is on file in the offices of the Wastewater Committee.
C. 
Utility construction. The contractor shall adhere to the procedures and standards of the appropriate utility companies/departments.